Efficacy of Willis covered stent of intracranial pseudoaneurysms in the internal carotid artery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel coated stent in the treatment of intracranial pseudoaneurysm. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed databases were searched for literature published between 1990 and April 2022 according to PRISMA guidelines. All studies with ≥10 patients reporting successful implantation of Willis covered stent, therapeutic effect, complications, and postoperative follow-up were included. The combined incidence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were assessed using a generalized linear mixed method and random effects model. Results: Five studies (116 patients with pseudoaneurysms) were included. The experimental groups in the selected studies showed a combined technical success rate of 81.03% (OR=18.31, 95% CI=9.39-35.69, I2=79%, P<0.001). Clinical follow-up showed that the complete cure rate was as high as 94.4% after the follow-up (OR=106.81, 95% CI=39.08-291.88, I2=0%, P=0.71). Conclusions: Willis covered stent is feasible, safe, and effective in the treatment of intracranial pseudoaneurysm.

Keywords

• intracranial pseudoaneurysms; willis covered stent; systematic review; meta-analysis; internal carotid artery; endoleak; neurosurgery