Stent-assisted Coiling vs. Flow Diverter for Treating Blood Blister-like Aneurysms: A Proportion Meta-analysis

Purpose Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) are rare vascular lesions and a therapeutic challenge. Although endovascular treatment of BBA is a promising approach, the optimal treatment remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coiling (SAC) and flow diverter (FD) in the management of BBAs. Methods A proportion meta-analysis including a published series of BBAs treated with endovascular approaches from 2009 to 2020 including SAC and FD was performed by searching English language studies via MEDLINE and EMBASE. Results The 32 studies included 16 based on SAC and 16 involving FD. The long-term complete occlusion rate was higher in FD (89.26%, 95% confidence interval, CI 82.93–94.26%, I 2 = 14.42%) than in SAC (70.26%, 95% CI 56.79–82.13%, I 2 = 70.60%). The rate of aneurysm recanalization was lower in FD (4.54%, 95% CI 1.72–8.16%, I 2 = 0%) than in SAC (25.38%, 95% CI 14.44–38.19%, I 2 = 67.31%). Rates of mortality, favorable functional outcome, procedural complications, and rebleeding showed no differences between the two procedures. Conclusion In a proportion meta-analysis comparing FD with SAC, the FD was associated with more favorable angiographic outcomes but similar complications and clinical outcomes.