Hydrogel-coated and platinum coils for intracranial aneurysm embolization compared in three experimental models using computerized angiographic and histologic morphometry

Angiographic and histologic results of hydrogel-coated (HydroCoil(R)) and platinum coil-treated canine sidewall, canine bifurcation, and rabbit elastase aneurysms (2-52 weeks follow-ups) were quantified by computer-assisted morphometry. Angiograms were analyzed using density determination to differentiate embolic mass and contrast medium filling. Aneurysm total and occluded areas, embolic material and red thrombus areas were determined from images of surface stained, plastic embedded ground sections. Long-term stable occlusion was observed in all three models with the use of hydrogel-coated coils. However, platinum coils were as effective only in the canine sidewall model. With the use of hydrogel-coated coils, a two-fold increase in the volumetric filling of the aneurysm sac resulted in improved outcomes.