Cerebral aneurysms are difficult to treat by neck clipping if their size is too small, or if they are fusiform or have branches from their dome. What therapeutic methods should we select for such cases? If wrapping or coating is to be done, what material should be selected? In recent years, complications such as granuloma or optochiasmal arachnoiditis following wrapping with gauze have been reported by several investigators. We encountered a case in which a small anterior cerebral artery aneurysm and an infundibular dilatation later enlarged and hemorrhaged when they were left untreated. Recognizing the necessity of treatment of these types of small aneurysms, we have been developing and assessing new wrapping and coating materials.
Of the 620 patients who underwent a direct operation on cerebral aneurysms, 10.8% received wrapping or coating independently or after clipping. The reason for the use of wrapping or coating was the presence of a broad neck in 56.7% and small aneurysms in 22.4%.
Histologically, the tissue wrapped with gauze showed infiltration of inflammatory cells, accompanied by fragile granulation. Bemsheets were found to form a firm reinforcing wall as a result of a fibrous tissue reaction with little cell infiltration. Thus, Bemsheets appear to be an excellent wrapping material.
Conventional coating materials such as cyanoacrylate adhesives have been reported to involve problems such as vasotoxicity, late thrombosis, neurotoxicity and deterioration in vivo. We have developed an ethyl acetate solution of ethyl cellulose as a new coating material, and named it“liquid cellulose.”It has a pH of 7-8, a membrane-forming time of 60 seconds, and distensibility of 2-24%.
These physical properties make this material easy to manipulate. It is also very tough (490kg/cm
2) and flexible and has a viscosity of 1000-2000 cp, which varies depending on the cellulose consentration and the degree of polymerization.
Scanning electron microscopy of this“liquid cellulose”revealed a multiple laminar structure, suggesting formation of flexible and strong walls.
The development and assessment of new wrapping and coating materials for the treatment ofsmall cerebral aneurysms is very important. Bemsheets and“liquid cellulose”seem to be excellent wrapping and coating materials.
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