Advancing flow diverter porosity assessment: what can it tell us about occlusion rates?

Abstract

Flow diverters (FDs) have become an essential tool in neurointerventional practice, offering an effective treatment option for complex intracranial aneurysms that are not easily addressed with traditional techniques. Their role as a cornerstone in the field is supported by extensive clinical adoption and favorable outcomes, both short-term and long term. For instance, systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate their safety and efficacy in achieving aneurysm occlusion with minimal serious side effects, even over extended follow up periods [1–3]. These devices have drastically changed the management of intracranial aneurysms by providing a minimally invasive alternative that influences positive vascular remodeling while reducing the risks associated with ruptures or retreatments. Their integration into neurointerventional practice reflects a growing reliance on their ability to improve outcomes in challenging cases. Flow diverters have become the preferred treatment for challenging cases, including fusiform aneurysms, dysplastic vascular anomalies, non-occluded retreated aneurysms, and blister-like aneurysms.