Coil herniation

Last revised by Owen Kang on 27 Jul 2022

A coil herniation refers to the part of a detachable coil prolapsing out of the aneurysm and into the parent artery. It is an uncommon complication and is typically seen at the end of the embolization procedure. Contributing factors include 1:

  • wide aneurysm neck
  • instability of the coil in the aneurysm sac
  • excessive embolization
  • microcatheter removal
  • the coil being pushed out by subsequent coil embolization

The herniated coil loops can result in compromise to flow in the vessel or distal thromboembolic complications. 

Treatment and prognosis

If herniation is identified during the procedure, careful retrieval of the coil may be possible. Alternatively, balloon remodeling or stent placement may be performed.

It may be necessary to keep the patient on long term anti-platelet medication to prevent platelet aggregation and distal embolism.

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