Coil embolization for intracranial aneurysm by direct puncture of the carotid artery in elderly patients.

SUMMARY: Seven aneurysms in elderly patients (average 78 year-old) were treated by intra-aneurysmal coil embolization. The 19 gage elastic needle or 4.0Fr. sheath introducer was placed into the carotid artery, and 3.0Fr. microcatheter was advanced into the aneurysm. An operative difficulty to approach to the aneurysm due to arteriosclerosis was ameliorated by this method. Mobility related to this procedure was a local hematoma at the puncture site in one case.