Endovascular coil embolization provides a clear advantage over surgical repair for patients suffering from ruptured brain aneurysms, according to initial results from the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT). Interim results from the multicenter trial were so conclusive that further recruitment for the trial was halted.

The ISAT researchers randomly assigned 1070 patients to the neurosurgical clipping treatment and 1073 patients to the endovascular treatment using detachable platinum coils.

After follow-up of clinical outcomes at two months and one year, the ISAT team found that the endovascular technique reduced the relative risk of severe and permanent disability or death by 22.6%.

Results of the randomized multicenter trial were published in the Oct. 26 issue of The Lancet.