Transforming the treatment landscape of intracranial aneurysms with the WEB™ device

Intracranial aneurysms remain a life-threatening condition, often lurking silently until they rupture, leading to devastating consequences for patients. For decades, the standard of care has been dominated by endovascular techniques such as coiling and stenting, procedures that have undoubtedly saved countless lives. However, as our understanding of complex aneurysms grows, particularly those located at arterial bifurcations and with wide necks, so does the demand for more advanced and adaptable tools. This is where the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device entered the conversation, offering a revolutionary approach to aneurysm management.

The WEB device (Terumo Neuro MicroVention), with its self-expanding, first-ever intrasaccular design, represents a major paradigm shift in treating intracranial aneurysms. Its unique woven structure allows it to fill the aneurysm sac and disrupt blood flow, promoting thrombosis and ultimately sealing the aneurysm off from circulation.

Figure 1. First WEB treatment performed in the Profs. Spelle & Moret department in 2012

In 2012, I got the chance to be early exposed to this disruptive technology (figure 1). It came with excitement but also a lot of questions. A decade later, we share our journey with the WEB in this special report and we are very confident in saying that it has deeply impacted the way we treat our patients.

Throughout multiple technical improvements, the WEB has always been evaluated in quality prospective clinical trials. Data from pivotal studies like WEB-IT¹ have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this novel device. For many patients with complex, wide-necked aneurysms, the WEB device offers a new level of confidence that their condition can be managed with fewer risks, all the studies carried out having shown that the system is safe and effective.

But the significance of this innovation extends beyond clinical outcomes. The introduction of the WEB device has profound implications for the evolution of endovascular neurosurgery itself. As practitioners become more familiar with its deployment, and as ongoing studies further validate its use, it is clear that the WEB device is helping to redefine the treatment landscape. Prof. Pascal Jabbour shares here the decline of aneurysmal clipping in his department since the introduction of the WEB device.

Of course, no medical device is without its challenges. Nevertheless, the trajectory is clear: the WEB device is opening new doors for patients and practitioners alike, also inspiring the recent development of other intrasaccular devices. As we look to the future, it will be critical to monitor ongoing developments and ensure that this promising technology continues to evolve to meet the needs of the most challenging cases.

In the broader context of neurointerventional surgery, the WEB device is a symbol of the progress we are witnessing in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. It underscores the importance of innovation in medical technology and reminds us that with each new tool, we are bringing patients closer to safer, more effective treatment options. The Woven EndoBridge is not just a device—it is a bridge to safer outcomes and brighter futures for those living with the threat of an intracranial aneurysm.

Important safety information and product indications

^{1 Arthur AS, Molyneux A, Coon AL, et al. The safety and effectiveness of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) system for the treatment of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms: final 12-month results of the pivotal WEB Intrasaccular Therapy (WEB-IT) Study. J Neurointerv Surg. 2019;11(9):924-930.}

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