Endovascular treatment of experimental aneurysms with use of fibroblast transfected with replication-deficient adenovirus containing bone morphogenetic protein-13 gene

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Modified coils have failed to improve long-term recanalization of aneurysms. This study examined whether ex vivo transduction of replication-deficient adenovirus containing the bone morphogenetic protein-13 gene (Ad-BMP-13) in fibroblast allografts would improve angiographic results via increased collagen synthesis, compared with fibroblast-coated platinum coils (FBC) and bare platinum coils (PA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aneurysms were embolized with Ad-BMP-13-coated coils (n = 20). Rabbits were sacrificed at 14 days and at 1, 3, and 6 months after implantation. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) evaluated stability after embolization. Histologic specimens were examined with a qualitative grading system. Masson trichrome evaluated collagen deposition. Findings were compared with previously reported controls for PA and FBC in the same model and time points. RESULTS: The grading system showed a greater total score (P = .0002) in Ad-BMP-13 (6.8 ± 1.6) and FBC (6.3 ± 2.4) compared with PA (4.7 ± 2.4). A group main effects test showed that aneurysm neck tissue coverage in Ad-BMP-13 (2.5 ± 1.1) was higher (P = .0007) than both FBC (1.6 ± 1.4) and PA (0.9 ± 1.1). Ad-BMP-13 had more (P < .0001) collagen deposition than the FBC and PA. One- and 3-month Ad-BMP-13 collagen depositions increased (P < .05) over the FBC and PA. Finally, Ad-BMP-13 showed radiographic stability in 15 (75%) cases, coil compaction in 4 (20%) cases, and progressive occlusion in 1 (5%) case. There were no differences in angiographic results (P = .6522). CONCLUSION: The Ad-BMP-13-coated coils can improve neck coverage and dome fibrosis in the rabbit model, even in the absence of observed differences in angiographic outcome.