MRI Visibility and MR–DSA Concordance of the Nuvascular Harbor Intrasaccular Occlusion Device: A Preclinical Study

Background/Objectives: This GLP (Good laboratory practice) study evaluates the MRI compatibility and occlusion performance of the Nuvascular Harbor intrasaccular device for the treatment of bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms in a rabbit aneurysm model. Methods: A total of 27 New Zealand White rabbits with 33 surgically created aneurysms (22 bifurcation, 11 side wall) were included and allocated to 90-day (n = 12) or 180-day (n = 15) follow-up. After exclusion of one aneurysm due to parent vessel occlusion and one aneurysm unsuitable for treatment, 31 treated aneurysms remained for analysis. All animals underwent DSA and 3T MRI, including TOF-MRA, FLAIR, DWI, and SWI sequences. Occlusion status was independently graded using the Raymond–Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC), and intermodality agreement was assessed. Results: MR-based occlusion assessment demonstrated strong agreement with DSA, with exact Raymond–Roy class concordance in 80.6% of cases and clinically relevant agreement (adequate vs. incomplete occlusion) in 96.8%. Agreement analysis showed substantial concordance (Cohen’s κ = 0.65) and a strong positive correlation (r = 0.79). Adequate occlusion rates were comparable between modalities (87.1% on MRA vs. 83.9% on DSA), supporting the reliability of MR imaging for non-invasive occlusion assessment, reflecting consistent device visibility on MR imaging. Conclusions: The Harbor device provides a promising solution for follow up aneurysm occlusion with increased MR visibility, enabling safer, contrast- and radiation-free follow-up. This study emphasizes the need for future endovascular devices to integrate imaging compatibility into their design to enhance long-term patient follow up.