Carotid arterial stent placement: results and follow-up in 53 patients.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the results, complications, and follow-up data after stent placement for occlusive internal carotid arterial disease and to compare the results with those in the literature.


METHODS
Carotid arterial stent placement was attempted in 57 arteries in 53 patients. Thirty-six (68%) of 53 patients were symptomatic. Forty-two (79%) of 53 patients had one to three clinically important comorbidities and were considered at high risk. All patients underwent pre- and postprocedural independent neurologic examinations. Follow-up consisted of serial duplex ultrasonography and clinical assessment.


RESULTS
The immediate technical success rate of stent deployment was 97%. Periprocedurally, three (three [5%] of 57 interventions) transient ischemic attacks and three (three [5%] of 57 interventions) minor strokes occurred. Two deaths occurred in the first 30 days (one myocardial infarction, one renal failure). One ipsilateral major stroke occurred 3 weeks after the procedure. The 30-day ipsilateral major stroke and death rate was 5% (three of 57 interventions). At 30 days, one of three patients with minor stroke had mild residual dysphasia. Treatment remained clinically successful in 48 (96%) of 50 patients. The restenosis rate was 4% (two patients).


CONCLUSIONS
Carotid arterial stent placement in a high-risk population has morbidity and mortality rates comparable to those of carotid endarterectomy in a lower risk population. Carotid arterial stent placement can be performed with a low restenosis rate.
Kirsch
E C
EC
Interventional Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia. ekirsch@uhbs.ch
Khangure
M S
MS
van Schie
G P
GP
Lawrence-Brown
M M
MM
Stewart-Wynne
E G
EG
McAuliffe
W
W
D000368:Aged; D002339:Carotid Arteries; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D015607:Stents; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography