Prevalence of carotid stent fractures in a single-center experience

To assess the prevalence of carotid stent fractures and quantify any associated restenosis or clinical events in a single-center experience.

Seventy-eight consecutive patients were recorded in a prospective database between 2003 and 2007. Nearly two thirds (51, 65%) were available for follow-up, which included magnified multiplanar radiography and selective duplex ultrasonographic studies to evaluate fracture and restenosis in 53 self-expanding stents (49 open-cell and 4 closed-cell designs). The images were assessed independently by 2 vascular radiologists blinded to the patients' clinical data.

There was 1 (1.9%) stent fracture with no associated adverse events or restenosis. Six (11%) stents had an irregular "fish-scale" appearance that was easily confused for fracture and seen only in the open-cell stents.

Stent fractures do occur in the carotid artery; however, they are rare and, in our experience, have no clinical sequelae. Radiological assessment should be incorporated into clinical and ultrasound surveillance protocols.