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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
A Murine Model of Stent Implantation in the Carotid Artery for the Study of Restenosis
Published on: May 14, 2013
Clinical results of stenting for cervical internal carotid stenoses
M Tsuura1, T Terada, H Matsumoto
1Department of Neurological Surgery Wakayama Medical University; Wakayama City, Wakayama, Japan.
Insights
This study shows that blocking balloon catheter systems (BBCS) significantly reduce distal embolism during carotid artery stenting. Using BBCS during both predilatation and postdilatation offers the best protection against stroke complications.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Neuroradiology
- Cerebrovascular Disease Management
Background:
- Cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis poses a significant stroke risk.
- Cerebral angioplasty and stenting are common treatments for ICA stenosis.
- Distal embolism is a major complication of carotid stenting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel blocking balloon catheter system (BBCS) in preventing distal embolism during carotid artery stenting.
- To compare the incidence of distal embolism and related MRI findings with and without BBCS use.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 89 patients undergoing carotid artery stenting.
- Comparison of outcomes in 74 patients treated with BBCS versus 15 patients treated without BBCS.
- Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) used to assess for new ischemic lesions.
Main Results:
- Distal embolism occurred in 3% of cases with BBCS versus 27% without BBCS.
- Use of BBCS during postdilatation reduced distal embolism.
- Using BBCS during both predilatation and postdilatation further decreased DWI hyperintensities (25% vs. 47% with postdilatation only).
Conclusions:
- The blocking balloon catheter system is effective in reducing distal embolism during carotid stenting.
- Optimal protection against distal embolism is achieved by using BBCS during both predilatation and postdilatation.
- This device enhances the safety of carotid stenting procedures.
Summary:
Total 89 patients with cervical ICA stenosis were treated by stenting. In 74 cases of stenting, we used our blocking balloon systems to prevent distal embolism. The morbidity and the mortality rate was 4.5% and 0%, respectively.Two(3%) of 74 cases showed distal embolism when blocking balloon catheter systems(BBCS) were used, while distal embolism occurred in four (27%) of 15 cases of stenting without BBCS. On diffusion- weighted MRI (DWI), hyperintense areas were detected in seven (47%) of 15 lesions when we used BBCS only during postdilatation. On the other hand, use of BBCS during predilatation as well as postdilatation reduced hyperintense areas on DWI, which were detected in three (25%) of 12 patients. Our blocking balloon catheter system is a useful device to reduce the risk of distal embolism, especially when we use it during not only postdilatation but predilatation.
