Initial and long-term results and peri-procedural complication in 35 extracranial stentings

We undertook stent-supported angioplasty for 35 lesions of extracranial stenosis in 31 patients from May 1996 to October 1998. We succeeded in the stenting at the predetermined sites of all lesions and excellent initial results were obtained. The mean % stenosis decreased from 81% to 7.1% after stenting. Four patients had neurological complications related to the procedure. There were two transient ischemic attacks (one in carotid and one in vertebral stenting), and permanent deficits occurred in two patients treated for carotid stenosis. In carotid stenting, we observed long-term patency for over six months in all 17 patients (18 lesions). Mean angiographic, asymptomatic restenosis was 20% and 21% at three and six months, respectively (range, 4 to 38%). No further stenosis was observed thereafter. Deformity of the stents were not noted in any patient. In vertebral stenting, four out of nine cases revealed significant restenosis between three and six months later, while these were dilated by repeated PTA. On strict definition of indication or application of a cerebral protection, stent-supported angioplasty is an effective method for the treatment of extracranial stenotic lesions.