Catheter exchange technique for the Wingspan stent: technical note

Area of Science:

• Interventional Neurology
• Vascular Neurology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• The Wingspan stent is the sole FDA-approved implant for intracranial stenosis.
• Standard Wingspan stent delivery protocols may face challenges in certain anatomies.
• Modifications to the standard procedure have not been previously documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a modified technique for delivering the Wingspan stent.
• To describe a successful stent delivery in a case of inaccessible intracranial stenosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a single patient technical report.
• Utilized a microcatheter (Renegade Hi-Flo) and a stabilizer (Neuroform) for stent delivery.
• Modified the standard Wingspan stent delivery protocol due to poor guide catheter purchase.

Main Results:

• Successful delivery of the Wingspan stent across a symptomatic intracranial vertebral artery stenosis.
• Achieved precise and uncomplicated stent placement.
• Demonstrated a good clinical outcome post-procedure.

Conclusions:

• The described Wingspan stent transfer technique is effective for managing intracranial stenosis.
• This modification provides a solution for challenging stent delivery scenarios.
• Highlights the adaptability of endovascular techniques for cerebrovascular disease.