Crossover balloon technique for vertebral artery thrombus: a novel method.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and acute stroke pose significant clinical challenges.
• Vertebral artery (VA) thrombosis is a critical cause of posterior circulation ischemic events.
• Optimal management for complex VA thrombus with associated stenosis remains debated.

Observation:

• A 54-year-old male presented with recurrent TIAs and acute stroke.
• The underlying cause was identified as a floating thrombus in the right vertebral artery with significant narrowing.
• Despite optimal medical management including anticoagulation, antiplatelets, and statins, the patient developed multiple new infarcts.

Findings:

• The patient was referred for endovascular intervention due to treatment failure.
• A novel endovascular approach was successfully employed to address the right VA thrombus and stenosis.
• The intervention aimed to resolve the embolic source and restore adequate blood flow.

Implications:

• Successful endovascular treatment may offer a viable alternative for patients with complex VA thrombus and recurrent strokes.
• This case highlights the potential of innovative endovascular techniques in managing challenging cerebrovascular conditions.
• Further research into novel endovascular strategies is warranted for optimizing outcomes in VA-related ischemic stroke.