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Updated: May 9, 2026
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Revascularization of vertebrobasilar artery occlusion at the chronic stage
Xun-Can Liu1, Chen Chen, Ming-Chao Shi
1Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Insights
This study details successful intracranial angioplasty and Solitaire stent placement for a vertebrobasilar artery occlusion, significantly improving patient symptoms and showing no restenosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Interventional Neuroradiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) presents a significant risk for stroke.
- Endovascular treatment is an evolving option for managing complex arterial occlusions.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a VBAO affecting both vertebral arteries and the proximal basilar artery.
- Symptoms occurred two months prior to the intervention.
Findings:
- Intracranial angioplasty and Solitaire stent placement were performed for recanalization.
- Post-procedure angiography demonstrated near-normal patency of the left vertebrobasilar artery.
- Clinical symptoms showed significant improvement, with no in-stent restenosis detected at 3-month follow-up.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential efficacy of endovascular techniques for late-presenting VBAO.
- Solitaire stent placement offers a viable option for restoring blood flow in complex vertebrobasilar occlusive disease.
- Long-term patency and clinical benefit warrant further investigation in similar cases.
Abstract:
We describe a patient who underwent intracranial angioplasty and Solitaire stent placement for recanalization of a vertebrobasilar artery occlusion 2 months after symptom onset. Computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography showed that both vertebral arteries and the proximal basilar artery were occluded. Balloon angioplasty was performed on a segment of the occluded left vertebral artery and basilar artery, followed by successful detachment of one Solitaire stent. Repeat angiography showed near normal patency of the left vertebrobasilar artery. The patient`s symptoms improved significantly, and postoperative transcranial Doppler sonography 3 months later showed no evidence of in-stent restenosis.
