Catheter exchange technique for the Wingspan stent: technical note

Area of Science:

• Interventional Neurology
• Neurovascular Interventions
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

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

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a modified technique for delivering the Wingspan stent in a challenging case of intracranial stenosis.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of an alternative stent delivery method when standard procedures are inadequate.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, single-patient technical report.
• The technique involved balloon angioplasty followed by microcatheter placement across the stenosis.
• The Wingspan stent was transferred to a microcatheter and advanced using a stabilizer for deployment.

Main Results:

• Standard Wingspan stent delivery was not feasible due to poor guide catheter purchase.
• A modified technique using a microcatheter and stabilizer enabled successful stent delivery.
• The procedure resulted in uncomplicated, precise placement of the Wingspan stent with a good clinical outcome.

Conclusions:

• The described Wingspan stent transfer technique is a viable option for managing intracranial stenosis.
• This modification offers a solution for cases where standard delivery is compromised.
• Successful application of this technique can improve treatment outcomes for patients with intracranial vascular disease.