Hybrid Surgery for Internal Carotid Artery Revascularization

The management of chronic complete internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion (COICA) has been challenging. Endovascular procedures have been performed with variable success and risks, depending on the type of occlusion and distal revascularization. We present a novel hybrid procedure to recanalize the ICA when previous endovascular interventions have failed or been deemed too risky.

Two patients presented with symptomatic COICA after maximal medical management. They were deemed at high risk of endovascular intervention and/or previous endovascular attempts had failed. Thus, they had indications for a hybrid procedure.

A hybrid technique was used to create a stump by surgical endarterectomy, followed by recanalization using an endovascular approach via femoral access. We have described the technique in detail. Postoperative computed tomography perfusion scanning showed normalization of the mean transient time, cerebral blood volume, and cerebral blood flow compared with the preoperative findings. Cerebral angiography showed successful recanalization of the ICA. Neither patient experienced any complications.

A hybrid technique is feasible and should be considered for patients with COICA in whom maximal medical management has failed and who have a high-risk profile for endovascular intervention or in whom previous endovascular attempts have failed.