Innovative use of a stent retriever for temporary revascularization in acute internal carotid artery dissection

Internal carotid artery dissection is rare but can be a cause of stroke in young people. In a case of revascularization for stroke associated with internal carotid artery dissection, we initially used a stent retriever for thrombectomy. Since an appropriately-sized stent for permanent treatment was not available, we innovatively maintained temporary revascularization with the stent retriever for 90 minutes. Here we demonstrate the adaptability of the stent retriever for emergency care. A 49-year-old man suddenly developed severe right hemiplegia and aphasia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed occlusion of a left internal carotid artery with moderate ischemic changes in the left hemisphere cortex. Angiography showed dissection of the left internal carotid artery at the cervical level and secondary thrombus formation extending into the left middle cerebral artery. We initially attempted thrombectomy with a stent retriever and achieved successful reperfusion in the middle cerebral artery. An appropriately-sized stent was not available in the hospital at that time. During the 90-minute wait, the stent retriever was kept in place and temporary angioplasty was performed in the internal carotid artery dissection to maintain blood flow. Eventually, the stent was delivered and permanent revascularization was achieved. While there is no standard treatment for arterial dissection, endovascular strategies like stenting have been demonstrated to be beneficial. The innovative use of stent retrievers for temporary angioplasty of dissected lesions underscores their efficacy in swift deployment and maintenance of uninterrupted blood flow, particularly during emergency thrombectomy.