Single versus kissing stenting for unilateral common iliac artery ostial lesions: A comparative study

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of unilateral common iliac artery (CIA) stenting versus kissing stents, in the treatment of unilateral CIA ostial lesions. A retrospective study included 80 patients with unilateral ostial occlusive disease of the CIA. Included patients comprised 40 patients who received kissing stents (group A) and 40 patients who received unilateral CIA stent (group B). They were selected on the basis of a propensity score matching analysis. All participants were hospitalized and underwent comprehensive clinical assessments. These assessments included a review of medical history, identification of risk factors, physical examinations, diagnostic workup (including duplex ultrasound and computed tomography angiography), and extensive laboratory investigations focusing on renal function and coagulation profiles. Pre-intervention angiography was performed. Clinical outcomes, technical success, and complications were evaluated over a 12-month follow-up period. The technical success rate was 100% in both Group A and Group B. At the 12-month follow-up, Group A demonstrated a primary patency rate of 95%, with most patients maintaining patent stents and adequate blood flow. However, 5% experienced claudication at 100 meters and were treated with a balloon-expandable stent. In Group B, 85% maintained patent stents with good inflow, while 5% developed claudication at 100 meters and required treatment with a balloon-expandable stent. No significant differences were found between groups regarding postoperative ankle-brachial index, claudication at 100m and mortality. Unilateral CIA stenting showed similar clinical outcomes, technical success, and complication rates when compared to kissing stents. The latter method was associated with some additional benefits such as reduced number of used stents and a lower requirement for vascular access.