Palmaz stent compression in patients following carotid artery stenting

Carotid artery stenting is being investigated as a therapeutic strategy for the management of bifurcation stenosis. Palmaz stents were deployed successfully in the carotid arteries of 112 patients using high-pressure balloon inflations. In 11 out of 70 patients who came for 6-mo follow-up angiography, a stent collapse was noted. Carotid ultrasound was able to detect stent collapse in only two patients at follow-up. Only one patient who had collapse of stent along its entire length was symptomatic at follow-up. Repeat balloon angioplasty was performed in 5 patients, 3 of whom had a Wallstents deployed within the Palmaz stent.

Stent collapse was observed in a significant number of Palmaz stents within 6 mo of placement in the carotid arteries. These observations should influence the choice of stents for the treatment of extracranial carotid disease.