Stenting of the Extracranial Carotid Artery in a High-Risk Population

Abstract

The results of nine patients with carotid stenosis in a high-risk surgical population that were treated by stent supported angioplasty are reported. There were eight males and one female between the ages of 53 to 74. A balloon expandable stent was deployed by a transfemoral approach. Technical success was achieved in all cases. There were no periprocedural complications. The mean % stenosis decreased from 84% to 5.2% after stenting. No arterial dissection was recorded and smooth contour of the vessel was demonstrated in all patients. We have observed long term patency for over 6 months in seven patients. Mean angiographic stenosis was 20% and 21% at 3 and 6 months, respectively (range, 5 to 32%). No further stenosis was recorded. Carotid stenting is an alternative strategy to carotid endoarterectomy (CEA) for high-risk patients, for whom the complications of CEA may exceed the potential benefits.