Application of microsurgical surgery in patients with proximal vertebral artery stenosis unsuited for endovascular treatment: a single-center retrospective study

Abstract

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of microsurgical surgery in patients with proximal vertebral artery stenosis unsuitable for endovascular treatment. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 34 patients with proximal vertebral artery stenosis who underwent microsurgical surgery at the Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, from March 2020 to April 2023. Preoperative imaging confirmation of proximal vertebral artery stenosis or occlusion was obtained using cervical CT angiography (CTA), CT perfusion imaging (CTP), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Postoperative imaging examinations were utilized to evaluate blood flow patency, and clinical symptoms and complications during hospitalization and follow-up were documented. Postoperative imaging examinations in the 34 patients (Males: 79.4%; Mean age: 66.7 ± 9.6 years) revealed patent vertebral and supplying arteries. No new instances of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or other cerebrovascular events were observed during hospitalization, and clinical symptoms were improved. The mean follow-up duration was 10 months (range: 6–39 months). One patient died from septic shock due to abdominal infection, and one patient exhibited moderate ipsilateral vertebral artery stenosis on a follow-up CTA at 6 months postoperatively. The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores decreased for 30 patients after surgery compared to preoperative scores, with all postoperative mRS scores being less than 1. The difference between preoperative and postoperative mRS scores was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Six patients experienced temporary postoperative complications, which resolved after active treatment, and one patient developed permanent Horner’s syndrome without affecting the quality of life. Microsurgical surgery for patients with proximal vertebral artery stenosis, when endovascular treatment is unsuitable, demonstrates good clinical efficacy and a low incidence of complications, offering a viable surgical treatment option. Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes will be instrumental in validating its clinical application value.