Carotid Stenting for Chronic Total Occlusion of the Internal Carotid Artery

Abstract

In 1954, Eastcott et al1 opened the era of the surgical treatment of carotid atherosclerosis. In the ensuing 54 years, much has been learned about the benefits of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for the treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Recently, carotid artery stenting has gained acceptance as a reasonable alternative to CEA for patients who are deemed at high risk for complications from surgery.2 Despite all of the advancements in the techniques of carotid artery revascularization, little progress has been made in the treatment of chronic total occlusion. Article see p 119 Through extensive personal experience, the early leaders of vascular surgery defined the parameters for carotid surgery. In 1965, De Bakey3 first highlighted the challenges associated with the treatment of internal carotid artery occlusion when he pointed out that “because of intracranial extension of the thrombotic process and its organization, the incidence of restoration of circulation for complete occlusion at (the internal carotid artery) declined sharply after 24 hours.” In 1970, Thompson et al4 published a landmark series of 592 patients undergoing CEA that included 118 totally occluded internal carotid arteries. In this subgroup, flow was restored in only 41%, with …