Drug-eluting stent for the treatment of symptomatic vertebral origin stenosis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate mid - long outcomes of drug - eluting stent (DES) for vertebral artery origin stenosis. Methods The demographics, indications for treatment, procedural technique, and clinical and radiographic follow - up were analyzed retrospectively in 47 consecutive patients treated with drug -eluting stents. Results 47 patients with 49 lesions were successfully treated with stent. No peri -procedural complications occurred. The mean degree of stenosis reduced from 72% to 9%. Symptoms were resolved in 11 cases, improved in 30 cases, unchanged in 6 cases. During follow - up for 2 - 48 months (mean 28. 3 months), tow cases had posterior circulation transient ischemic attack (TIA). Angiographic fowllow -up of 3 -34 months was obtained in 28 patients (59%) with a mean of 12. 2 months. Restenosis inside the stent (IRS) was observed in 2 patients and one present with drop attack. Stent fracture occurred in 4 patients, in which 2 cases with IRS. Conclusions VA origin stenosis can be treated safely and effectively with DES. Compared with the bare stent, DES can significantly reduces the rates of restenosis. Key words: Vertebral artery stenosis; Vertebrobasilar insufficiency; Posterior circulation ischemia; Angioplasty ; Stents