Carotid Artery Angioplasty Research Articles

Changes in retinal vascular density measured by optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with carotid artery stenosis after carotid artery stenting and angioplasty.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of carotid artery stenting and angioplasty (CASA) on retinal vascular density (VD) in patients with severe carotid stenosis with a healthy control group and to evaluate using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). For this prospective study, eyes on the operated side constituted the ipsilateral eye group, and the other eye constituted the contralateral eye group. 40 eyes of 40 patients with ipsilateral eye of carotisid artery stenosis (CAS), 34 eyes on contralateral side, and 30 healthy eyes (control group) were included in this study. We performed quantitative OCTA analyses of retinal VD changes, before and after CASA. The main outcome measures were the quantitative changes of VD of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). We evaluated the VD of ipsilateral eyes and contralateral eyes separately before and after the procedure. All patients did not have visual symptoms. There was no significant difference in the VD of SCP in all groups before the procedure. No significant change was observed in all groups when the VD of the SCP was compared before and after the procedure. The VD of the DCP in the ipsilateral and contralateral group improved significantly after CASA. OCTA could noninvasively detect retinal VD improvements after CASA in CAS patients. Quantitative changes in VD evaluated using OCTA are thought to be early indicators in the diagnosis of CAS and in the follow-up of treatment success.

A technical guide to robotic-assisted carotid angioplasty and stenting with the Corindus CorPath GRX system.

Robotic-assisted carotid artery angioplasty and stenting is becoming more popular due to its precision and radiation safety. In this video, we present a case using the CorPath GRX Robotic System (Corindus, a Seimens Healthineers Company, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA) with step-by-step procedure process and technical nuances (video 1). We demonstrate that cervical carotid angioplasty and stenting can be safely performed using the robotic system with efficiency and accuracy.

Amaurosis Fugax Due to Radiation-induced Carotid Stenosis Treated by Carotid Artery Stenting

59-year-old male had four episodes of transient, painless vision loss in right eye in the last 20 days which had resolved spontaneously. Three years ago, patient had been diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which had been treated with six cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. MRI brain angiogram showed diffuse long segment wall thickening of Right Internal Carotid Artery with luminal narrowing with no acute infarct or haemorrhage; which was later confirmed by four vessel DSA. He was treated with Right Carotid Artery angioplasty with a cutting balloon while using a distal protection device, followed up by stenting. The patient recovered well on follow-up and there were no further episodes. Thus, amaurosis fugax may be a presentation of carotid artery stenosis, especially after radiotherapy and such patients can be treated by carotid angioplasty and stenting.

Risk factors of in-stent restenosis after carotid angioplasty and stenting: long-term follow-up study.

After carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS), it is unclear which risk factors are related to long-term outcomes, including in-stent restenosis (ISR). This study aimed to assess the factors associated with restenosis after CAS with a median follow-up of 35.7 months. Patients who underwent CAS from January 2013 to December 2018 were included if they had symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The carotid Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) was followed up after the procedure. We defined at least 50% restenosis using the criteria that the internal carotid artery (ICA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) was greater than 224 cm/s or the ICA to common carotid artery PSV ratio was higher than 3.4. The risk factors for ISR were also assessed. Of the 189 patients, 122 had symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, and 67 had asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Patients were evaluated by CDU for a median of 35.7 months (interquartile range 19.5 to 70.0). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the longest time to ISR was 39 months, and ISR-free was better in the asymptomatic CAS group. In all groups, ISR was independently associated with current smoker [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 3.425; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.086 to 10.801] and elevated ICA PSV at baseline (aOR, 1.004; 95% CI, 1.001 to 1.007). Independent risk factors for ISR in the CAS group included current smoking and elevated ICA PSV at baseline. In the symptomatic CAS group, alcohol was independently associated with the ISR. ISR did not occur after 39 months from the CAS procedure in our study patients. Future studies with extended follow-up are necessary to fully understand the long-term outcomes of CAS.

Early Experience With the Dual-Mode Radial-Access Catheter Armadillo in Neuroendovascular Procedures via the Radial Approach: A Multicenter Study of 71 Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The transradial approach is increasingly being adopted by neurointerventionalists after several studies showed its safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction. However, the use of non–radial-specific devices for transradial procedures is a major barrier for transradial adoption. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the efficacy, technical feasibility, and safety of the Armadillo dual-mode guide catheter (Q'Apel Medical Inc.) as a radial-specific catheter in various neurovascular pathologies. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study of 71 patients who underwent neurointerventional procedures via the transradial route using the Armadillo guide catheter between 2021 and 2023. RESULTS: Our study cohort comprised 71 patients, mostly females (n = 33, 63.5%) with a mean age of 59.1 ± 13.5 years. 13 (18.3%) patients underwent carotid artery stenting and angioplasty, 39 (54.9%) aneurysm treatment, 9 (12.7%) vascular malformation embolization, 5 (7.0%) tumor embolization, and 5 (7.0%) middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematomas. The mean procedure time was 61.4 ± 33.5 min, mean fluoro time was 29.6 ± 14.4 min, and mean radiation exposure was 93.3 ± 56.3 Gy cm2. During the procedures, 70 (98.6%) target vessels were successfully catheterized. The rate of access site complications was 0%, and 1 (1.4%) patient required conversion to the transfemoral route. CONCLUSION: The use of the Armadillo catheter showed promising outcomes in terms of safety, effectiveness, and technical feasibility in various neuroendovascular procedures, demonstrating a high success rate and low morbidity rate.

Abstract 149: Metabolic Neuroimaging in the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk: A Regional FDG‐PET Analysis

Introduction Emerging evidence suggests a robust association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cognitive decline, accentuating the necessity for early detection and intervention. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) has proven efficacious in identifying metabolic neurological changes at a molecular level, even before conventional imaging methods can detect structural changes. This study analyzed regional glucose metabolism in individuals with known CVD risk factors. The detection of such metabolic changes could assist in determining the necessity and timing of vascular interventions, such as carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS), contributing to improved patient outcomes and reduced postoperative complications. Methods We compared 79 healthy controls (mean age 44.5 ± 13.8 years, 53.2% males) and 40 individuals (mean age 55.9 ± 11.9 years, 50% males) at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) as assessed by the systematic coronary risk evaluation tool. All subjects were grouped into two age‐matched cohorts: younger (<45 years) and older (≥45 years). All subjects underwent whole‐body FDG‐PET/CT imaging. The quantitative regional analysis of PET images was performed using MIMneuro version 7.1.5 (MIM Software, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio). 70 neurological structures were analyzed in each subject. An independent samples t‐test was used to assess the differences in z‐scores between controls and at‐risk subjects. The threshold for significance was set at P < 0.05. Results Within the younger cohort, the cingulate gyrus (p=0.0206) and the anterior cingulate gyrus (p=0.0348) demonstrated significant hypometabolism in patients with known cardiac risk factors when compared to healthy controls. Within the older cohort, the supplementary motor area demonstrated significant hypometabolism (p=0.0145), while both the pons (p=0.0169) and pontine tegmentum (p=0.0063) had significant hypermetabolism in patients with known cardiac risk factors when compared to healthy controls. Conclusion Our analysis revealed an inverse relationship between increased cardiovascular disease risk and metabolic activity, particularly in three brain regions: the cingulate gyrus, the anterior cingulate gyrus, and the supplementary motor area. The findings substantiate the vulnerability of the cingulate gyrus to the impacts of small vessel disease. Hypoperfusion, a potential consequence of atherosclerotic plaque accumulation in the perfusing artery, engenders a pernicious cycle of hypoxia, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, which exacerbates neuronal cell death. The cingulate gyrus, vascularized by the pericallosal arteries (branches of the anterior cerebral artery from the internal carotid arteries), and the pontine tegmentum, supplied by branches of the basilar artery, are pivotal in this context. Calcification within these arteries could potentially instigate decreased perfusion, thereby contributing to the observed hypometabolism. Examining microstructural and functional changes in the neurovascular system in response to cardiovascular disease risk factors provides key insights. These findings could inform targeted interventions, streamline perioperative strategies, and aid in decision‐making regarding the timing of vascular interventions. Future studies investigating the association among arterial calcification, regional hypometabolism, and cognitive decline may provide a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between cardiovascular health and cognitive function, supporting the improvement of intervention strategies and refinement surgical techniques.

Transradial Carotid Artery Stenting Using Walrus Balloon Guide Catheter: Technical Aspects and Clinical Outcome.

Despite an overall surge in transradial access (TRA) for neurointerventional procedures, the feasibility and safety of TRA carotid artery angioplasty and stenting using balloon guide catheters (BGCs) through a short 8-Fr sheath have not been studied. In this study, we present our experience of using Walrus BGC through TRA for carotid artery stent placement. To define the safety and efficacy of using a balloon guide catheter for carotid stenting by a transradial approach. Our prospectively maintained retrospective database was reviewed, and consecutive patients were identified who underwent elective carotid artery stenting through TRA using Walrus BGC between January 2021 and June 2022. Demographics, procedural details including access site complications, the rate of radial to groin conversion, and procedure-related transient ischemic attack or stroke were reviewed. Twenty patients were identified who underwent carotid artery angioplasty and stenting through TRA Walrus BGC use; the mean age was 66 years (range 42-89), and 67% were male. A short 8-Fr sheath was used in all patients without any complications. Two of 20 patients required TRA conversion to transfemoral access, both secondary to severe spasm of the radial artery after initial access inhibiting further advancement of the Walrus BGC. Use of Walrus BGC by TRA through an 8-Fr sheath for carotid artery stenting is safe and feasible with a low rate of conversion to transfemoral access and no access site complications.

TCTAP A-001 Prediction Model for In-Stent Restenosis After Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stenting

TCTAP A-001 Prediction Model for In-Stent Restenosis After Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stenting

Quantitative assessment of angioplasty-induced vascular inflammation with 19F cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

BackgroundMacrophages play a pivotal role in vascular inflammation and predict cardiovascular complications. Fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI) with intravenously applied perfluorocarbon allows a background-free direct quantification of macrophage abundance in experimental vascular disease models in mice. Recently, perfluorooctyl bromide-nanoemulsion (PFOB-NE) was applied to effectively image macrophage infiltration in a pig model of myocardial infarction using clinical MRI scanners. In the present proof-of-concept approach, we aimed to non-invasively image monocyte/macrophage infiltration in response to carotid artery angioplasty in pigs using 19F MRI to assess early inflammatory response to mechanical injury. MethodsIn eight minipigs, two different types of vascular injury were conducted: a mild injury employing balloon oversize angioplasty only (BA, n = 4) and a severe injury provoked by BA in combination with endothelial denudation (BA + ECDN, n = 4). PFOB-NE was administered intravenously three days after injury followed by 1H and 19F MRI to assess vascular inflammatory burden at day six. Vascular response to mechanical injury was validated using X-ray angiography, intravascular ultrasound and immunohistology in at least 10 segments per carotid artery. ResultsAngioplasty was successfully induced in all eight pigs. Response to injury was characterized by positive remodeling with predominantly adventitial wall thickening and concomitant infiltration of monocytes/macrophages. No severe adverse reactions were observed following PFOB-NE administration. In vivo 19F signals were only detected in the four pigs following BA + ECDN with a robust signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 14.7 ± 4.8. Ex vivo analysis revealed a linear correlation of 19F SNR to local monocyte/macrophage cell density. Minimum detection limit of infiltrated monocytes/macrophages was estimated at approximately 410 cells/mm2. ConclusionsIn this proof-of-concept study, 19F MRI enabled quantification of monocyte/macrophage infiltration after vascular injury with sufficient sensitivity. This may provide the opportunity to non-invasively monitor vascular inflammation with MRI in patients after angioplasty or even in atherosclerotic plaques.

Guide Extension Catheter-assisted Interventions - A Single-Centre Experience

Objective: To evaluate the technical and procedural success and safety of guide extension catheter-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in challenging and complex coronary lesions. Methods: A physician-initiated, observational study conducted at a tertiary care centre in India between July 2021 and July 2022. The patients who underwent guide extension catheter-assisted PCI with the indication of facilitating stent delivery and deployment were consecutively enrolled in the study. Complete medical records including history, demographics and clinical characteristics, and angiographic data of patients who underwent guide extension catheter-assisted PCI were reviewed and noted. Results: Total 19 patients were included in the study of which 18 underwent guide extension catheter-assisted PCI, and one patient internal carotid artery angioplasty. The mean of patients was 62.74±10.38 years ranging from 42 years to 82 years. Total 9 (47.3%) patients were presented with chronic stable angina, 8 (42.1%) with unstable angina and only one patient represented acute myocardial infarction. The right coronary artery (RCA) was the most common target vessel involved in (63.2%). Total 31.6% lesions were distally located, 57.9% were heavily calcified, and 10.5% lesions were chronic totally occluded. A 100% procedural success was noted with the use of guide extension catheter. No case of stent disruption, vessel dissection or ventricular arrythmias and in-hospital death or myocardial infarction were noted during hospital-stay. Only one case of small access site hematoma was reported. Conclusion: The study concluded that the use of guide extension catheter facilitates easy advancement of stents or other devices through tortuous, heavily calcified, distal, bifurcations and CTOs coronary as well as carotid lesions. However, larger studies on wide range of patient population are required to validate our findings. Keywords: percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery, carotid artery, guide catheters

Abstract No. 233 Nationwide trends in utilization of carotid artery stenting and angioplasty in tandem occlusion stroke

To investigate the trends and in-hospital outcomes of adjunctive carotid artery stenting (CAS) versus angioplasty only in the management of tandem occlusions of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in a national database

Peri-procedural variables and outcomes of long-period hemodynamic instability after carotid artery angioplasty and stenting.

The aim of this study is to identify the peri-procedural risk factors and outcomes of hemodynamic instability (HI) after carotid artery stenting (CAS). A single-center, retrospective study was performed in 168 patients who underwent CAS procedure between September 2017 and September 2020. The presence of HI, as defined by hypertension (systolic blood pressure >160mmHg), hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90mmHg), and/or bradycardia (heart rate <60bpm), was recorded. Long-period HI was defined as persistent HI lasting more than 24h. Patient demographics, comorbidities, peri-procedural variables, and risk factors were recorded. Clinical outcomes including cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome, hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality within 30days of the procedure were evaluated. Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of long-period HI following CAS. Among 168 patients (mean age, 68.2 ± 8.3years; 81.5% male), the frequency of post-procedural long-period HI was noted in 42 patients (25.0%). Male was prone to experience HI (odds ratio, 9.156, p = 0.021). Aggressive inflation pressure (>7atm) and 5mm balloon for pre-dilatation were risk factors of long-period HI (OR, 7.372, p = 0.035; OR, 3.527, p = 0.023). Intraoperative peak blood pressure and larger-sized stents remained independent predictors for the development of HI (OR, 1.043, p = 0.027, and OR, 1.973, p = 0.015). Patients with prolonged HI were more likely to suffer TIA and stroke compared to other patients and significant difference was found in the occurrence of TIA (p < 0.05). Non-significance was found in mortality rate and other outcomes. CAS-induced HI occurs in a considerable percentage while several peri-procedural variables are determined as independent predictors to develop long-period HI. Patients with prolonged HI are associated with increased risk of neurologic events and thus standardized intervention as well as management of long-period HI are of critical importance during clinical process.

Management of Mobile Thrombus With Distal Protection Devices During Carotid Artery Angioplasty: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Embolic protection devices (EPDs) have become a standard of care during internal carotid artery revascularization.1,2 This video is about a 57-yr-old-male who presented with a wake-up stroke with a left hemispheric syndrome. Head computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed tandem occlusions of the proximal left internal carotid artery (ICA) and of the distal left middle cerebral artery (MCA) with an ASPECT (Alberta Stroke Program Early CTScore) score of 6. The patient underwent a cerebral angiogram and was treated with balloon angioplasty with a distal EPD and mechanical thrombectomy. The EPD became occluded with thrombus from the ICA and was retrieved through a 6-Fr Sofia (MicroVention) under continuous aspiration. Successful revascularization of the proximal ICA and distal MCA was achieved. No procedure-related complications occurred, and the patient's neurological exam improved. Tandem occlusions can occur in up to 15% of strokes. The optimal treatment can be controversial, but mechanical thrombectomy and ICA revascularization with a distal EPD appear to be safe and effective in selected patients.3 Consent was obtained for the procedure and for the video production.

Carotid artery angioplasty versus stenting for management of acute tandem occlusions

BackgroundThe optimal approach to treat the cervical carotid artery lesion during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute strokes with tandem occlusions is unclear. While carotid artery stenting (CAS) might be a more definitive recanalization method, the potential risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) limits its routine usage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety outcomes of CAS and carotid artery angioplasty (CAA) in patients with acute tandem occlusions.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, data were obtained from the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016–2017. The primary safety outcome was a composite of ICH and all-cause in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the in-hospital outcomes. Survival analysis was used to estimate the 30-day readmissions.ResultsWe identified 2042 hospitalizations meeting the study inclusion criteria (median age: 66 years, female 31.3%). Of these, 1391 (68.1%) had undergone CAS and 651 (31.9%) CAA alone. Baseline characteristics between the two groups were similar, except patients with CAS were more likely to be on anti-thrombotic medications and were less likely to have received intravenous thrombolysis. There was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes including ICH, in-hospital mortality, gastrostomy tube placement, prolonged mechanical ventilation, length of stay, hospital charges, and 30-day readmissions between the two groups, however, patients with CAS were more likely to be discharged home after adjusting for the confounding variables [odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–2.12, P 0.025].ConclusionThe emergent CAS-EVT approach appears to be safe with no adverse outcomes compared to CAA alone.

Abstract P546: Emergent Carotid Artery Stenting and Intracranial Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke With Tandem Occlusion

Introduction: Safety of emergent carotid artery stenting (CAS) during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute strokes with intracranial large vessel and cervical internal carotid artery tandem occlusion is still unclear. Given the potential risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) with anti-thrombotic medications required in the setting of CAS, the decision between CAS versus carotid artery angioplasty (CAA) alone remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to identify the optimal endovascular carotid revascularization approach in this patient population, using a large, nationally representative dataset. Methods: We utilized the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016-2017 to identify patients admitted due to acute ischemic stroke who underwent anterior circulation EVT as well as CAS or CAA on the same day. Survey design methods were used to generate national estimates. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the in-hospital outcomes between patients who underwent CAS versus CAA. Survival analysis was used to estimate the 30-day readmissions. Results: We identified 2,042 hospitalizations meeting the study inclusion criteria (mean±SD age: 66.0±12.5 years, female 31.3%). Of these, 1,391 (68.1%) had undergone CAS and 651 (31.9%) CAA alone. Baseline characteristics between the two groups were similar except patients with CAS were more likely to be on anti-thrombotics and were less likely to have received intravenous thrombolysis (tPA) as compared to those with CAA. There was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes including ICH, in-hospital mortality, gastrostomy tube placement, prolonged mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and hospital charges between the two groups in unadjusted analysis and after adjustment for the demographics and tPA use. All-cause 30-day readmission rate was similar between the two groups [hazards ratio (HR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64-1.51, p-value 0.924]. Patients with CAS had more readmissions due to ICH (HR 2.72, 95% CI 0.30-24.74) and less readmissions due to ischemic events (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.12-5.08), although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Emergent CAS-EVT approach appears to be safe with no adverse outcomes compared to CAA alone.

Abstract P553: Outcomes of Acute Endovascular Cervical Carotid Revascularization in Anterior Circulation Tandem Occlusions During Mechanical Thrombectomy

Introduction: Acute ischemic strokes with intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO) and cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) tandem occlusion have traditionally been known to have a poor prognosis. Recent evidence suggests favorable functional outcomes in patients undergoing emergent carotid artery stenting (CAS) following intracranial mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular carotid revascularization (CR) performed acutely after emergent intracranial MT. Methods: We used the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016-2017 to identify patients admitted with anterior circulation LVO treated with MT. Patients who underwent CAS or carotid artery angioplasty (CAA) during the same hospitalization were also identified. Propensity scores were used to match patients with and without CR in a 1:1 ratio by demographics, comorbidities, use of intravenous thrombolysis and hospital-level characteristics. Logistic regression and survival analyses were used to compare the outcomes. Results: We identified 15,137 hospitalizations meeting the study inclusion criteria (mean±SD age:70.1±14.6, female 51.1%). Of these, 1,214 (8.0%) underwent CAS or CAA during the same hospitalization. After propensity score matching, we obtained 1,063 well matched pairs of patients with and without CR. In the matched cohort, patients who underwent CR had higher odds of hemorrhagic transformation (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07-1.69, p 0.011) and higher total hospital cost (mean difference $6,232, 95% CI 3,606-8,858, p 0.001) but other clinical outcomes including gastrostomy tube placement, decompressive craniectomy, prolonged mechanical ventilation, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and discharge disposition did not differ between the two groups. Patients with CR were less likely to have an unplanned 30-day readmission (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51-0.87, p 0.004). Further, they had more readmissions due to ICH (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.41-2.71) and less readmissions due to ischemic events (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.14-1.08), although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: If indicated, early endovascular CR for anterior circulation tandem occlusions seems to be safe with clinical outcomes comparable to patients undergoing MT alone.

Microvascular Patch Graft Angioplasty of the Common Carotid Arteries in Rats.

Microvascular patch graft angioplasty is one of the most important revascularization techniques in cerebrovascular neurosurgery. It is necessary for surgeons to develop the microvascular patch graft angioplasty technique in the laboratory before performing it in a real human body. To provide a training model for microvascular patch graft angioplasty of the common carotid arteries (CCAs) in rats. Using male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=20), an oval-shaped arterial patch 3 mm in length and 1.2 mm in width was prepared from a segment of left CCA, and a linear longitudinal arteriotomy 3 mm in length was made along the anterior aspect of the right CCA, then the arterial patch graft was anastomosed to the right CCA with 10-0 sutures in an interrupted fashion. Patency was assessed immediately and 30 minutes after the procedure. All microvascular patch graft angioplasties of the rat common carotid arteries were successful, and all the patency rates immediately after the operation and thirty minutes after the restoration of blood flow were 100%. The training model for microvascular patch angioplasty with rat CCAs can serve as a training tool for mastering the procedure, and this technique could provide an alternative strategy for the surgical repair of microvascular aneurysms and microvascular vessel injuries.

Is carotid artery stenting without protection safe? - A single center experience: case series

Background: Carotid artery stenosis is one of the main causes of ischemic stroke in Iranian population. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a method with for treating carotid artery disease, in order to prevent stroke. Dispersion of the embolus is a significant risk for carotid angioplasty which can be prevented by using protective devices. But studies have shown that the use of these protective devices is not safe and can have side effects such as vascular spasm and dissection. Method: 36 patients who underwent unprotected carotid artery angioplasty from April 2018 to August 2019 in Shahid Madani hospital retrospectively entered this study. Hospital records were studied for data collection. Patients were followed by phone interviews. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) was defined as a composite of the occurrence of stroke, MI, bleeding, and all-cause mortality in the long term. Mean duration of our follow-up was 6 months. Results: During in-hospital course, an 82 years old woman with a history of CVA, hypertension, diabetes and a significant stenosis in her contralateral ICA, had an episode of stroke which was fatal. Also, there was a 46 years old woman without any risk factors, who had developed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). 22 patients were followed. No MI, stroke, or death occurred in any of the patients. There were only 2 cases of bleeding. Conclusion: Carotid artery stenting without protection may be is a safe method of carotid revascularization. Further prospective studies and clinical trials are needed.

SAFETY OF ADEQUATE PREDILATATION IN CAROTID ANGIOPLASTY

Objective: In carotid angioplasty a lot of interventionists avoid predilatation or perform predilatation using smaller diameter balloons to avoid distal embolization. The objective of our study was to determine the procedural safety and complications of predilatation of carotid artery using adequate diameter balloon in patients undergoing angioplasty. Methodology: Symptomatic patients with greater than 50% common carotid artery (CCA) or internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, asymptomatic patients with 80% or more carotid stenosis, asymptomatic patients planned for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) with bilateral severe carotid stenosis (70-99%) or a unilateral severe carotid stenosis with a contralateral occlusion undergoing CABG, were selected for carotid artery angioplasty. Cerebral angiogram was performed before and after carotid intervention. Results: A total of 25 patients were included in this study. Adequate diameter balloon used for predilatation before stenting in all cases. Post dilatation was required in 6 (24%) patients. Distal embolic protection device was used in all patients. No complication was seen after predilatation in any case. No mortality or neurological deficit was seen in the study. Conclusion: This study shows that proper predilatation with adequate diameter balloon, sized according to diameter of internal carotid artery, before carotid stent implantation is an effective and safe procedure. We believe that this leads to good stent expansion and full apposition with better long term outcomes. Moreover it is now important to adequately predilate carotid arteries, for proper sizing of carotid stents with close cell design, to avoid unnecessary longitudinal stent lengthening due to inadequately prepared carotid bed.

Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stenting: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Abstract Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has been shown to be equally effective as carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for carotid stenosis in both symptomatic and asymptomatic disease. 1 In patients who are considered high risk for endarterectomy, CAS is safe and effective. 2 While this is a common procedure, proper technique is crucial to ensure that the procedure is safe with minimal risk of stroke. This patient consented to treatment. The following is a video detailing the CAS procedure in a 77-yr-old male with a symptomatic 65% carotid stenosis (by NASCET criteria 3 ) in a patient with prior CEA.