Carotid Artery Stenting In Patients Research Articles

Staged carotid artery stenting in patients with severe carotid stenosis: Multicenter experience

Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is serious complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS) caused by decreased cerebral vasoreactivity (CVR) due to long standing hypoperfusion of the brain. We hypothesized that partial dilatation of carotid stenosis would allow the recovery of CVR, and prevent CHS when definitive angioplasty with stent is performed afterward. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of staged CAS in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis with evident hemodynamic compromise in regard to preventing hyperperfusion syndrome. From January 2005 to February 2016, 53 patients with 55 severe carotid artery stenosis lesions showing decreased CVR and/or cerebral basal flow at the perfusion studies underwent staged CAS in three institutes. The procedure consisted of initial partial balloon angioplasty (BA), recovery period, and delayed definitive stenting (DS). We analyzed immediate results, complications, recoil and CHS related to staged CAS. We experienced no symptomatic manifestation of CHS except self-limited headache after the procedures. The median of intervals between BA and DS stages were 10 days. There was no case of severe recoil during the interval between BA and DS stage. Where perfusion imaging data was available, hyperperfusion was present in three and one patients after BA and DS stage, respectively, with no clinical symptom of CHS. In conclusion, staged CAS was feasible in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis and hemodynamic compromise, without inducing severe complication of CHS such as intracranial hemorrhage.

The Safety of Protected Carotid Artery Stenting in Patients with Unstable Plaque on Carotid High-Resolution MR Imaging

The Safety of Protected Carotid Artery Stenting in Patients with Unstable Plaque on Carotid High-Resolution MR Imaging

Low Common Carotid Artery Systolic Occlusion Pressure and Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis Are Associated with Development of Neurologic Intolerance during Proximal Protected Carotid Artery Stenting.

Background and ObjectivesNeurologic intolerance (NI) is defined as the occurrence of neurological symptoms during carotid artery stenting (CAS). Because NI is inevitable problem, it may be helpful to anticipate its occurrence. So, we studied factors associated with NI during proximal protected CAS.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients underwent proximal protected CAS from August 2012 to January 2017.ResultsWe included total 123 patients (109 males, 72±8 years old). The total procedure time was 43±12 minutes, and mean occlusion time was 4.8±1.2 minutes. We divided CAS patients into 2 groups according to presence of NI; neurologic tolerance (NT; n=74, 60%) and NI (n=49, 40%) groups. After the univariate analysis, symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (p=0.003), absence of anterior communicating artery (p=0.015) and low common carotid artery occlusion pressure (CCAOP, p<0.001) were associated with NI. After the multivariate analysis, NI was significantly associated with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (odds ratio [OR], 5.549; p=0.014) and systolic CCAOP≤42 mmHg (OR, 6.461; p<0.001). In NI group, 43 patients (88%) recovered right after the balloon deflation and 2 patients were normalized within 2 hours. However, 1 had major stroke and 3 had minor strokes in 4 patients with persistent NI ≥24 hours.ConclusionsAbout 40% showed NI during the CAS. Most of them (88%, 43 of 49 patients) recovered after the balloon deflation, but stroke incidence was significantly higher in NI group. Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and systolic CCAOP ≤42 mmHg were significantly associated with the development of NI during proximal protected CAS.

A Propensity Matched Comparison for Open and Endovascular Treatment of Post-carotid Endarterectomy Restenosis

To compare results of open and endovascular management of post-carotid endarterectomy (CEA) restenosis. This was a retrospective single centre matched case control study. From 2005 to 2015, 148 consecutive interventions for post-CEA restenosis were performed: 80 cases received carotid artery stenting (CAS) and 68 cases received redo CEA. Propensity score based matching was performed in a 1:1 ratio to compare outcomes. Coronary artery disease, degree of the carotid restenosis, timing of the re-intervention with respect to the primary intervention (greater or less than 24 months) and the presence of ipsilateral brain lesions were the covariates included in the matching. Peri-operative outcomes were analysed with χ2 tests, while late results were estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods. After propensity matching, 32 CAS interventions were matched with 32 redo CEAs. There were no peri-operative deaths or strokes. Cranial nerve palsy occurred in seven patients in the redo CEA group. Median duration of follow-up was 36 months (interquartile range 24-60; range 6-120). The estimated 5 year survival rate was 94% in the CAS group and 72% in the redo CEA group (p=.1, log rank 2.4). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of stroke free survival. In the CAS group, no severe restenosis were found, while in the redo CEA group eight patients had severe restenosis or occlusion of the operated carotid artery. Freedom from secondary restenosis at 4 years was 100% in the CAS group and 72.5% in the redo CEA group (p=.005, log rank 7.9). The corresponding figures in terms of freedom from secondary re-intervention were 100% and 83%, respectively (p=.02, log rank 4.8). CAS and redo CEA in patients with post-CEA restenosis provided similar peri-operative results in a sample of equivalent patients. CAS patients had better follow-up results in terms of secondary restenosis and re-interventions. Further analysis is required with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up time.

The Safety of Carotid Artery Stenting for Patients in the Acute Poststroke Phase

The efficacy of carotid artery stenting (CAS) for patients in the acute poststroke phase has not been established. We investigated the outcome of CAS for patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis in the acute poststroke phase. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent CAS for symptomatic ICA stenosis in our institution. Patients in whom the time interval between neurological deterioration and the CAS procedure was less than 3 days were included in the early group, and the other patients were included in the delayed group. Perioperative complications including major adverse events (MAEs) were compared between the early and the delayed groups. One hundred five patients were included in the study. Forty patients were assigned to the early group and 65 patients were assigned to the delayed group. The overall MAE rate was 4.8%. There was no significant increase in the perioperative MAE in the early group compared with the delayed group (early group 2.5% versus delayed group 6.5%, P = .65). In the early group, 25 of 40 patients (62.5%) were functionally independent (modified Rankin scale [mRS] score of 0-2) at discharge. Significant differences between the independent patients and the disabled patients (mRS score of 3-6) included age (independent 72 versus disabled 79, P < .01) and prevalence of transient ischemic attack (36.0% versus .0%, P = .02). CAS performed within 3 days from the last ischemic event did not increase the risk of perioperative complication. Early CAS may be a useful option for the treatment of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

Comparison of 30-day readmission rates and risk factors between carotid artery stenting and endarterectomy

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the rates, reasons, and risk factors of 30-day readmission, both planned and unplanned, after carotid revascularization as well as to evaluate major outcomes associated with those readmissions. MethodsUsing the Premier Healthcare database, we retrospectively identified patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) between 2009 and 2015. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause readmission. Secondary outcomes included mortality and overall cost associated with readmissions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used and further validated using coarsened exact matching on baseline differences between CEA and CAS patients. ResultsA total of 95,687 patients underwent carotid revascularization, 13.5% of whom underwent CAS. Crude 30-day readmission rates were 6.5% after CEA vs 6.1% after CAS (P = .10). Stroke, bleeding, pneumonia, and respiratory failure were the most common reasons for readmission after both CEA and CAS (6.7% vs 8.3%, 6.9% vs 5.3%, 3.4% vs 2.4%, and 4.4% vs 3.9%; all P > .05). Myocardial infarction and wound complications were more likely to be an indication for readmission after CEA (4.1% vs 2.5% and 4.1% vs 1.5%, respectively; P < .05). On the other hand, readmissions due to vascular or stent-related complications were more likely after CAS compared with CEA (5.8% vs 3.8%; P = .003). On multivariate analysis, CEA was found to be associated with 41% higher odds of readmission than CAS (adjusted odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-1.54; P < .001). Age, female gender, emergency/urgent procedures, concomitant cardiac procedures, rural hospitals, and Midwest region were significantly associated with 30-day readmission. Other risk factors included major preoperative comorbidities (diabetes, congestive heart failure, renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral vascular disease, and history of cancer) as well as the occurrence of postoperative stroke and renal complications during the index admission and nonhome discharge. Coarsened exact matching between CEA and CAS patients also yielded higher adjusted rates of readmission after CEA (6.2% vs 4.9%; P < .001). On the other hand, patients readmitted after CAS had a longer length of hospital stay (5 days vs 4 days; P = .001), increased readmission mortality (6.2% vs 2.8%; P < .001), and higher rehospitalization costs ($8903 vs $7629; P = .01) compared with those readmitted after CEA. ConclusionsOur results show that CAS is associated with lower 30-day readmission rates compared with CEA. However, CAS readmissions are more complex and are associated with higher mortality and costs. We have also identified patients who are at high risk of readmissions, which can help focus attention on interventions that can improve the management of these patients and reduce readmission rates.

Establishing stable innominate access by inserting a body floss wire from the brachial artery to the femoral artery facilitates right carotid artery stenting in Type III arch anatomy.

In patients with severe carotid artery stenosis, the anatomy of their Type III aortic arch increases the difficulty and complication rates during carotid artery stenting because of its tortuosity and sharp angulation for cannulation as well as the unstable support of the guidewire for shuttle sheath delivery. We demonstrate a novel technique to overcome these challenges, namely the creation of stable innominate artery access by inserting a through-and-through body floss wire from the right brachial artery to the femoral artery. We successfully performed right carotid artery stenting in 3 patients with Type III arch anatomy. All patients received regular outpatient follow-up uneventfully for more than 1 year. This facilitates the procedure of the right carotid artery stenting in patients with Type III aortic arch.

Carotid artery revascularization in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion: Stent or endarterectomy?

BackgroundThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) considers that contralateral carotid artery occlusion puts the patients at high risk for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and agrees to reimburse for carotid artery stenting (CAS) in these patients. However, there is a paucity of evidence that support the superiority of CAS compared with CEA in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion. MethodsAll patients who underwent CEA or CAS with contralateral carotid artery occlusion were identified in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) registry between 2005 and 2016. Outcomes examined were stroke, death, and myocardial infarction at 30 days and stroke and death at 2 years stratified by ipsilateral symptomatic status. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was implemented to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of 30-day outcomes controlling for potential confounders. Life tables, robust Cox proportional hazard clustered by centers, and log-rank tests were implemented to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for long-term events. ResultsOverall, 4326 patients had contralateral carotid artery occlusion (CEA: 3274 [75.7%] vs CAS: 1052 [24.3%]). Patients' demographic and comorbidities were generally similar in both groups, except for race, in which nonwhite patients were more likely to have CAS (9.5% vs 7.6%; P = .048). History of stroke was twice as much prevalent in patients undergoing CEA (56.4% vs 24.0%; P < .001). CAS patients were more likely to present with ipsilateral symptoms (41.2% vs 24.2%; P < .05). In asymptomatic patients, the short-term outcomes and 2-year risk of ipsilateral stroke did not differ significantly between CAS and CEA; however, the adjusted risk of any stroke or death over 2 years was 42% higher with CAS (adjusted HR, 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.86; P = .011). In symptomatic patients, CAS was associated with an almost threefold higher risk for 30-day stroke (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.06-7.94; P = .038) and more than sixfold the 30-day mortality (OR, 6.10; 95% CI, 2.20-16.92; P = .001). The risk of stroke in the initial 2 years after surgery was 94% increased in a CAS patient relative to a CEA patient (adjusted HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.18-3.19; P = .009). ConclusionsIn this exclusive large cohort of patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion, CAS did not perform better compared with CEA in asymptomatic patients and had significantly worse outcomes in symptomatic patients in the perioperative period. The 2-year stroke rate was similar between the two procedures, but the risk of stroke or death was consistently higher for CAS patients. CAS is not safer than CEA in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion, and refinement of current guidelines is warranted to provide appropriate surgical care specifically tailored for the patient's presentation.

Potential Usefulness of Clopidogrel Pharmacogenetics in Cerebral Endovascular Procedures and Carotid Artery Stenting.

Previous reports have shown inadequate response to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel in 5-30% of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), due mostly to clopidogrel resistance. This prevalence increases up to 66% in patients undergoing neurointerventional procedures. However, clinical significance of CYP2C19 genotypes in neurointerventional procedures or carotid artery stenting (CAS) is unknown. The purpose of this review is to update our current knowledge and understanding of the pharmacogenetic basis for poor clopidogrel responsiveness in patients undergoing CAS and endovascular interventions as well as to explore usefulness of genotyping to reduce the rate of procedure-related thrombosis that results in ischemic complications. A literature search for pharmacogenetic studies in cerebral endovascular interventions and CAS was conducted on three databases using a list of the most relevant pharmacogenetic biomarkers. The review included 7 papers involving 3 genetic polymorphisms on CYP2C19 and 442 subjects. Patients harboring at least one loss-of-function CYP2C19 polymorphism (e.g., CYP2C19*2 and *3) are at an increased risk of thromboembolic complications such as stent thrombosis following neurointerventional procedures. Notably, patients who carry the gain-of-function CYP2C19*17 allele may have increased risk of ischemic events following endovascular treatment, independent of clopidogrel responsiveness. Studies assessing the influence of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on high on-treatment platelet reactivity in CAS and cerebrovascular disease patients are still limited and need further validation in large multicenter studies. This review covers an important topic in the field of antiplatelet therapy for cerebral endovascular procedures and CAS.

Potential of New-Generation Double-Layer Micromesh Stent for Carotid Artery Stenting in Patients with Unstable Plaque: A Preliminary Result Using OFDI Analysis.

One disadvantage of carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a high incidence of distal embolism (DE) during or after the procedure. Patients with unstable plaque are considered at high risk for DE and plaque protrusion (PP) after stent placement, which can cause postprocedural ischemic complications. This study was conducted to compare the rate and size of PP between the CASPER stent, a new-generation double-layer micromesh stent, and conventional stents as assessed by optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI), and also to evaluate the efficacy of CAS with the CASPER stent in cases with unstable plaque. The study group comprised 46 consecutive patients with unstable plaque, identified on magnetic resonance imaging, undergoing CAS with OFDI image acquisition. Cross-sectional OFDI images within the stented segments were evaluated at 0.125-mm intervals, and the rate and size of PP were compared between the CASPER stent and conventional stents. The CASPER stent was used in 9 patients. No procedural complications occurred. On OFDI analysis, the presence of PP was apparently lower in CASPER stent group compared with the conventional stent group (44% vs. 88%; P= 0.022). In addition, mean PP area was significantly smaller in the CASPER stent group (mean PP area, 0.013 ± 0.034 mm2 vs. 0.057 ± 0.09 mm2; P= 0.006). On OFDI evaluation after CAS, the degree of PP was significantly smaller in the CASPER stent group compared with the conventional stent group. This result provides new insight into the use of CAS to treat carotid artery stenosis with unstable plaque.

SS08. A Propensity-Matched Comparison for Open and Endovascular Treatment of Postcarotid Endarterectomy (CEA) Restenosis

This study compared early and late results of open and endovascular management of postcarotid endarterectomy (CEA) restenosis in a retrospective single-center matched case control study. From January 2005 to December 2015, 147 consecutive elective interventions for post-CEA restenosis were performed in our institution. A retrospective analysis of clinical records was performed, and 80 interventions carried out with carotid artery stenting (CAS) were found, while the remaining 67 interventions were open. Propensity score-based matching was performed to adjust for confounding factors in a 1:1 ratio to compare outcomes. Covariates included coronary artery disease, degree of the carotid restenosis, timing of the reintervention with respect to the primary intervention (higher or lower than 24 months), and the presence of ipsilateral brain lesions at the preoperative computed tomography scan. Perioperative outcomes were analyzed with the χ2 test, and late results were estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods. After propensity matching, 32 CAS interventions (group 1) were matched with 32 redo CEAs (group 2). There were no perioperative deaths or strokes; two patients in group 2 experienced a perioperative transient ischemic attack and an acute myocardial infarction, respectively. Cranial nerve palsy occurred in seven patients in group 2; in six of them, complete regression was found at a 1-month follow-up otolaryngologist visit. All patients had an available follow-up, with a mean duration of 41 months (range, 6-120 months); the mean follow-up index was 0.72 (range, 0.1-1). Estimated 4-year survival rates were 93% (standard error [SE], 0.06%) in group 1 and 88.5% (SE, 0.06%) in group 2 (P = .1; log-rank, 2.6). There were no differences between the two groups in stroke-free survival and any neurologic symptom-free survival. In group 1, no severe (>70%) restenoses were found, while in group 2, eight patients had severe restenosis or occlusion of the operated carotid artery. Freedom from secondary restenosis at 4 years was 100% in group 1 and 71.5% in group 2 (SE, 0.08%; P = .004, log-rank, 8.2). The corresponding figures in freedom from secondary reintervention were 100% and 83% (SE, 0.07%; P = .02, log-rank, 5). CAS and redo CEA in patients with post-CEA restenosis provided in this retrospective single-center experience similar perioperative results in equivalent groups of patients. CAS patients had better follow-up results in secondary restenosis and reinterventions; this fact, along with the not negligible rate of perioperative cranial nerve palsy in redo CEA patients, suggest a primary role for CAS in such a condition.

Carotid artery stenting is associated with a higher incidence of major adverse clinical events than carotid endarterectomy in female patients

BackgroundThe optimal approach to carotid revascularization in female patients with carotid artery stenosis is widely debated. Information available is largely derived from clinical trials that include only highly selected patients. The goal of this study was to compare the early clinical outcomes in women who undergo carotid artery stenting (CAS) vs carotid endarterectomy (CEA). MethodsFemale patients undergoing CAS or CEA between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015, and who were included in the Procedure Targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were assessed for their incidence of early postoperative complications. The primary outcome measure was 30-day incidence of a major adverse clinical event (MACE; defined as death, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or myocardial infarction/arrhythmia). Univariable analyses were used to compare results between female patients undergoing CEA and those undergoing CAS. Propensity score matching techniques were used to create a cohort of 125 CAS and CEA patients who were well matched for all known patient-, disease-, and procedure-related factors. Analysis of comparative outcomes between the propensity-matched groups was then performed. ResultsThe overall study population consisted of 5620 female CEA patients and 131 female CAS patients. Of these patients, 290 (5.2%) from the CEA group and 16 (12.2%) from the CAS group sustained a MACE in the first 30 days after their procedures. Within the propensity-matched cohort, the 30-day incidence of postoperative MACE in the CAS group of this cohort was 11.2% (14 patients) compared with 4.0% (5 patients; odds ratio, 1.01 [95% confidence interval, 1.01-7.77]; P = .04) in the CEA group. ConclusionsOur analysis of a “real-world” clinical registry suggests that CAS may be inferior to CEA in female patients who require carotid artery revascularization.

The association of Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stent Trial (CREST) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Carotid Guideline Publication on utilization and outcomes of carotid stenting among “high-risk” patients

ObjectiveSince the 2004 approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration of carotid artery stenting (CAS), there have been two seminal publications about CAS reimbursement (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines; 2008) and clinical outcomes (Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stent Trial [CREST]; 2010). We explored the association between these publications and national trends in CAS use among high-risk symptomatic patients. MethodsThe most recent congruent data sets of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) were queried for patients undergoing carotid revascularization. The sample was limited to include only patients who were defined as “high-risk” if they had a Charlson Comorbidity Score of ≥3.0. Subgroup analyses were performed of high-risk patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Utilization proportions of CAS were calculated quarterly from 2005 to 2011 for NIS. Three time intervals related to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines and CREST publication were selected: 2005 to 2008, 2008 to 2010, and after 2010. Logistic regression with piecewise linear trend for time was used to estimate different trends in CAS use for the overall high-risk sample and for neurologically asymptomatic and symptomatic cases. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare odds of postoperative mortality and stroke between these two procedures at different time intervals independent of confounding variables. ResultsDuring the study period, 20,079 carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) and 3447 CAS procedures were performed in high-risk patients in the NIS database. CAS utilization constituted 20.5% of carotid revascularization procedures among high-risk symptomatic patients, with a significant increase from 18.6% to 24.4% during the study period (P < .001). There was an initial increase during 2005 to 2008 in the rate of CAS compared with CEA, CAS utilization significantly decreased during 2008 to 2010 by a 3.3% decline in the odds ratio (OR) of CAS per quarter (OR, 0.967; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.943-0.993; P = .002), and after CREST (after 2010), CAS utilization continued to increase significantly from the prepublication to the postpublication time interval. The odds of in-hospital mortality (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.17-5.62; P = .019) and postoperative in-hospital stroke (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.09-3.68; P = .024) were independently and significantly higher for CAS patients in the overall sample. ConclusionsThe use of CAS for carotid revascularization in a high-risk cohort of patients has significantly increased from 2005 to 2011. Compared with CEA, CAS independently increased the odds of perioperative in-hospital stroke in all high-risk patients and of in-hospital mortality in symptomatic high-risk patients.

Body mass index and outcome after revascularization for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

To determine whether the obesity paradox exists in patients who undergo carotid artery stenting (CAS) or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. We combined individual patient data from 2 randomized trials (Endarterectomy vs Angioplasty in Patients with Symptomatic Severe Carotid Stenosis and Stent-Protected Angioplasty vs Carotid Endarterectomy) and 3 centers in a third trial (International Carotid Stenting Study). Baseline body mass index (BMI) was available for 1,969 patients and classified into 4 groups: <20, 20-<25, 25-<30, and ≥30 kg/m2. Primary outcome was stroke or death, investigated separately for the periprocedural and postprocedural period (≤120 days/>120 days after randomization). This outcome was compared between different BMI strata in CAS and CEA patients separately, and in the total group. We performed intention-to-treat multivariable Cox regression analyses. Median follow-up was 2.0 years. Stroke or death occurred in 159 patients in the periprocedural (cumulative risk 8.1%) and in 270 patients in the postprocedural period (rate 4.8/100 person-years). BMI did not affect periprocedural risk of stroke or death for patients assigned to CAS (ptrend = 0.39) or CEA (ptrend = 0.77) or for the total group (ptrend = 0.48). Within the total group, patients with BMI 25-<30 had lower postprocedural risk of stroke or death than patients with BMI 20-<25 (BMI 25-<30 vs BMI 20-<25; hazard ratio 0.72; 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.94). BMI is not associated with periprocedural risk of stroke or death; however, BMI 25-<30 is associated with lower postprocedural risk than BMI 20-<25. These observations were similar for CAS and CEA.

202 - Targeting the Oncogenic Nexus of SETBP1-Set-PP2A by Structure Guided Small Molecule Design and Fragment Based Chemical Synthesis

Carotid artery stenting remains an effective alternative to carotid endarterectomy for stroke prevention; however, the long-term durability of carotid artery stenting remains poorly defined. We performed a 10-year “real-world” comparative analysis of carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting to help evaluate the success of these procedures in preventing late ischemic stroke events.This was a single-center retrospective review of 996 patients (symptomatic and asymptomatic) treated with carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting from January 2001 through December 2011 at a tertiary academic medical center. All-cause death, stroke, and myocardial infarction event rates were analyzed using log-rank analysis.Among the 996 patients treated with carotid endarterectomy (n = 787) or carotid artery stenting (n = 209), the 30-day, 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates for carotid endarterectomy patients were 99.1%, 95.3%, 77.9%, and 54.8%; carotid artery stenting rates were 99.5%, 96.2%, 67.8%, and 40.2%, respectively (P = .005, at 10 years). There was no significant difference in early stroke rates or myocardial infarction rates between the groups. Subgroup analysis comparing symptomatic status demonstrated no statistically significant differences in overall survival, stroke, or myocardial infarction rates at 10 years. In addition to reduced long-term overall survival, carotid artery stenting patients had a higher long-term restenosis rate as compared to carotid endarterectomy (6.3% vs 2.8%, P < .0001) and reduced restenosis-free survival (P = .01).Early death, stroke, and myocardial infarction rates are comparable after carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting. Carotid artery stenting is an effective means of preventing stroke among patients with carotid artery stenosis. Symptomatic status does not seem to affect rates of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death. Carotid endarterectomy continues to be the preferred long-term solution for extracranial carotid artery occlusive disease as it is associated with better long-term survival and lower restenosis rates.

Expansion of Stent and Lumen Diameters on Follow-up after Carotid Artery Stenting in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Expansion of Stent and Lumen Diameters on Follow-up after Carotid Artery Stenting in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Volume of subclinical embolic infarct correlates to long-term cognitive changes after carotid revascularization

ObjectiveCarotid intervention is safe and effective in stroke prevention in appropriately selected patients. Despite minimal neurologic complications, procedure-related subclinical microemboli are common and their cognitive effects are largely unknown. In this prospective longitudinal study, we sought to determine long-term cognitive effects of embolic infarcts. MethodsThe study recruited 119 patients including 46% symptomatic patients who underwent carotid revascularization. Neuropsychological testing was administered preoperatively and at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) was the primary cognitive measure with parallel forms to avoid practice effect. All patients also received 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging with a diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequence preoperatively and within 48 hours postoperatively to identify procedure-related new embolic lesions. Each DWI lesion was manually traced and input into a neuroimaging program to define volume. Embolic infarct volumes were correlated with cognitive measures. Regression models were used to identify relationships between infarct volumes and cognitive measures. ResultsA total of 587 DWI lesions were identified on 3T magnetic resonance imaging in 81.7% of carotid artery stenting (CAS) and 36.4% of carotid endarterectomy patients with a total volume of 29,327 mm3. Among them, 54 DWI lesions were found in carotid endarterectomy patients and 533 in the CAS patients. Four patients had transient postoperative neurologic symptoms and one had a stroke. CAS was an independent predictor of embolic infarction (odds ratio, 6.6 [2.1-20.4]; P < .01) and infarct volume (P = .004). Diabetes and contralateral carotid severe stenosis or occlusion had a trend of positive association with infarct volume, whereas systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg had a negative association (P = .1, .09, and .1, respectively). There was a trend of improved RAVLT scores overall after carotid revascularization. Significantly higher infarct volumes were observed among those with RAVLT decline. Within the CAS cohort, infarct volume was negatively correlated with short- and long-term RAVLT changes (P < .05). ConclusionsCognitive assessment of procedure-related subclinical microemboli is challenging. Volumes of embolic infarct correlate with long-term cognitive changes, suggesting that microembolization should be considered a surrogate measure for carotid disease management.

Impact of acute cerebral ischemic lesions and their volume on the revascularization outcome of symptomatic carotid stenosis

BackgroundThe influence of acute cerebral ischemic lesions (CILs) on the revascularization outcome of symptomatic carotid stenosis has been scarcely investigated in the literature. This study evaluated the effect of CILs and their volume on the results of carotid revascularization in symptomatic patients. MethodsAll patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) between 2005 and 2014 were considered. CILs ipsilateral to the stenosis were identified in the preoperative cerebral computed tomography. The volume was quantified in mm3 and correlated with 30-day rates of stroke and stroke/death by χ2, multivariate analysis, Pearson correlation, and receiver operating characteristic curves. ResultsA total of 489 symptomatic patients were treated by CEA (327 [67%]) or CAS (162 [33%]), 186 (38%) ≤2 weeks and 303 (62%) >2 weeks from symptom onset. CEA and CAS patients had statistically similar rates of stroke (3.3% vs 5.5%; P = .27) and stroke/death (3.8% vs 5.9%; P = .22). CILs were identified in 251 patients (53%) and were associated with similar stroke and stroke/death rate compared with patients without CIL (12 [4.8%] vs 8 [3.5%], P = .46; and 14 [5.6%] vs 8 [3.5%]; P = .26, respectively). The median CIL volume was 1000 mm3 (interquartile range [IQR], 7000 mm3). Patients with postoperative stroke and stroke/death had a significantly higher preoperative CIL volume of 5100 mm3 (IQR, 31,000 mm3) vs 1000 mm3 (IQR, 7000 mm3; P = .01) and 4500 mm3 (IQR, 17,450 mm3) vs 1000 mm3 (IQR, 7000 mm3; P = .03), respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a volume of 4000 mm3 was predictive of postoperative stroke with 75% sensitivity and 63% specificity. A CIL volume ≥4000 mm3 was an independent risk factor for postoperative stroke, with a stroke rate of 9.3% (n = 9) vs 1.9% (n = 3) for a CIL volume of <4000 mm3 (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-19.1; P = .03). ConclusionsCIL volume in symptomatic carotid stenosis seems to influence the 30-day outcome independently from the timing of carotid revascularization. A CIL volume of ≥4000 mm3 could be considered a significant predictor for postoperative stroke after carotid revascularization.

Abstract PR047

Background & Objectives: Intraoperative hemodynamic instability (IHI) is a well-known complication of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). It is a common perioperative finding depends on the timing and type of surgery, iatrogenic manipulation of the baroreceptors and is influenced by the anesthetic management. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative to CEA and may be associated with hypotension and bradycardia due to predominantly parasympathetic activity during placement of the stent. This study aims to compare the incidence of IHI between CAS and CEA. Materials & Methods: The medical records of 80 patients underwent CAS and 101 patients underwent CEA under cervical plexus block during a 10 month period at our institution, were retrospectively reviewed. The Vascular Study Group of New England Cardiac Risk Index (VSG-CRI) was used to classify CAS and CEA patients into 3 groups: low (I), medium (II) and high risk group (III), separately. IHI was defined as an increase/decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure or heart rate for ≥20% from basal value, for 2 minutes. In accordance to VSG-CRI, the incidence of IHI in low, medium and high risk group was compared among patients underwent CAS and CEA. Results: In line with VSG-CRI, patients underwent CEA were divided into three groups: group I consisted of 59 patients (56.2%), group II of 25 (23.8%) and group III of 21 (20%). Also, patients underwent CAS were divided into three groups, group I: 40 patients (50 %), group II: 30 (37.5%) and group III: 10 (12.5%). In low risk group, the incidence of bradycardia was significantly higher in the patients underwent CAS compared to the CEA patients (p=0.01). There was significantly higher incidence of IHI in the patients underwent CEA compared to the CAS patients in medium risk group (II) (p=0.03). In this group, diastolic blood pressure values immediately after cervical block application, were significantly higher in the patients underwent CEA compared to the CAS patients (p=0.009). Conclusion: According to VSG-CRI, in our study IHI and bradycardia were occured more often after CEA in medium and low risk group, respectively. This findings could suggest that the alteration of baroreceptor function is related more to the underlying carotid atherosclerotic disease that affects baroreceptor, than to the stenting procedure.

Long-term effects of white matter changes on the risk of stroke recurrence after carotid artery stenting in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis

IntroductionCerebral white matter changes (WMC) are associated with increased 30-day perioperative risk of stroke in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, there is no data showing their impact on postoperative long-term stroke recurrence or survival. It remains unknown whether this effect is independent of classic cardiovascular risk factors or not. We tried to assess the effects of WMC on long-term stroke recurrence after CAS in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. MethodsA database of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis who had undergone CAS was sampled in a single Chinese medical center from 2007 to 2014. Copies of baseline brain imaging were analyzed by two investigators to evaluate the severity of WMC. We analyzed the association between WMC and stroke recurrence after CAS by reviewing case histories and conducting telephone interviews, with a mean follow-up time of 28months. Results107 patients with an average age of 66years fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 70 were examined with CT and the remainder by MRI. In our cohort, 91.6% of the participants were male. There were 29 patients with diffuse WMC. In univariate analysis, patients with diffuse WMC had more contralateral occlusion than those with non-diffuse WMC. In patients with diffuse WMC, more stroke recurrences were observed compared with those with non-diffuse WMC (hazard ratio [HR] 3.516; 95% CI 1.176, 10.510, P=0.024). ConclusionsIn patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, diffuse WMC were a risk factor for stroke recurrences after CAS. Larger studies are warranted to confirm this finding and explore the potential clinical impact of WMC so as to better determine treatment strategies for patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.