Retrospective, single-center study between December 2006 and November 2018. There were 72 symptomatic patients refractory to medical management who were treated with a closed-cell, self-expandable carotid Wallstent (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Mass) of the origin of the vertebral artery. Overall technical success was 100%. Procedure-related complications occurred in 11% (eight) of patients: acute stent thrombosis (three), minor stroke (three), sudden asystole (one), and stent shortening (one). There were no permanent neurologic complications. In-stent stenosis (one) or stent shortening (two) occurred in 6% (3/49) of patients at a mean follow-up of 1 year. Recurrent symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency occurred in 5% (3/57) of patients. Endovascular treatment of symptomatic stenosis at the origin of the vertebral artery using the closed-cell, self-expandable carotid Wallstent is technically feasible and effective in alleviating patient symptoms.
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