Intensive treatment of hypertension decreases the risk of hyperperfusion and intracerebral hemorrhage following carotid artery stenting.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of a comprehensive blood pressure (BP) management protocol in reducing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) following carotid artery stenting (CAS). BACKGROUND: Following CAS hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Hypertension plays an essential role in its development. METHODS: We instituted a comprehensive BP protocol following the last case of ICH complicating a CAS procedure. All patients received comprehensive monitoring of BP and treatment to a BP < 140/90 mm Hg; those with a treated stenosis >or=90%, contralateral stenosis >or=80%, and hypertension (i.e., risk factors for HPS) were treated to a BP < 120/80 mm Hg. Patients who developed HPS received parenteral beta-blockers or nitrates titrated to resolution of symptoms and discharged when asymptomatic and normotensive. Patients and families were instructed to measure BP twice daily for 2 weeks and to call if hypertension or headache developed. RESULTS: A total of 836 patients had CAS, 266 prior to the comprehensive BP management program and 570 subsequently. The incidence of HPS/ICH was 5/266 (1.9%) patients prior to comprehensive BP management and 3/570 (0.5%) patients afterwards, P = 0.12. The incidence of ICH was 3/266 (1.1%) and 0/570, respectively, P = 0.032. In high-risk patients both HPS and ICH were significantly reduced from 29.4 to 4.2% (P = 0.006) and 17.6-0% (P = 0.006), respectively. There were no complications attributable to the comprehensive program and lengths of hospitalization were similar (2.6 vs. 2.1 days, P = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive management of arterial hypertension can lower the incidence of ICH and HPS in high-risk patients following CAS, without additional complications or prolonged hospitalizations.     

TCD evaluation before and after stenting in patients with severe primary carotid artery stenosis versus restenosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate cerebral hemodynamics before and after carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) using transcranial Doppler (TCD). METHODS: Sixty-eight patients (52 men; mean age 69+/-9.5 years) with severe carotid stenosis (83.4%+/-10.2%) were examined by TCD before and 2 months after CAS. Thirty-two (47%) patients had primary carotid stenosis and 36 (53%) had restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). A broad TCD protocol was employed to estimate cerebral hemodynamics, including assessment of velocities (V) and asymmetry of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in the middle cerebral artery, (MCA) anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and basilar artery (BA); the pulsatility indexes; and flow acceleration. RESULTS: Ipsilateral MCA mean velocities before stenting were 46.3+/-12.6 cm/s in the primary stenosis group and 47.1+/-12.3 cm/s in restenosis group; after stenting, the velocities were 53.8+/-12.1 and 52.7+/-9.6 cm/s, respectively (p<0.005 for both groups). MCA asymmetry by Vmean before CAS was higher in the primary stenosis group (27.6%+/-2.4% versus 19.8%+/-2.3%, p<0.05). After stenting, this index was significantly lower in both groups: 16.4%+/-2.4% and 12.3%+/-2.3%, respectively (p<0.0001 for each group). All other TCD parameters improved significantly in both groups after CAS as well (p<0.05), showing the strong hemodynamic effect of this procedure. CONCLUSION: CAS effectively improves cerebral hemodynamics in patients with severe primary and restenosis of the internal carotid artery.     

颈动脉支架置入术后过度灌注综合征的危险因素分析

目的探讨颈动脉支架置入术(CAS)后发生过度灌注综合征(CHS)的危险因素。方法纳入419例患者的临床资料,其中48例同时行双侧CAS,共计行467次CAS。根据是否发生CHS分为CHS组15例和无CHS组404例。采用分层分析法分析术后发生CHS的危险因素。结果与无CHS组比较,CHS组糖尿病、术后高血压比例明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。单因素分析显示,术前糖尿病、术后高血压与CHS相关(P<0.05)。经分层分析显示,术前糖尿病(OR=3.168,95%CI:1.008～9.222,P=0.025)及术后高血压(OR=5.033,95%CI:1.733～14.646,P=0.001)为术后发生CHS的主要危险因素。结论 CAS术前糖尿病及术后伴高血压的患者更容易出现CHS。临床上对于术前有糖尿病史及术后出现高血压的CAS患者必须加以重视,尽早发现和处理CHS。     

Technik der Karotis-PTA

Over the past 25 years carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Most of all younger patients and symptomatic patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion particularly benefit from CAS. To achieve an optimal result with CAS, patient selection and even more important, knowledge and experience of the interventionist is crucial. The periprocedural complication rate of CAS in large experienced centers is lower (2–3%) than those in randomized trials. Several different devices are now available which allow the procedure to be tailored according to patient anatomy and lesion complexity. Complications like hyperperfusion syndrome and intracerebral bleeding, rupture of side branches of the external or internal carotid artery as well as problems caused by slow flow can be widely avoided by adequate experience.     

Outcomes following extracranial carotid artery stenting in high-risk patients

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting has become a viable alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA), especially for patients considered at high risk for post-operative complications. This study investigated the feasibility, safety and long-term outcome of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in high-risk patients. METHODS: From July 1995 to November 2000, sixty-two consecutive patients considered to be at high risk for post-operative complications of CEA were followed prospectively after undergoing extracranial CAS procedures. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients [37 men (60%) and 25 women (40%)] underwent a total of 69 CAS procedures. The mean age was 67 +/- 9 years (range, 32-89 years). Comorbid conditions included hypertension in 95% and severe coronary artery disease in 58%. Sixteen patients (26%) had a previous ipsilateral CEA, twenty-one percent had a history of neck radiation and 32% had a history of significant contralateral carotid artery disease. Fifty-two patients (84%) were symptomatic. All 69 CAS procedures were technically successful. The major post-operative complications were two minor strokes (2.8%), one major stroke (1.4%) and one fatal major stroke (1.4%). The mean length of follow-up was 17 months (range, 4 months to 5.6 years). Two patients (2.8%) have suffered ipsilateral neurologic events following CAS. Long-term follow-up revealed restenosis at 6 months in 4 patients (5.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting is safe and feasible. This procedure produces satisfactory outcomes in patients who are at high risk for post-operative complications of CEA.     

Bilateral carotid angioplasty and stenting.

Bilateral carotid stenosis is generally treated by staged stenting procedure and rarely simultaneously due to concerns about hemodynamic impairment from stimulation of the carotid sinus baroreflex (severe bradycardia, hypotension) and the risk of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome. Most of the accounts of bilateral carotid stenting are of small series. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of simultaneous bilateral carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) in comparison with staged procedure. We retrospectively analyzed the procedural outcome and complications of bilateral CAS done between February 1995 and June 2004 in a consecutive series of 57 high-risk patients. Mean age was 64 +/- 9 years (male, 43; female 14). One hundred fifteen arteries were treated (one patient had bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis associated to an ostial common carotid artery stenosis). Thirty-nine patients were symptomatic (70%). Thirty-six patients had severe coronary artery disease. Seventeen patients underwent a simultaneous bilateral CAS (group 1), 40 in a staged manner (group 2). Among these 40 patients 10 were treated with a time interval of 24 hr, while the 30 other ones were treated with a time interval of 2 days to 2 months. A neuroprotection device was used in the last 42 patients. There was technical success in all patients and transient bradycardia and/or hypotension in 25 patients (44%). There was no prolonged bradycardia or hypotension. At 30 days, we observed in group 1 (simultaneous bilateral CAS) no transient ischemic attack (TIA), no minor stroke, one (5.8%) major stroke (hyperperfusion syndrome with brain hemorrhage leading to death in a patient under IIb/IIIa inhibitors), one myocardial infarction leading to death, and two (11.7%) death/stroke/myocardial infarction; in group 2 (staged procedure), two (5%) TIAs, no minor stroke, no major stroke, and one (2.5%) hyperperfusion syndrome with rapid recovery. Among the 10 patients treated with a time interval of 24 hr, we observed one TIA. Among carefully selected patients, bilateral CAS is feasible simultaneously or the day after, with a safety and complication rate comparable to that of large published series of CAS or endarterectomies in high-risk patients. Nevertheless, careful monitoring of the patient, blood pressure, and heart rate is mandatory to avoid complications related to hyperperfusion syndrome. Routine use of neuroprotection device and meticulous technique should improve the outcomes of bilateral CAS.     

Percutaneous internal carotid artery angioplasty with stenting: early and long-term results

BACKGROUND. Cerebro-vascular accidents are the third most common cause of death. The most frequent localisation of lesions responsible for stroke are bifurcation of the common carotid artery or the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA). Surgical carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are the non-pharmacological methods used to treat carotid artery stenosis. AIM. To assess the efficacy and safety of CAS of ICA. METHODS. CAS was performed in 75 patients (49 males, 26 females) with a mean age of 65.2+/-9.1 years. Twenty (26.7%) patients underwent CAS with the use of the central nervous system (CNS) protective devices. The immediate, mid-term, and long-term results were analysed. RESULTS. In total, 84 stents were implanted to 80 ICA in 73 patients. In two patients stent implantation was not possible. In 7 (9%) patients with a stenosis of both ICA, a bilateral procedure was performed. In two patients concomitant dilatations of the vertebral artery, and in the other two - of subclavian artery, were performed. In 38 patients coronary angiography was performed directly before CAS; one patient underwent coronary angioplasty. In 20 patients protective CNS devices were used. During the procedure four patients developed ischaemic stroke on the side of CAS. In one patient neurological symptoms completely disappeared within 48 hours. The type of technique used during CAS did not influence the frequency of ischaemic complications. Four patients developed hyperperfusion syndrome which disappeared after a few days. There were fire deaths during follow-up: three due to myocardial infarction (MI), one - after urgent CABG, and one due to pulmonary embolism. There were no deaths due to stroke. No new ischaemic changes in CNS nor significant changes in the neurological status, using the UNSS or Barthel scales, were observed. Asymptomatic restenosis was documented in six patients whereas one patient developed symptomatic restenosis due to stent deformation. CONCLUSIONS. Percutaneous angioplasty of an internal carotid artery carries a risk not exceeding that of surgical endarterectomy. In our study, a one-year follow-up revealed a minor risk of ischaemic stroke. Percutaneous angioplasty with the use of protective devices should be tested in larger groups of patients in order to establish the real clinical usefulness and improved safety of this technique.     

颈动脉狭窄血管重建术后过度灌注综合征

随着颈动脉狭窄血管重建术 (包括颈动脉内膜切除术、颈动脉成形术和支架置入术 )的开展 ,术后过度灌注综合征已引起广泛重视。对于其发生机制、临床监测和治疗方法等问题尚在研究探索中。     

Carotid artery stenting with filter protection in high-risk patients showing severe electroencephalographic alterations during carotid endarterectomy.

PURPOSE: To describe the results and efficacy of stent treatment in patients with carotid stenosis who had aborted carotid endarterectomy procedures due to the appearance of severe electroencephalographic (EEG) alterations. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 18 patients (11 men; mean age 72 years, range 62-84) with symptomatic high-grade carotid artery stenoses (> or = 70%) who experienced severe EEG alterations during carotid endarterectomy, causing the procedure to be aborted. Twelve patients had shown no hemodynamic alterations during preoperative transcranial Doppler evaluation after external compression of the common carotid artery; the remaining 6 could not be evaluated. The patients were referred for carotid artery stenting (CAS); 7 had contralateral internal carotid artery stenosis and 5 had contralateral occlusion. Endovascular intervention was carried out using standard techniques under filter protection. Follow-up was scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: All patients were successfully treated without immediate complications. The EEG did not display any significant alterations during the endovascular procedure. Mean follow-up was 43 months. Magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months showed no signs of cerebral ischemia. Color Doppler ultrasound imaging documented normal stent patency in all patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with symptomatic severe carotid stenosis (> or = 70%) who are considered at risk due to the appearance of severe EEG alterations during surgical treatment may benefit from CAS with respect to both major and minor complications. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.     

Intracranial hemorrhage after carotid angioplasty: a pooled analysis.

PURPOSE: To use a pooled analysis of the literature to find the incidence of and characteristics common to intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) associated with carotid artery stenting (CAS). METHODS: A search of the English-language literature (1996-2005) was performed in PubMed to find cases of CAS-associated ICH. Information was derived from the identified case studies in 5 categories and 19 aspects: (1) incidence of CAS-associated ICH; (2) demographic data (sex, age, symptom presentation, and presence of preexisting hypertension); (3) imaging data (side of lesion, degree of maximal stenosis, lesion location, status of the contralateral carotid artery, collateral circulation, and preprocedural imaging features); 4) procedure-related characteristics (antithrombotic medication, use of cerebral protection devices, residual stenosis, symptoms, interval from the procedure to ICH, type of ICH, and blood pressure changes); and (5) clinical outcome. RESULTS: Fifty-four cases of CAS-associated ICH were reviewed: 51 cases from 36 published articles and our own 3 cases. The incidence of CAS-associated ICH was 0.63% (95% CI 0.38% to 0.97%) in studies consisting of >100 cases, which was significantly lower (p<0.0001) than that of case series consisting of <100 cases (2.69%, 95% CI 1.75% to 3.94%). Distinctive features included symptomatic lesions, severe stenosis (> or =90%), maximal stenosis in the internal carotid artery (ICA) distal to the bifurcation, and preexisting cerebral infarction. CONCLUSION: The incidence of CAS-associated ICH was significantly lower in series consisting of >100 cases. More caution should be directed toward patients with symptomatic lesions, severe stenosis, maximal ICA stenosis distal to the carotid bifurcation, and preexisting cerebral infarction.     

Early recognition of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid stenting--a case report

The hyperperfusion syndrome is a recognized complication of carotid endarterectomy. Reports of cerebral hyperperfusion injury following internal carotid artery angioplasty and stenting are few We report a case of 76-year-old hypertensive man who was admitted to our hospital for assessment 2 years after experiencing an ischemic stroke of right hemisphere. Angiography confirmed 60% stenosis of left internal carotid artery (ICA). Percutaneous transluminal stenting of left internal carotid artery was performed without any immediate complications. Two hours after the procedure, the patient suddenly deteriorated. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain revealed extensive intracerebral hemorrhage and he died 5 days later. There was precipitating migranous headache, and his blood pressure was moderately elevated at the time of deterioration. Sentinel headache could solely indicate the early sign of hyperperfusion injury after carotid stenting, especially in the presence of arterial hypertension. Patients with sentinel headache after angioplasty should be recognized early and they deserve intensive study for other features of cerebral hyperperfusion injury and prompt early management.     

Transcervical approach with protective flow reversal for carotid angioplasty and stenting.

PURPOSE: To report our initial experience using a transcervical approach for carotid angioplasty/stenting (CAS) that employs internal carotid artery (ICA) flow reversal for neuroprotection. METHODS: Seventeen patients (15 men; mean age 65 years, range 49-77) with significant carotid stenosis (mean 88%, 8 symptomatic) were treated with protected transcervical CAS. Eleven patients were considered at high risk for carotid endarterectomy; 8 were also considered high risk for transfemoral access (unfavorable aortic arch anatomy or advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease). Anesthesia was based on patient and anesthesiologist preferences. The approach consisted of a 2-cm cutdown over the common carotid artery and placement of a 9-F sheath. ICA flow was reversed and shunted into the jugular vein during the carotid intervention. RESULTS: Access and carotid stenting were successful in all cases. Thirteen procedures were performed under general and 4 under local anesthesia. Mean flow reversal time was 34+/-4 minutes (25 minutes in the last 7 cases). The patients tolerated the procedure well and had no neurological events. Four (23%) patients had significant oozing from the operative site; 2 developed small neck hematomas that were treated conservatively. All patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. There were no deaths, changes in neurological status, or restenosis over a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 1-24). CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience demonstrates that a transcervical approach is a viable alternative for CAS. The procedure can be performed safely, with good initial clinical outcomes. The approach allows carotid flow reversal and emboli protection without introducing neuroprotection devices. The method appears best suited for patients at high risk for endarterectomy and transfemoral access.     

Assessment of flow changes in the circle of Willis after stenting for severe internal carotid artery stenosis.

PURPOSE: To assess flow velocities in the cerebral arteries after carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with unilateral versus bilateral lesions and analyze velocities in patients with neurological complications after CAS. METHODS: Ninety-two patients (68 men; mean age 63.2 +/- 8.4 years, range 44-82) with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenoses were divided according to unilateral (group I, n = 72) or bilateral (group II, n = 20) disease. Fifty age- and gender-matched patients without lesions in the extra- or intracranial arteries served as a control group. Transcranial color-coded Doppler ultrasound was performed prior to and within 24 hours after CAS in the test groups; systolic velocities were assessed ipsilateral (i) and contralateral (c) to the CAS site in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA). RESULTS: Collateral flow via the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) was found in all group-II patients and 90% of group-I patients. After CAS, collateral flow through the ACoA ceased, and the velocity increased by 26% in the iMCA in group I compared to controls (p < 0.001). In group II, iMCA flow increased by 30% (p < 0.001) and flow via the ACoA (p < 0.001) increased, resulting in normalization of cMCA velocities (p = 0.928). In 89 (96.7%) subjects, CAS was uncomplicated. Hyperperfusion syndrome occurred in 2 (2.2%) patients, both with bilateral ICA stenoses; 1 (1.1%) transient ischemic attack was seen in a patient with unilateral disease. In the patients with hyperperfusion syndrome, the MCA velocities were 2.7- and 7.4-fold higher, respectively, versus before CAS and 2-fold higher than in controls. CONCLUSION: Uncomplicated CAS results in an iMCA velocity increase >25% compared to controls. MCA velocities in hyperperfusion syndrome were greatly increased versus before CAS and in controls.     

Virtual histology intravascular ultrasound assessment of carotid artery disease: the Carotid Artery Plaque Virtual Histology Evaluation (CAPITAL) study.

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of virtual histology intravascular ultrasound imaging (VH IVUS) of carotid plaque and to assess the feasibility of VH IVUS to identify plaque with embolic potential in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). METHODS: Thirty patients (17 men; mean age 74+/-7 years) were entered nonrandomly into a single-center, prospective, 2-arm study following FDA and Institutional Review Board approval. In one arm, 15 patients underwent VH IVUS examination of carotid plaque with a cerebral protection device immediately followed by carotid endarterectomy (CEA). A comparison of "virtual" with true histology was then performed, classifying plaque type by VH IVUS and histopathology in a blinded study. In the second arm, 15 patients undergoing CAS had a preliminary VH IVUS scan performed with cerebral protection. Debris collected from the filter following stenting was examined histologically and compared with the VH IVUS data. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of VH IVUS to agree with true histology in different carotid plaque types was 99.4% in thin-cap fibroatheroma, 96.1% for calcified thin-cap fibroatheroma, 85.9% in fibroatheroma, 85.5% for fibrocalcific, 83.4% in pathological intimal thickening, and 72.4% for calcified fibroatheroma. Filter debris was captured in 2 patients prior to CEA and in 4 patients undergoing CAS for restenosis; VH IVUS classification of plaque composition was consistent with the histological evaluation of filter fragments. Calcified nodules projecting into the carotid artery lumen were associated with a higher incidence of previous neurological symptoms (66.7% versus 33.3%, p<0.05), while patients on aspirin has significantly less necrotic lipid core plaque detected by VH IVUS than patients not taking aspirin (6.4%+/-4.7% versus 9.7%+/-2.8%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed a strong correlation between VH IVUS plaque characterization and the true histological examination of the plaque following endarterectomy, particularly in "vulnerable" plaque types. The feasibility study to examine VH IVUS data and the filter debris histology in CAS patients supports a larger prospective study.     

Cerebrovascular resistance and blood flow velocity changes after carotid endarterectomy

BACKGROUND: To study the pattern of cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebral resistance changes after carotid endarterectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 81 patients (mean age +/- SD, 64 +/- 8 years) with unilateral carotid endarterectomy (CEA) the systolic, diastolic and mean blood velocities, and the pulsatility index (PI) were recorded in both middle cerebral arteries preoperatively and repetitively postoperatively with the use of transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). RESULTS: In the middle cerebral artery ipsilateral to CEA mean blood velocity was increased 6 hours (64 +/- 25 cm/sec; p < 0.005) and 7 days (54 +/- 15 cm/sec; p < 0.05) after CEA and had returned to the preoperative level (49 +/- 11 cm/sec) after 3 months. Compared to preoperatively (0.86 +/- 22), the PI was significantly increased at 6 hours examination (1.03 +/- 23, p < 0.005), and remained increased thereafter. A pathologically increased mean blood velocity (> 83 cm/sec) 6 hours after CEA occurred in 11 patients, two of them developed a slight hyperperfusion syndrome. In the contralateral middle cerebral artery, only the diastolic blood velocity showed significant changes (preoperatively, 35 +/- 12 cm/sec; 3 months after CEA, 33 +/- 8 cm/sec; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using TCD, hemodynamic changes occur predominantly in the middle cerebral arteries ipsilateral to CEA. Early postoperative TCD studies may be of help to identify patients at risk to develop a hyperperfusion syndrome.     

Hyperperfusionssyndrom nach Karotisstentangioplastie bei einem 77-jährigen Patienten

Cerebral hyperperfusion following carotid artery stenting represents a rare neurological complication. It is characterized by ipsilateral headache, focal neurological symptoms, seizures and intracerebral oedema or haemorrhaging. Restriction of the intracerebral perfusion caused by high grade ipsilateral and/or contralateral carotid stenosis, previous contralateral carotid revascularization and preinterventional, peri-interventional and postinterventional hypertension are regarded to be risk factors. Cranial computed tomography (CT) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might show normal findings for hyperperfusion syndrome. The most important aspects of prophylaxis and treatment are controlling the hypertension in a specialized intensive care unit.     

Carotid artery stenting in asymptomatic and surgically high-risk patients: single-centre, single-operator results

BACKGROUND:

Stroke represents the third leading cause of death in developed countries and the leading cause of disability in the elderly. Because asymptomatic, surgically high-risk patients have been systematically excluded from randomized trials of carotid endarterectomy and medical therapy, the management of this group of patients is still controversial. A single-centre, single-operator registry was analyzed to evaluate feasibility and safety of carotid artery stenting (CAS) with distal protection devices in consecutive, asymptomatic, surgically high-risk patients who were scheduled for endovascular treatment of significant carotid stenoses.

METHODS:

A total of 122 consecutive, surgically high-risk, asymptomatic patients (150 carotid arteries, 59% men, mean [± SD] age 69±9 years) with severe carotid stenosis and one or more high-risk features for carotid endarterectomy were scheduled for CAS. All procedures were performed in a single centre by a single operator. All patients were prospectively asked to undergo a clinical 30-day follow-up.

RESULTS:

A total of 154 stents were implanted in 150 carotid arteries. The primary success rate was 98.7%. The rates of stenosis before and after direct CAS were 81%±9% and 10%±13%, respectively. The median of fluoroscopic time of direct CAS was 6 min (range 2.5 min to 31.5 min). At 30 days, data were available in all patients. The combined 30-day mortality and stroke rate was 1.3%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Short-term outcomes of CAS in asymptomatic, surgically high-risk patients treated by a single operator suggest a low periprocedural complication rate.     

Can the diameter of endoluminal shunt influence the risk of hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid endarterectomy?

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate if there is a possible relation between the size of endoluminal shunt, in carotid endarterectomy (CEA), and the risk of postoperative hyperperfusion syndrome. METHODS: We retrospectively studied prospectively collected data from 156 patients, who were subjected to CEA using shunting and vein patch angioplasty. One hundred and thirty-eight of the patients had bilateral, high grade (> or = 90%) internal carotid lesions and the remaining 18 had a high-grade stenosis (> or = 90%) and a contralateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. In 81 patients varying diameters of shunts were used (8-14 Fr) according to the diameter of ICA (group A) and in the other 75 patients (group B) only the smallest shunt was used (8 Fr). Development of hyperperfusion syndrome was evaluated both clinically and radiologically with magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Fifteen patients developed hyperperfusion syndrome (9.6%), between 0 to 6 days postoperatively. Thirteen belonged to group A (86.6%), and 2 (13.3%) belonged to group B (P<0.05). One had an intracerebral hemorrhage (0.6% of the study group) the 3rd postsurgical day. CONCLUSIONS: During CEA in patients with high-grade bilateral lesions, we recommend the use of a shunt with small diameter: this aims at reducing the risk of hyperperfusion syndrome.     

Indications and Applications for Extracranial Carotid Artery Stent Placement

Treatment of high-grade symptomatic carotid stenosis via carotid endarterectomy has been shown to be superior to medical management alone in several studies. Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has emerged as an alternative approach to endarterectomy to reduce the associated perioperative risks. Several anatomic and physiologic factors that increase the risk of stroke and/or death associated with endarterectomy have been identified. The alternative approach of CAS has been found to be noninferior to endarterectomy for high surgical risk patients with severe symptomatic carotid stenosis and the use of this procedure is supported by the current widely accepted guidelines. In patients with standard surgical risk, the differential benefit of CAS compared with endarterectomy is not clear. Several advantages of CAS have been identified in previous studies in selected patients. The results of CAS will undoubtedly continue to improve with advances in device designs, technological expertise, and appropriate patient selection.     

颈动脉内膜剥脱术和支架成形术治疗颈动脉狭窄的临床研究

目的探讨颈动脉内膜剥脱术(CEA)和颈动脉支架成形术(CAS)治疗颈动脉狭窄的临床价值。方法选择颈动脉狭窄患者43例,分为CEA组20例和CAS组23例,分析比较CEA和CAS 2种治疗方法的疗效。结果 CEA组成功率为95%,术后随访2年,再狭窄率为10%;CAS组成功率为100%,术后随访2年,发生再狭窄率为13%,2组的手术成功率和术后再狭窄率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 CEA和CAS是治疗颈动脉狭窄的有效方法,两者在安全性和有效性方面相同。