Clinical Outcomes of Second- versus First-Generation Carotid Stents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Single-cohort studies suggest that second-generation stents (SGS; “mesh stents”) may improve carotid artery stenting (CAS) outcomes by limiting peri- and postprocedural cerebral embolism. SGS differ in the stent frame construction, mesh material, and design, as well as in mesh-to-frame position (inside/outside). Objectives: To compare clinical outcomes of SGS in relation to first-generation stents (FGSs; single-layer) in CAS. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies with FGSs and SGS (PRISMA methodology, 3302 records). Endpoints were 30-day death, stroke, myocardial infarction (DSM), and 12-month ipsilateral stroke (IS) and restenosis (ISR). A random-effect model was applied. Results: Data of 68,422 patients from 112 eligible studies (68.2% men, 44.9% symptomatic) were meta-analyzed. Thirty-day DSM was 1.30% vs. 4.11% (p < 0.01, data for SGS vs. FGS). Among SGS, both Casper/Roadsaver and CGuard reduced 30-day DSM (by 2.78 and 3.03 absolute percent, p = 0.02 and p < 0.001), whereas the Gore stent was neutral. SGSs significantly improved outcomes compared with closed-cell FGS (30-day stroke 0.6% vs. 2.32%, p = 0.014; DSM 1.3% vs. 3.15%, p < 0.01). At 12 months, in relation to FGS, Casper/Roadsaver reduced IS (−3.25%, p < 0.05) but increased ISR (+3.19%, p = 0.04), CGuard showed a reduction in both IS and ISR (−3.13%, −3.63%; p = 0.01, p < 0.01), whereas the Gore stent was neutral. Conclusions: Pooled SGS use was associated with improved short- and long-term clinical results of CAS. Individual SGS types, however, differed significantly in their outcomes, indicating a lack of a “mesh stent” class effect. Findings from this meta-analysis may provide clinically relevant information in anticipation of large-scale randomized trials.

Impact of chronic kidney disease in patients undergoing percutaneous or surgical carotid artery revascularization: Insights of the healthcare cost and utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid artery endarterectomy (CEA) are complementary techniques for management of patients with carotid artery stenosis. This study investigates the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and age on outcomes after carotid artery revascularization.

METHODS/MATERIALS

National Inpatient Sample was surveyed for CAS and CEA among stage 3 and 4 CKD and stage 5/end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients from 2004 to 2012. Primary endpoint was in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) stratified by kidney function and age. Regression analysis and propensity score matching were utilized.

RESULTS

There were 3299 patients that underwent CEA and 652 underwent CAS with stage 3 and 4 CKD. Whereas, 1630 patients underwent CEA and 511 patients underwent CAS with stage 5 CKD/ESRD. Patients undergoing CAS had more in-hospital MACCE. Coronary artery disease (OR1.35, 95%CI:1.07-1.70) and CAS (OR1.35, 95%CI:1.02-1.77) were independently associated with MACCE for stage 3 and 4 CKD patients. For the stage 5 CKD/ESRD cohort, CAS (OR1.75, 95%CI:1.29-2.37) was independently associated with MACCE. Stratifying by age, showed no difference in event rates except for higher MACCE among patients <60years old with stage 5 CKD/ESRD undergoing CAS (p<0.001). Propensity score matching showed that treatment type had no significant effect on MACCE rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Among CKD cohorts studied nationally, in-hospital MACCE were higher for patients that underwent CAS. Overall, age group analyses showed that there was no difference in MACCE rates between CAS and CEA. Although CAS was independently associated with MACCE, propensity score matching showed no risk difference of MACCE between CAS and CEA for either CKD cohort.

Factors Determining Periprocedural and Long-term Complications of High Risk Carotid Artery Stenting

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been, historically, an alternative to open endarterectomy (CEA) for stroke prevention in high risk patients with carotid atherosclerosis. We sought to determine the rates of periprocedural and long-term stroke or death and the risk factors for complications after CAS in our high risk patient population.

METHODS

Clinical and treatment variables of consecutive CAS procedures performed between 2002 and 2011 were analyzed. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses we examined how patient characteristics influenced outcomes and changes in modified Rankin Score (mRS).

RESULTS

In 152 patients, the composite total of periprocedural death, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and myocardial infarction (MI) rate was 3.95% (6/152). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was strongly associated with periprocedural complications (p<0.001). Coronary artery disease/peripheral vascular disease (CAD/PVD) (p=0.03), dyslipidemia (p=0.02), CKD (p=0.01), and contralateral internal carotid artery stenosis (p=0.02) were non-modifiable risk factors for mRS increase. There were 25 deaths, 8 strokes, 11 TIAs, and 1 MI (mean follow-up 38.4 months, range 0-116 months). The presence of CAD/PVD (p=0.009) and dyslipidemia (p=0.002) were significantly associated with long-term complications.

CONCLUSION

CAS was performed with low periprocedural complications in high-risk patients. Our rates compare very favorably to large-scale trials that have ideal patients. This data encourages the consideration of CAS in patients considered high risk for CEA and provides possible patient characteristics (CKD) to help with periprocedural risk stratification.