Vertebral Artery Origin Stents Revisited

Safety and Efficacy of Rapamycin-Eluting Vertebral Stents in Patients With Symptomatic Extracranial Vertebral Artery Stenosis

Background and Purpose: Drug-eluting stents generally have superior performance to bare metal stents in the treatment of vertebral artery stenosis (VAS). This prospective, multicenter, and single-arm clinical trial was initiated to assess in-stent restenosis (ISR) and midterm outcome after rapamycin-eluting stent placement in patients with symptomatic extracranial VAS.

Methods: The subjects underwent angiographic follow-up at 6 months and final clinical follow-up at 12 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was ISR at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included technical success, target lesion-related transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, or death, and all-cause TIA, stroke, or death during the 12-month follow-up period.

Results: A total of 104 stents were implanted in the 101 patients and 83 patients (82.2%) completed angiographic follow-up at 6 months. The technical success rate was 86.1% (87/101); mean in-stent stenosis rate was 25.1 ± 17.1% and ISR rate was 5.9% (95% CI: 0.8–10.9%). All the patients with ISR were completely asymptomatic and no stent fractures were observed during angiographic follow-up. At the 12-month clinical follow-up, target lesion-related TIA, stroke, or death had occurred in two (2.0%) patients and all-cause TIA, stroke, or death had occurred in six (6.1%) patients.

Conclusion: The placement of rapamycin-eluting stents in patients with symptomatic extracranial VAS yields favorable ISR results and showed a trend of favorable safety outcomes including low rates of perioperative complications and late stroke. However, further study is needed to establish the long-term clinical benefits of this stent in the treatment of VA disease.

Intervention for symptomatic vertebrobasilar disease

Disease of the vertebral (VA) and basilar arteries (BA) can lead to stroke of the posterior circulation and may warrant management strategies which differ from the anterior circulation. The mechanism and location of the disease determine its natural history and therefore affect the relative risks and benefits of the possible treatment options. Vertebrobasilar (VB) atherosclerotic disease is a source of both hemodynamic and embolic posterior circulation stroke. Advances in medical therapy have decreased the rate of stroke after initial symptomatic presentation. Antiplatelet therapy, blood pressure control, and optimization of secondary risk factors can reduce recurrent stroke risk in both intracranial and extracranial VB disease. However, symptomatic intracranial disease is still associated with a high risk of subsequent stroke, particularly those with hemodynamic compromise who represent a higher risk population. Patients with hemodynamic impairment may benefit from judicious application of endovascular and microsurgical interventions to augment blood flow. Stenting, angioplasty alone, bypass surgery, and endarterectomy, represent endovascular and surgical tools available to address medically refractory VB disease. Apart from atherosclerotic disease, dissection is another etiology of VB stroke, most frequently affecting the extracranial VA. Treatment is predominantly antithrombotic therapy although surgical or endovascular intervention can be required in rare cases of persistent embolism or hemodynamic compromise. In contrast, extrinsic compromise of the VA represents a separate extracranial pathology and is best treated with mechanistically targeted surgeries or extracranial bypass.

Validation and comparison of drug eluting stent to bare metal stent for restenosis rates following vertebral artery ostium stenting: A single-center real-world study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

While drug-eluting stents (DES) have been widely applicated in coronary stenosis, uncertainty persists concerning the relative performance and clinical benefit in patients undergoing vertebral artery stenting when compared with a bare metal stent (BMS). We sought to compare in-stent restenosis (ISR) rates of DES and BMS in the treatment of vertebral artery ostium (VAO) stenosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study analyzed a single-center prospective cohort. Over 1.5-year period (January 2014-June 2015), 137 consecutive patients underwent VAO stenting involving deployment of 76 DES and 74 BMS. Patient demographics, comorbidities, stenosis severity, stent diameters and lengths, periprocedural complications, imaging and duplex ultrasonography follow-up and recurrent symptoms were assessed.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all patients. Mean VAO stenosis at presentation were 82.4 ± 7.2% in the DES group and 83.3 ± 7.5% in the BMS group and were reduced to 12.5 ± 4.5% and 11.3 ± 4.0%. Mean stent diameter was 3.53 ± 0.40 mm in DES and 5.05 ± 0.40 mm in BMS (p < 0.0001). Mean follow-up was 12.3 months for DES and 11.7 months for BMS. The use of DES was associated with significant lower ISR rates compared with BMS (18.4% vs. 31.1%; OR = 2.628, p = 0.021). Recurrent symptoms rates were similar in DES vs. BMS (2.6% vs 2.7%, p = 0.680). Stent type and stent diameter were independent risk factors for ISR (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest superior efficacy of deploying DES for the treatment of VAO stenosis with lower ISR rates as compared to BMS, but do not support significant differences in periprocedural risk and recurrent symptoms rate.

Endovascular treatment of the vertebral artery origin stenosis by using the closed-cell, self-expandable Carotid Wallstent

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment has been considered a good alternative to surgery for symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis (VAOS) due to the high risk of morbidity associated with surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of insertion of the closed-cell, self-expandable Carotid Wallstent for the treatment of VAOS.

METHODS

The records of 72 patients with VAOS refractory to adequate medication who were treated by endovascular treatment with the Carotid Wallstent from December 2006 to November 2018 were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 72 patients, 43 presented with transient ischemic attacks. Forty-seven patients (65.3%) manifested other brachiocephalic stenoses; of these, 40 patients had occlusion, hypoplasia, or stenosis of the contralateral vertebral artery. Overall technical success (defined as 20% or less residual stenosis) was 100%. Procedure-related complications (n = 8, 11.1%) included sudden asystole (n = 1), acute in-stent thrombosis (n = 3), minor stroke (n = 3), and stent shortening (n = 1). All complications were resolved without permanent neurological deficit. Angiographic follow-up (mean, 13.0 months) was achieved in 49 patients and revealed in-stent restenosis in 1 patient (2.0%) and stent malposition by shortening in 2 patients (4.1%). Follow-up records were available in 57 patients (mean 15.6 months). Three of the 57 patients (n = 3, 5.3%) had recurrent symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischemia and none was retreated.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment of symptomatic VAOS using the closed-cell, self-expandable Carotid Wallstent is technically feasible and effective in alleviating patient symptoms and for improving vertebrobasilar blood flow.

Incidence and Predictors of the In-stent Restenosis after Vertebral Artery Ostium Stenting

BACKGROUND

The incidence and predictors for in-stent restenosis (ISR) was not fully explored. We aim to investigate the incidence and predictors of ISR after stenting at the origin of vertebral artery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred and six patients with 229 stents implantation between July 1, 2005 and July 31, 2015 were included in the study. All patients underwent conventional clinical and angiographic (digital subtraction angiography) follow-up at around 6 months post procedure. ISR was defined as greater than 50% stenosis within or immediately (within 5 mm) adjacent to the stent. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were utilized to investigate the predictors for ISR.

RESULTS

The ISR was found in 30 patients (30/206, 14.6%) with 31 lesions (31/229, 13.5%) with the mean follow-up duration of 11.1-month (range: 3 - 92 months). Stent diameter (hazard ratio 0.504, 95% confidence interval 0.294 - 0.864) was an independent predictor for ISR.

CONCLUSION

ISR rate after Vertebral artery ostium stent placement is acceptable, which was conversely associated with the stent diameter.

Stent technology in ischemic stroke

Atherosclerotic disease of the cerebral vasculature is a major cause of stroke worldwide. Atherosclerosis that is refractory to best medical management may require revascularization. In these instances, endovascular treatment provides a popular and safe alternative to open surgical techniques. The authors provide an overview of stent technology in the treatment of ischemic stroke, discussing the major studies evaluating stenting for extracranial carotid artery, vertebral artery, and intracranial atherosclerotic disease. The authors describe the commonly used stents with respect to their individual characteristics and technical limitations. Current and future developments in stent technology are also discussed, with areas for further innovation and clinical research.

Radial Artery Bypass for Intractable Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency: Case Series and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency resulting from embolism, atherosclerosis, or arterial dissection has long been a challenge for successful management and outcomes. The main treatment options include medical therapy, angioplasty and stenting, and surgical revascularization. Unlike cardiac or peripheral vascular revascularization, large randomized trials with cerebrorevascularization have not revealed favorable outcomes. In patients who have failed maximal medical therapy, and having persistent debilitating symptomology, cerebral revascularization may still be a viable option.

METHODS

We report 3 patients who presented with symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischemia. The diagnosis was verified by computerized tomographic arteriography and digital subtraction angiography.

RESULTS

These patients subsequently underwent revascularization with a radial artery graft. We also present a comprehensive review of the literature of treatment for vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical revascularization should be considered in the posterior circulation in the rare subset of patients with VBI, who remain symptomatic despite having a protracted course of maximal medical therapy with large- and medium-sized vessel occlusions and poor collateral circulation.

Advances and Innovations in Revascularization of Extracranial Vertebral Artery

Revascularization of the extracranial vertebral artery has evolved significantly since the adoption of endovascular techniques. The current neurosurgical armamentarium includes microsurgical and endovascular approaches. The indications for each treatment modality, however, still need to be further delineated. In contrast to carotid artery endarterectomy and carotid artery angioplasty/stenting, there is limited comparative evidence on the efficacy of medical, open, and endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the extracranial vertebral artery. More recently, drug-eluting stents have gained momentum after high rates of in-stent restenosis have been reported with bare metal stents placed in the vertebral artery. In this article, we discuss the indications, clinical assessment, and surgical nuances of microsurgical and endovascular revascularization for atherosclerotic disease of the extracranial vertebral artery. Despite a general tendency to consider endovascular treatment in the majority of patients, ultimately, open and endovascular revascularization of extracranial vertebral artery should be regarded as complementary therapies and both treatment options need to be discussed in selected patients.

Multicenter study of safety in stenting for symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis: results from the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Research Consortium

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and efficacy of vertebral artery origin angioplasty and stenting for stroke prevention in a multicenter clinical experience.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis (VAOS) were gathered from the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Research Consortium. Demographic, clinical, and procedural data were collected. The main outcome measure was procedural and peri-procedural risks of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or death at 1 and 3 months. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess covariates associated with future restenosis.

RESULTS

A total of 148 patients were included with mean age of 66.2 ± 11.5; 74% men and 77% Caucasian. One patient (.8%) had a stroke at 1 month and 5 of 96 (5.2%) patients had TIA at 3 months. There were no immediate procedural events or deaths. The mean angiographic pre-treatment stenosis was 80.5 ± 12.7%, which was reduced to 5.3 ± 9.1% after stent deployment. Follow-up angiography showed 15.5% of patients had significant restenosis (≥50%). Predictors of restenosis included age (OR 3.08; 95% CI 1.01, 9.41) and smoking (OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.12, 8.64).

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular intervention of VAOS is associated with low peri-procedural complication rates. Restenosis remains a concern; age and smoking predicted future restenosis.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in patients with proximal vertebral artery stenosis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the proximal vertebral artery is an important cause of cerebrovascular ischemic events with a significant associated morbidity and mortality. Endovascular treatment has emerged as a promising tool of the therapeutic armamentarium, along with medical therapy and surgical reconstruction. Our objective was to systemically review the pertinent evidence on the endovascular management of proximal vertebral artery disease and perform an analysis of the published outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature identified all studies reporting percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or stenting, or both, for proximal vertebral artery stenosis. Web-based search engines were searched using the Medical Subject Headings terms "vertebral artery," "angioplasty," and "stents" in all possible combinations. Studies comprising a series of at least five patients were considered for analysis. Periprocedural transient ischemic attack and stroke and death from any cause ≤30 days of treatment were defined as the primary outcome end points.

RESULTS

One randomized controlled trial comparing angioplasty and stenting of the proximal vertebral artery and medical therapy was identified. No comparative studies of endovascular treatment and open surgical repair were found. Forty-two selected studies reported endovascular treatment (angioplasty or stenting, or both) of 1117 vertebral arteries in 1099 patients. The weighted mean technical success rate was 97% (range, 36%-100%). Periprocedural transient ischemic attack occurred in 17 patients (1.5%). The combined stroke and death rate was 1.1%. Recurrent symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency developed in 65 of 967 patients (8%) within a reported follow-up of 6 to 54 months. Restenosis developed in 183 of 789 patients (23%) who underwent follow-up imaging (range, 0%-58%). Reintervention for recurrent disease during follow-up occurred in 86 patients (9%; range, 0%-35%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited comparative evidence on the efficacy of medical, surgical, and endovascular treatment of proximal vertebral artery disease. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting has low periprocedural neurologic adverse events and mortality.

Vertebral artery orifice stenosis: a report of 43 cases from northwest iran treated with angioplasty and stenting

More than one quarter of all transient ischemic attacks (TIA's) and ischemic strokes involve tissue supplied by the vertebrobasilar (VB) circulation. Vertebral artery stenotic lesion, particularly at the origin of the vertebral artery, is not uncommon but it is a less studied area. Here we present our endovascular treatment experience in a group of patients with vertebral artery orifice stenosis. We enrolled a group of patients with vertebral artery orifice stenosis who presented with confirmed posterior circulation stroke. Vertebrobasilar insufficiency syndrome was confirmed by imaging studies and clinical findings. Vertebral artery stenosis diagnosed by CT or MR Angiography and confirmed by Conventional and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Angiography was performed by using of femoral or radial artery approach. From October 2008 to January 2010, forty-three consecutive patients (69.8% men) underwent stent placement for symptomatic vertebral artery orifice stenosis. Mean degree of stenosis was 70.45 +/- 7.455 percent and mean age was 71.65 +/- 7.743 years . In the 22 patients (22/43, 51.16%) stenosis were in left side. In the thirty patients (30/43, 69.6%) there was evidence of atherosclerotic disease in the internal carotid artery and in the 23% contra lateral vertebral artery was involved. There were five different cases with left renal artery stenosis especially in the men with left vertebral artery stenosis. Initial technical success rate was 100%. No cerebrovascular complications or embolic events occurred. Six months control angiography follow-up revealed one patient with stent occlusion and moderate (40%) restenosis in the another patient. According to our finding angioplasty and stenting for vertebral artery orifice stenosis is safe and effective. Patients with vertebral artery orifice disease frequently have coexistent atherosclerotic stenosis in the other major extracranial arteries including carotid and renal arteries.

Treatment of vertebral artery origin stenosis with a Pharos stent device: a single center experience

Atherosclerotic stenosis of vertebral artery (VA) origin exceeding 70% severity accounts for one third of all vertebrobasilar strokes. For a period of one year the results of endovascular treatment of VA stenosis with the new Pharos stent device were assessed.Twenty-two patients with symptomatic VA stenosis were treated with the Pharos stent. Clinical status and stenosis grade were documented before treatment and 24 hours, one, three and twelve months after treatment via ultrasound and magnetic resonance tomography.All procedures proved to be technically successful without the occurrence of intra-procedural complications. During the observation period of more than one year, 55% of patients were documented with a mean stenosis degree of 60%: two (10%) of these patients showed a residual stenosis after angioplasty and nine patients (45%) an in-stent restenosis, whereas only two patients were documented with a hemodynamically relevant in-stent restenosis of 80%. These two patients were retreated with balloon dilatation. None of the patients showed neurological deterioration or new abnormalities at magnetic resonance tomography examination. Neither VA occlusion nor restenosis of the contralateral VA negatively affected the clinical outcome. An in-stent restenosis was developed by more female than male patients.VA origin stenting with the Pharos stent device is an effective treatment of stenosis. The good clinical results compared to the high restenosis rates have to be examined in further studies. Pin particular, it has to be determined whether the Pharos stent allows the vessel time for collateralization, whether double antiplatelet treatment prevents recurrent cerebrovascular events or whether merely the low restenosis degree is causative for the clinical outcome.