Intracranial Stent Placement for Recanalization of Acute Cerebral Artery Occlusion

To retrospectively evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of intracranial artery recanalization for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) using a self-expandable stent. All patients treated with an intracranial stent for acute cerebral artery occlusion were included. Treatment comprised intraarterial thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty and stent placement. Recanalization result was assessed by follow-up angiography immediately after stent placement. Complications related to the procedure and outcome at 3 months were assessed. Twelve patients (median NIHSS 14, mean age 63 years) were treated with intracranial stents for AIS. Occlusions were located in the posterior vertebrobasilar circulation (n=6) and in the anterior circulation (n=6). Stent placement was feasible in all procedures and resulted in partial or complete recanalization (TIMI 2/3) in 92%. No vessel perforations, subarachnoid, or symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages occurred. Three patients (25%) had a good outcome (mRS 0 to 2), 3 (25%) a moderate outcome (mRS 3), and 6 (50%) a poor outcome (mRS 4 to 6). Mortality was 33.3%. Intracranial stent placement for AIS management has an excellent recanalization rate. However, it is associated with high complication risks as our series showed. We believe that the decision to treat acute ischemic stroke with intracranial stent placement should be made after careful consideration of potential benefits and risks [Shilei Sun, Tan Song; Xu Haowen; Chandra Avinash, Xu Yuming. Intracranial Stent Placement for Recanalization of Acute Cerebral Artery Occlusion. Life Science Journal. 2012;9(1):64-66] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.