Carotid artery stenting for patients with high-risk carotid stenosis: a follow-up observational study

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of carotid artery stenting for the treatment of patients with high-risk carotid stenosis through this study. Methods From June 2012 to May 2014, the medical data of 59 patients with high-risk carotid stenosis performed carotid artery stenting at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. The incidence of adverse events and neurological evaluation of the patients were conducted during the follow-up observation at 1 week, day 30, and 1 year after procedure. The preoperative and postoperative differences of the patients were compared. Results A total of 59 patients were enrolled. Their average age was 67±8 years old, and 49 of them (83%) are males. The average degree of stenosis of the preoperative carotid angiography was 87±6%. The average degree of stenosis was 9±6% after procedure. There was significant difference (P<0.05). Five patients had adverse events within 1 week after procedure and at day 30 after procedure, including 3 strokes and 2 transient ischemic attacks. One patient died because of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury caused intracranial hemorrhage after procedure. They were followed up for 1 year. One patient had major stroke because of cerebral infarction. The preoperative and postoperative neurological evaluation of the other patients were all improved or maintained at the same level (P<0.05). Conclusion Carotid artery stenting is a safe and effective treatment for patients with high-risk carotid stenosis. Key words: Carotid stenosis; Stent; Carotid artery