The Endovascular Management of Penetrating Carotid Artery Injuries: Long-term Follow-up

Abstract Objectives To review a single-centre experience with stent-graft treatment of penetrating carotid artery injuries and long-term follow-up. Methods All stable patients with carotid artery injuries presenting between August 1998 and February 2009 were considered for endovascular treatment. Patients were selected based on clinical and radiological criteria and data were prospectively collected. Follow-up was conducted clinically, angiographically and by telephonic contact. Endpoints were stroke, death and any other stent-graft-related complications. Results A total of 128 patients were treated, of whom only 19 were selected for endovascular management. The recorded technical success rate was 100%, with one early stroke and one non-stent-graft-related procedural death. A further four patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 14 patients had a mean follow-up of nearly 4 years. No stent-graft-related late deaths, strokes or other complications were reported, although one instance of late stent-graft occlusion was documented. Conclusion Endovascular management of penetrating carotid artery injuries is safe and the long-term outcomes justify a more liberal application of this technique in selected patients.