Ali Mohammad Haji Zeinali, Davood Kazemi Saleh,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (11-2005)
Abstract
Background: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has recently been recommended as
an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) by some clinicians.
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the success rate and in-hospital
and 30-day adverse events in our first experiences in Iran for CAS with protection
devices, to document our results and guide further use of CAS.
Methods: From December 2003 to December 2004 we performed 21 consecutive
CAS procedures. 16 were men and 5 were women with mean age of 62 years
(range 46-78 years). Indications for CAS included primary lesions in all patients with
stenosis >50% in symptomatic and stenosis >80% in asymptomatic patients.
Results: CAS was technically successful in a1l 21 patients. Mean severity of
stenosis before CAS was 85%+14% compared with 15%+10% after CAS. No
periprocedural death occurred. No in-hospital and 30-days minor or major stroke/
death was seen.
Conclusion: Our data suggest that percutaneous stenting of the carotid artery
when a cerebral protection device is used is feasible and effective but not without
technical difficulties and potential complications. We recommended CAS for high-risk
patients for carotid endarterectomy, but this technique has a learning curve for those
willing to perform the procedure with a low rate of complications.
