Background and Objectives:Carotid artery stenting has evolved as a potential alternative to carotid endarterectomy
in patients (pts) with significant carotid artery stenosis. We evaluated the feasibility and long-term
outcome of carotid artery stenting in selected pts at high surgical risk. Materials and Methods:Between May,
1996 and September 1998 we performed carotid artery stenting at 35 lesions in 25 pts. There were 23 males
and 2 females. Mean age was 63.2±6.6 (range 54-77). Eight four percent (21/25) of the pts had significant
coronary artery disease. Sixty four percent (16/25) of the pts had significant peripheral artery lesions. Sixty
percent (15/25) of the pts had neurologic symptoms or non-disabling stroke. We used Wallstent in 32 lesions
and Palmaz stent in 3 lesions. Carotid stenting was undertaken in 33 internal carotid, 1 common carotid and 1
external carotid lesions. Bilateral carotid stenting was undertaken in forty percent (10/25) of the pts. Results:
Carotid stenting was successful in all lesions. One patient died due to massive cerebral hemorrhage 3 days after
carotid stenting, who had und-erwent stenting as a rescue procedure for failed endarterectomy. One major stroke
developed during procedure with partial recovery. For the combined endpoint of strokes and death within 30
days of procedure, the incidence was 8% and 5.7% in terms of pts and procedures, respectively. On follow-up
(12±7 months), we found neither neurologic complications nor death. Angiographic and/or duplex sonography
which were performed at 5.5 month in all (18) eligible pts with 24 lesions revealed no evidence of stent deformity
or restenosis (50% of diameter stenosis). Mean angiographic stenosis was 20% on follow-up angiography.
Conclusion:Carotid artery stenting can be performed with high success and low complication rate in pts with
significant carotid artery stenosis especially at high surgical risk. Follow-up clinical outcome of average 12
month was good with low restenosis rate.