Stent angioplasty for intracranial vertebral dissections:Single stent versus double stent placement

Abstract

Objective : The reduced stent porosity caused by a double stent may accelerate the intraaneurysmal thrombosis and be helpful in achieving a more rapid complete occlusion compared with that achieved by single stent placement. This study examined the safety and efficacy of stent angioplasty according to two different stent techniques (single versus double stent placement). Methods : Twenty two patients who underwent stent angioplasty for vertebral dissections were reviewed retrospectively. Results : n the 22 patients, 23 intracranial vertebral artery dissections were treated using stent placement. Among them, 12 dissections were treated with single stent placement. The immediate and follow-up angiography showed a complete occlusion in only one case(8.3%). Eleven dissections were treated using a double stent method. Although an immediate complete occlusion was performed in only one case, the follow-up angiography revealed a complete occlusion in six cases(54.6%). Complications were encountered in only one case (4.3%, acute thrombosis) in the double stent placement group. On the modified Rankin scale applied in the follow-up, all the patients were assessed as being functionally improved or of a stable clinical status in both groups except for one patient with a severe subarachnoid hemorrhage who underwent a double stent placement. Conclusions : Intracranial vertebral artery dissections can be treated alternatively using an endovascular method with a stent. Double stent placement is superior to the single stent method. However, there are some limitations and complications associated with stent angioplasty.