ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the safety,effectiveness,and middle or long-term efficacy of endovascular stenting of internal carotid artery stenosis at the cavernous segment. Methods Thirty-two patients underwent endovascular stenting at the cavernous segment of internal carotid artery from January 2012 to February 2015 were enrolled retrospectively. Angioplasty and stenting were conducted using Apollo or Winspan stent system. The improvement of internal carotid artery cavernous segment stenosis and perioperative safety and the results of the medium and long-term follow-up of the 2 kinds of stents were observed. Results All the 32 patients achieved technical success. The symptoms of cerebral ischemia of the patients were relieved significantly. The length of the stenosis at cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery was 4 to 13 mm (mean,7. 2 ±2. 9 mm). The stenosis rate from 82 ± 7% before treatment decreased to the 24 ± 7% . One patient had perioperative complication (4. 7%),26 of them were followed up with DSA,and 6 were lost to follow-up. The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 29 months (mean,16 ± 7 months). During the follow-up period,1 patient had intracerebral hemorrhage,1 had cerebral infarction,and none of them died. Four patients had in-stent restenosis,three of them used Winspan stents, and 1 used Apollo stents. Conclusion The patients should be screened strictly,particularly paying attention to the length of lesions. Endovascular stent angioplasty for the treatment of internal carotid artery cavernous segment stenosis is a safe and effective method.