Vertebral artery stenting

The safety and efficacy of endoluminal stenting in treating atherosclerotic vertebral artery disease was evaluated in 38 vessels in 32 patients. Indic ations for revascularization included diplopia (n = 4), blurred vision (n = 4), dizziness (n = 23), transient ischemic attacks (n = 4), drop attack (n = 1), gait disturbance (n = 1), headache (n = 2), and asymptomatic critica l stenosis (n = 1). Success (< 20% residual diameter stenosis, without stro ke or death) was achieved in all 32 patients (100%). One patient experience d a transient ischemic attack (TIA) I hr after the procedure. At follow-up (mean, 10.6 months), all patients (100%) were alive and 31/32 (97%) were as ymptomatic. One patient (3%) had in-stent restenosis at 3.5 months and unde rwent successful balloon angioplasty. Endoluminal stenting of vertebral art ery lesions is safe, effective, and durable as evidenced by the low recurre nce rate. Primary stent placement is an attractive option for atherosclerot ic vertebral artery stenotic lesions. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.