Clinical results of carotid artery stenting with a nitinol self-expanding stent (SMART stent).

Our objective was to assess the technical feasibility and the clinical results of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenting using a nitinol self-expanding stent (SMART stent). In 13 patients 13 high-grade stenoses of the internal carotid artery were treated via an implantation of a SMART stent. In all cases a predilation of the stenosis and a postdilation within the stent were performed.

Clinical results of cerebral protection with a filter device during stent implantation of the carotid artery.

Purpose: To assess the technical feasibility and the clinical results of cerebral protection with the Angioguard emboli-capture guidewire system during carotid artery stenting (CAS) for high-grade stenoses.

Methods: In 20 patients 20 stenoses of the internal carotid artery were treated with stent implantation. In all patients diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed before and 24 hr after the procedure.

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging after angioplasty or angioplasty plus stenting of arteries supplying the brain.

Background And Purpose: There has been concern regarding the safety of revascularization procedures of vessels supplying the brain vessels because of the risk of cerebral embolization during the procedure. We have observed a high incidence of hyperintense lesions on diffusion-weighted MR images of the brain after stenting at the carotid bifurcation. The hypothesis of this study is that diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the brain can reveal new diffusion abnormalities after angioplasty or angioplasty plus stenting of arteries supplying the brain, other than at the carotid bifurcation.

[Cerebral protection with balloon occlusion during carotid artery stent implantation--first experiences].

Purpose: To assess the technical feasibility and the results of cerebral protection with the GuardWire Plus Temporary Occlusion & Aspiration System during carotid artery stenting for high-grade stenosis.

Patients And Methods: In 20 patients 20 carotid artery stenoses were treated with stent placement under cerebral protection. A contralateral carotid occlusion was an exclusion criteria for the use of the protection device.