Intraoperative stenting of the internal carotid artery after unsuccessful eversion endarterectomy

Bailout Distal Internal Carotid Artery Stenting after Carotid Endarterectomy: Indications, Technique, and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Distal internal carotid artery (ICA) stenting may be employed as a bailout maneuver when an inadequate end point or clamp injury is encountered at the time of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in a surgically inaccessible region of the distal ICA. We sought to characterize the indications, technique, and outcomes for this infrequently encountered clinical scenario.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent distal ICA stenting at the time of CEA at our institution between September 2008 and July 2022. Procedural details and postoperative follow-up were reviewed for each patient.

RESULTS

Six patients were identified during the study period. All were male with an age range of 63 to 82 years. Five underwent carotid revascularization for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, and one patient was treated for amaurosis fugax. Three patients were on dual antiplatelet therapy preoperatively, whereas 2 were on aspirin monotherapy, and one was on aspirin and low-dose rivaroxaban. Five patients underwent CEA with patch angioplasty, and one underwent eversion CEA. The indication for stenting was distal ICA dissection due to clamp or shunt injury in 2 patients and an inadequate distal ICA end point in 4 patients. In all cases, access for stenting was obtained under direct visualization within the common carotid artery, and a standard carotid stent was deployed with its proximal aspect landing within the endarterectomized site. Embolic protection was typically achieved via proximal common carotid artery and external carotid artery clamping for flow arrest with aspiration of debris before restoration of antegrade flow. There was 100% technical success. Postoperatively, 2 patients were found to have a cranial nerve injury, likely occurring due to the need for high ICA exposure. Median length of stay was 2 days (range 1-7 days) with no instances of perioperative stroke or myocardial infarction. All patients were discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy with no further occurrence of stroke, carotid restenosis, or reintervention through a median follow-up of 17 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Distal ICA stenting is a useful adjunct in the setting of CEA complicated by inadequate end point or vessel dissection in a surgically inaccessible region of the ICA and can minimize the need for high-risk extensive distal dissection of the ICA in this situation.

Management of postoperative internal carotid artery intimal flap after carotid endarterectomy: a cohort study and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative internal carotid artery (ICA) intimal flap (IF) is a potential complication after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for carotid artery stenosis. There are no clear recommendations in the current literature on the management of this condition due to sparse evidence. Some authors advocate carotid stent placement or reoperation, while others suggest watchful waiting. The aim of this study was to analyze incidence and management strategies of postoperative ICA-IF, and moreover, to put these findings into context with a systematic literature review.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed all consecutive CEA cases performed at the University Hospital of Bern over a decade (January 2008 to December 2018). The incidence of postoperative ICA-IF, risk factors, management strategies, and outcomes were analyzed. These results were put into context with a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 725 CEAs were performed between January 2008 and December 2018. Postoperative ICA-IF was detected by routine duplex neurovascular ultrasound (NVUS) in 13 patients, corresponding to an incidence rate of 1.8% (95% CI 1.0%-3.1%). There were no associated intraluminal thrombi on the detected IF. Intraoperative shunt placement was used in 5.6% and one or more intima tack sutures were performed in 42.5% of the 725 cases. There was no significant association between intraoperative shunt placement and the occurrence of an IF (p > 0.99). Two patients (15.4%) with IF experienced a transient postoperative neurological deficit (transient ischemic attack). In these cases, the symptoms resolved spontaneously without any interventions or change in the antiplatelet regimen. All other cases (84.6%) with IF were asymptomatic. In 1 patient (7.7%) with IF, the antiplatelet treatment was switched from a mono- to a dual-antiaggregating regimen because the IF led to a stenosis > 70%; this patient remained asymptomatic. All cases of IFs were managed conservatively with close radiological follow-up evaluations, without reoperation or stenting of the ICA. All 13 IFs vanished spontaneously after a mean duration of 6.9 months (median 1.5 months, range 0.5-48 months). A systematic literature review revealed a postoperative ICA-IF incidence of 3.0% (95% CI 2.1%-4.1%) with relatively heterogenous management strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative ICA-IF is a rare finding after CEA. Conservative therapy with close NVUS follow-up evaluations appears to be an acceptable and safe management strategy for asymptomatic IFs without associated intraluminal thrombi.

Surgical Treatment of Residual Distal Intimal Flap during Eversion Carotid Endarterectomy

BACKGROUND

Eversion carotid endarterectomy (ECEA) is an effective surgical technique for the treatment of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. However, a residual distal intimal flap may determine a higher rate of neurological complications. The treatment of DIF may be challenging, and no definitive approach has been described. We describe a simple surgical option for the treatment of DIF.

METHODS

After internal ECEA has been performed, stitches are positioned at the side of intimal flap. Suture sequence is performed from internal-external-external-internal artery wall including the everted ICA, maintaining the suture thread inside the vessel. Once the ICA is correctly repositioned, the suture thread is pulled out. Once the standard carotid anastomosis has been performed, the flap is finally tacked.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients have undergone surgical repair of DIF with the modified technique. No patients developed neurological complications after the surgical procedure, and all patients are still alive at last follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

This simple technique seems a safe and feasible surgical option to correct DIF, avoiding challenging surgical procedures that may increase operative and clamping time.

Carotid artery stenting after carotid endarterectomy

Atherosclerotic carotid artery disease remains an important cause of cerebrovascular ischemic disease. We present a patient with residual stenosis of the distal internal carotid artery following carotid endarterectomy that was treated with stenting. The case highlights the potential complimentary benefits of carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting.

Eight-year experience with carotid artery stenting for correction of symptomatic and asymptomatic post-endarterectomy defects

BACKGROUND

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been shown to be superior to medical therapy alone in the prevention of stroke only if it can be safely performed (ie, with a complication rate less than 3% in asymptomatic patients and less than 6% in symptomatic patients). Technical defects are the most common cause of neurological complications after CEA, and their correction has traditionally been performed through standard surgical techniques.

METHODS

From 1999, we started to treat intimal flaps, dissection, or partial thrombosis after CEA with carotid artery stenting (CAS). A retrospective analysis of the operating room registry and of the registry of our Interventional Cardiology laboratory was conducted in order to identify all the patients that underwent stenting of the internal carotid artery after CEA between January 2001 and June 2009.

RESULTS

During the time period considered, 5012 CEA were performed at our institution and a total of 34 patients (34/5012; 0.6%) were found to have received carotid stenting after CEA, both for symptomatic and asymptomatic defects. Immediate technical success was obtained in all patients. One major cerebrovascular adverse event (1/34; 3%) in the immediate perioperative period was recorded. At a mean follow-up of 18.6 months (range, 3-84 months; median, 12 months), we did not observe any neurological symptoms related to the treated carotid artery, nor hemodynamic in-stent restenosis. Long-term follow-up (ie, equal or greater than 4 years) was available for five patients: all patients remained event-free during the entire period.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study adds to the assumption that CAS in post-CEA symptomatic and asymptomatic patients is safe and technically feasible, and represents a valid and quick alternative to standard surgical revision. Even if in a small group of patients, long-term results seem promising.

Fixative method of carotid shunt using a Sugita's fenestrated aneurysm clip as a device in carotid endarterectomy technical note

BACKGROUND

Difficulty for distal exposure of the ICA is sometimes encountered during CEA. A carotid shunt is used to maintain sufficient cerebral blood flow during CEA but requires fixative materials, such as a string or a metallic ring, which often restrict the operative field, especially that of the distal ICA.

METHODS

Here, we describe a novel technique for carotid shunt fixation using a unique fixative device in CEA. In the method presented here, the carotid shunt is fixed with an inflated balloon and a conventional vascular tourniquet proximally, but distal fixation is achieved using a Sugita's fenestrated clip that catches the mid portion of the carotid shunt and surrounding tissue.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The device prevents the distal carotid shunt slipping out of the distal ICA. The present method allows mobilization of the shunt position during CEA and facilitates far-distal exposure of the ICA.

Combined Staged Procedures for the Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms

PURPOSE

To examine the efficacy of a staged approach for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms, with open visceral revascularization followed by aortic endografting, in selected patients not considered candidates for conventional surgical repair.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of 13 consecutive patients (8 women; mean age 64 years, range 33-77) who underwent visceral bypass followed by endovascular thoracoabdominal stent-graft implantation since 1999. Three patients presented with symptomatic aneurysms and 2 with rupture. Two patients had connective tissue disorders. All patients were deemed unfit for conventional thoracoabdominal repair due to comorbid conditions. The procedures were tailored to the pathology and specific patient anatomical situation: 5 aortic dissections with aneurysmal degeneration and 8 aneurysms (5 Crawford type II, 2 type III, and 1 type IV).

RESULTS

The patients underwent retrograde visceral bypass (11 iliovisceral and 2 infrarenal aortic to visceral artery) followed by endovascular aortic relining with Zenith TX2 devices (n=7), homemade endografts (n=5), or a Talent thoracic endograft (n=1). Six patients required either a proximal or distal direct aortic repair (2 infrarenal reconstructions, 3 arch elephant trunk grafts, and 1 ascending aortic repair), while 3 patients also underwent left carotid-subclavian bypass grafting. Two patients developed paraplegia (1 following a ruptured aneurysm), and 2 patients had transient paraparetic events. Two patients had acute renal failure requiring short-term dialysis. Three patients died within 30 days; 2 late aneurysm-related deaths were noted. Three patients developed endoleaks during follow-up. Mean lengths of stay were 13 days (7-30) for the visceral bypass and 12 (3-25) for the endovascular stent-graft. In addition, remaining procedures in 8 patients required a mean of 7 days (0-14) in hospital.

CONCLUSION

Staged endovascular and open procedures are feasible for thoracoabdominal aneurysms in patients at prohibitive risk for open thoracoabdominal reconstruction. However, this approach still carries a significant risk of perioperative mortality and morbidity. The potential for less invasive alternatives should be investigated.

Carotid Endarterectomy: Experience in 5425 Cases

From 1992 to December 2002, 3967 patients (2619 males; 1348 females) with a mean age of 68.4A years (range 32-92) underwent 5425 carotid endarterectomy (CE) procedures at our institute. Neurological history was positive for stroke in 1130 cases (21%) and for transient ischemic attack (TIA) in 2121 cases (39%). In 2174 cases (40%) patients were neurologically asymptomatic or presented nonspecific symptoms. Our current clinical protocol has been designed to optimize resources and reduce complications. Some of the major features, along with the respective percentages in this series, are as follows. Duplex scanning was performed at a validated laboratory as the principal preoperative exam (86.9%). Locoregional anesthesia and neurological monitoring were performed during carotid cross-clamping (96.3%). Selective shunting was carried out with a Javid shunt (10.7%). The choice of surgical technique was made according to carotid anatomy and cerebral tolerance of cross-clamping. Those used were a standard technique (now abandoned, 12.1%), synthetic patching (46.4%), and eversion endarterectomy (41.5%). Intraoperative completion arteriography was routinely performed for eversion endarterectomy and only in dubious cases with other techniques. The option of staying in an postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) was available (selective use, 2%). In uncomplicated cases, early discharge (after 1.5 postoperative days) was considered safe. The overall perioperative mortality was 0.37% (20/5425). Causes of death were myocardial infarction in seven cases, ischemic stroke in six cases, hemorrhagic stroke in five cases, respiratory failure caused by cervical hematoma in one case, and wound infection in one case. Perioperative neurological morbidity was 1.31% (71/5425); there were 43 major and 28 minor strokes. In conclusion, CE is effective for stroke prevention when there is significant symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis, as low mortality and morbidity may be achieved in an experienced center. At our institute, the reduction of costs did not have negative consequences on the quality of the surgical care.

Emergency stenting to treat neurological complications occurring after carotid endarterectomy

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of emergency stent implantation for the treatment of perioperative stroke after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

BACKGROUND

Carotid endarterectomy has been proven safe and effective in reducing the risk of stroke in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with >60% carotid artery stenosis. However, perioperative stroke has been reported in 1.5% to 9% of CEA cases. The management of such a complication is challenging. Recently, percutaneous transluminal carotid angioplasty with stent deployment has emerged as a valuable and alternative strategy for the treatment of carotid artery disease.

METHODS

Between April 1998 and February 2000, 18 of the 995 patients (1.8%) who had CEA in our institution experienced perioperative major or minor neurological complications. Of these, 13 patients underwent emergency carotid angiogram and eventual stent implantation, whereas the remaining five had surgery re-exploration.

RESULTS

Carotid angiogram was performed within 20+/-10 min and revealed vessel flow-limiting dissection (five cases) or thrombosis (eight cases). Percutaneous transluminal carotid angioplasty with direct stenting (self-expandable stent) was performed in all 13 cases. Angiographic success was 100%. Complete remission of neurological symptoms occurred in 11 of the 13 patients treated by stent implantation and in one of the five patients treated by surgical re-exploration (p = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Stent implantation seems to be a safe and effective strategy in the treatment of perioperative stroke complicating CEA, especially when carotid dissection represents the main anatomic problem.

Intraoperative use of stents for the management of unacceptable distal internal carotid artery end points during carotid endarterectomy: short-term and midterm results

PURPOSE

The management of unacceptable distal internal carotid artery (ICA) end points during carotid endarterectomy presents multiple dilemmas. The problem may be expeditiously solved by placement of an intraluminal stent, but reported clinical experience with this technique is limited. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with intraoperative stenting of the ICA for the correction of unacceptable distal ICA end points during carotid endarterectomy. We report our techniques and document the 30-day stroke morbidity-death rate and midterm outcomes of patients treated in this manner.

METHOD

The records of 316 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed by the authors from January 1997 through June 1999 were reviewed to identify those cases in which adjunctive intraoperative stenting of the distal ICA was used. For those patients treated with adjunctive ICA stents, we assessed technique, 30-day outcomes, and midterm outcomes.

RESULTS

The 30-day combined stroke and death rate for the entire group of 316 carotid endarterectomies was 1.9%. Adjunctive distal ICA stents were used in 13 cases-4.1% of the total carotid endarterectomy group-for the correction of unacceptable distal ICA end points. All patients were male; the average age was 70 years. Stents were used in 11 patients because in each of these cases the surgeon recognized an unacceptable end point and desired to limit further distal anatomic exposures and/or ischemia times. Stents were used in two patients to correct unexpected defects identified on intraoperative completion ultrasound scan. No 30-day periprocedural deaths, strokes, or transient ischemic attacks were observed. Average postoperative length of stay was 1.8 days (range, 1-5 days). All patients have been followed up with serial carotid duplex scans, and one patient has been studied by means of angiography. No patients have died, and all remain in active clinical follow-up. Mean length of follow-up has been 15 months. No significant asymptomatic recurrences have been observed, but one patient experienced an isolated episode of amaurosis fugax without demonstrable restenosis at 8 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Our experience suggests that the adjunctive use of stents for the correction of unacceptable distal ICA end points during carotid endarterectomy is safe and provides acceptable short-term and midterm outcomes. Continued follow-up will be required before this technique can be considered a primary choice rather than an expeditious secondary alternative in this infrequent clinical circumstance.