Abstract
The rates of hemodynamic depression (HD) and thromboembolism were compared in 95 carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedures performed in 87 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis using self-expandable braided Elgiloy stents (Wallstent) in 52 and slotted-tube Nitinol stents (Precise) in 43 procedures. The blood pressure, pulse rate, and neurological signs were recorded at short intervals during and after CAS. All patients underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging within 5 days after the procedure. The incidences of hypotension, bradycardia, and both were 17.9%, 3.2%, and 11.6%, respectively. The rate of postprocedural HD was 23.1% with Wallstent and 44.2% with Precise; the difference was significant (p = 0.025). No patient manifested major cardiovascular disease after CAS. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed thromboembolism after 26.9% and 34.9% of Wallstent and Precise stent placement procedures, respectively; the difference was not significant. The type of self-expandable stent placed may affect the risk of procedural HD in patients undergoing CAS. Postprocedural HD was resolved successfully by the administration of vasopressors and by withholding antihypertensive agents.
