A case of acute internal carotid artery occlusion treated successfully with stent placement and the Merci retrieval system: a technical case report

Abstract

Objective: We report a case of acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion completely recanalized using a stent placement and the Merci retrieval system.
Case presentation: A 70yearold man presented with sudden onset of left hemiplegia and hemispatial neglect. MRI showed early ischemic changes in the right insular cortex and frontal cortex along with right ICA occlusion. Carotid ultrasonography and cerebral angiography demonstrated occlusion at the origin of the right ICA with atheromatous plaque and arterytoartery embolism to the distal intracranial artery. The occluded artery was successfully recanalized by stent placement at the origin of ICA and thrombectomy using a Merci retriever, resulting in neurological improvement.
Conclusion: It is important to diagnose the location and pathogenesis of acute ICA occlusion and then choose the appropriate method and devices for recanalization.