Preliminary findings of recanalization and stenting for symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery occlusion lasting more than 24 h: A retrospective analysis of 21 cases

PurposeTo evaluate the technical feasibility, safety and short-term treatment effects of recanalization and stenting for intracranial symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) lasting more than 24 h.Methods and materialsTwenty-one consecutive patients with VBAO refractory to aggressive medical treatment were enrolled into this study and underwent recanalization and stenting. The rate of recanalization was evaluated radiographically and the functional outcome was examined using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.ResultsMedian time between imaging-documented occlusion and endovascular recanalization was 10.5 days (IR, Interquartile Range: 6.5–18); technique success ratio of recanalization was 95.2%. There were 3 periprocedural complications. Median mRS score was 4 (IR, 2.5–5) prior to procedure and 4 (IR, 1–5) at discharge (P < 0.05). One stroke and one death occurred within 30 days after recanalization. Mean duration of clinical follow-up was 15.5 months. One transient ischemic attack, one stroke and one death occurred beyond 30-day window. Mean angiographic follow-up was 10.6 months in 10 patients. Four patients developed in-stent restenosis or occlusion, and two of them were symptomatic. Subgroup analyses revealed better functional recovery (lower mRS) in patients with vertebral artery occlusion (VAO) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsEndovascular recanalization and stenting for symptomatic VBAO lasting more than 24 h were technically feasible and patients with VAO benefited from the treatment with significant functional recovery. However, the complexity of the procedure and high risk of complication should prompt extreme caution.