Delayed carotid wallstent shortening resulting in restenosis following successful carotid artery angioplasty and stenting

Abstract

Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) for carotid stenosis has been increasingly used as an alternative treatment in patients not eligible for surgery. Even though CAS can be performed relatively simply in many cases, various complications can occur. We report four cases of CAS using the Carotid Wallstent, which were complicated by delayed shortening of the stent, resulting in restenosis after successful CAS.

Keywords: Carotid angioplasty and stenting; Restenosis; Stent shortening.

Fig. 1

A : Angiography shows 92% ulcerated, proximal left internal carotid artery stenosis associated with a tortuous cervical ICA. B : Angiography after stenting shows no residual stenosis with straightening of the cervical ICA. C : Five months later, follow-up angiography demonstrats stenosis at the distal portion of the stent due to stent shortening.

Fig. 2

A and B : Right carotid angiogram before and after stenting. C : Two months after carotid stenting, angiogram demonstrates stent shortening and stenosis at the distal portion of the stent. D : After retreatment with a Precise Stent.