Endovascular stenting of extracranial carotid artery aneurysm: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to systematically review all available published data about endovascular stenting for patients with extracranial carotid artery aneurysm (ECAA).

Methods: All clinical reports in the English language on endovascular stenting for ECAA from 1995 through 2010 were identified. General clinical information, aetiology and parameter of carotid artery aneurysm, information regarding devices, indications for endovascular stenting and in-hospital and follow-up data of each patient were extracted individually.

Results: A total of 113 studies, involving a total of 224 patients, were included. Procedure success was reported in 92.8% of patients. Postoperative endoleak was reported in 8.1% of patients. The incidence of stroke was 1.8%. Cranial nerve injury occurred in 0.5%. Overall in-hospital mortality was 4.1%. The mean follow-up was 15.4 ± 15.3 months. Stent-graft patency rate was 93.2%.

Conclusion: Endovascular stenting is technically feasible with high procedure success and relatively low complication rate in patients with ECAA. Both short- and mid-term outcomes appear to be favourable.