Endovascular treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease

Abstract

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Intracranial atherosclerotic disease plays a role in cerebrovascular accidents, with well-characterized modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Surgical bypass has so far not proved to be superior to medical therapy. Both medical and endovascular therapies for intracranial atherosclerosis have evolved since the initial off-label use of cardiac devices for its treatment. Initial reports on the results of stent placement for symptomatic high-grade intracranial atherosclerotic disease were initially encouraging. However, debate remains as to the optimal treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Endovascular treatment; Ischemic stroke; Risk factors.