Registry study of the recanalization and stenting for non-acute intracranial vertebrobasilar artery occlusion

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficiency of the recanalization and stenting for intracranial non-acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion. Methods: 60 cases of non-acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion were collected for this study with a focus on: (1) stroke occurrence in the same territory within 12 months of enrollment, (2) TIA (transient ischemic attack) occurrence in the same territory within 12 months of enrollment. This study is also concerned about: (1) the rate of successful recanalization; (2) the percentage of patients with any in-stent stenosis within 6 months of recanalization; (3) the occurrence rate of all severe adverse events associated with the procedure; (4) the changes from baseline in mRS (modified Rankin scale) on admission and discharge, and as well as 3 months, 6 months and 12 months of this enrollment. Safety indexes: (1) stroke in any territory within 30 days of enrollment; (2) death from any cause within 30 days of enrollment; (3) TIA in any territory within 30 days of enrollment; (4) intracranial hemorrhage within 30 days of enrollment. Results: The enrollment began in April 2013, sixty patients with recanalization and fifty-five patients with conservative treatment were recruited by December 2015. These patients were followed up for at least 12 months. Relative data are being analyzed, which include, stroke or death within 30 days of enrollment, stroke in the same territory or death within 12 months of enrollment, the changes from baseline in mRS within 12 months of enrollment. Conclusions: This study provides solid and feasible evidence for application of interventional recanalization in the treatment of non-acute vertebrobasilar occlusion, and may serve as a reference for later multi-center registration. Key words: Recanalization; Vertebrobasilar artery occlusion; Registry study