Treatment of symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis with stent-assistant angioplasty in the elderly

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of stent-assistant angioplasty (SAA) in the treatment of symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis in the elderly. METHODS: SAA was performed in 26 elderly patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis. The success rate, perioperative complications, and long-term effectiveness were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 29 balloon expandable stents were implanted in these patients. The success ratio was 100%. The degree of stenosis decreased from 81.3 ± 8.8% to 3.7 ± 3.6% (p < 0.01). Complications were absent during the perioperative period. Follow-up was performed for seven to 36 months (median: 21.9 months). Two patients developed the recurrent symptoms of vertebrobasilar artery stenosis, and no cerebral ischemic events were noted in the remaining patients, suggesting a favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: SAA is a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis in the elderly.