Endovascular recanalization of symptomatic non-acute occlusion of the vertebrobasilar artery

• Published in: Frontiers in neurology 2023-04, Vol.14, p.1125244-1125244
• Main Authors: Zhou, ZhiLong, Li, TianXiao, Zhu, LiangFu, Wu, LiHeng, Guan, Min, Ma, ZhenKai, Liu, YangHui, Qin, Jin, Gao, BuLang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: basilar artery; endovascular recanalization; intracranial vertebral artery; Neurology; non-acute; symptomatic occlusion
• ISSN: 1664-2295; 1664-2295
• DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1125244

The study aimed to investigate the safety, effect, and risk factors of endovascular recanalization of symptomatic non-acute occlusion of the vertebrobasilar artery (SNOVA). Patients with SNOVA were retrospectively enrolled and treated with endovascular recanalization. The clinical data, endovascular treatment, peri-procedural complications, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. A total of 88 patients were enrolled, with an interval to recanalization of 2-89 days (median 23) and an mRS of 2-5 (median 3 and IQR 1). Occlusion was in the intracranial vertebral artery in 68 (77.27%) patients and basilar artery in 20 (22.73%), with an occlusion length of 4.5-43.7 mm (mean 18.3 ± 8.8). Endovascular recanalization was successful in 81 (92.0%) patients. Post-dilatation was performed in 23 (28.4%) patients. After stenting, the residual stenosis was 10%-40% (mean 20.2% ± 7.6%). Peri-procedural complications occurred in 17 (19.3%) patients, with a mortality rate of 5.7%. In total, 79 (95.18%) patients underwent follow-up 5-29 (mean 16.9 ± 5.5) months later, with an mRS score of 0-6 (median 1 and IQR 1) at follow-up, being significantly (