Simultaneous Bilateral Carotid Stenting in a Series of 9 Patients: A Single-Center Experience with Review of Literature

OBJECTIVES: Simultaneous bilateral carotid artery stenting (SBCAS) is a challenging procedure, and selection criteria play an important role in determining the final outcome. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the SBCAS in a series of 9 patients with significant bilateral carotid artery disease (>50% on the symptomatic side and >60% on the asymptomatic side). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a retrospective study of 9 patients from January 2005 to December 2012 in a tertiary care center. There were 8 males and 1 female in the age range 50 to 75 years and an average mean age of 63 years. Inclusion criteria of the present study were patients with bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis >50% (50 - 99%) in the symptomatic side and >60% in the asymptomatic side as seen on digital subtraction angiography (DSA). SBCAS with use of distal protection device (Spider device, ev3), to prevent intra-procedural embolic migration, was done in all the patients. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). Post-procedural events in the form of hypotension and bradycardia occurred in 3 patients after the placement of stent on both the sides, in 2 patients after the placement of the first stent, and in 1 patient after the placement of the second stent. We did not encounter any cases of hyperperfusion, which was a concern in these patients. There were no deaths, major or minor strokes, or myocardial infarction either in the post-procedural period (up to 1 month) or on clinical follow-up 3 and 6 months post-treatment. CONCLUSION: SBCAS was an effective and safe alternative treatment method in a select group of patients with bilateral carotid artery disease. It can be considered as a feasible treatment option with acceptable risks.