Flow-diverting stents in the management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms

PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the indications and therapeutic efficacy of flow-diverting stents (FDSs) in the management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) and dissections. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients treated for ECAAs with an FDS between 2010 and 2024. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, and clinical and radiologic follow-up outcomes were extracted from medical records. Procedures were performed under general anesthesia using standard endovascular techniques. Patients received preoperative and postoperative antiplatelet therapy and were fully anticoagulated during the procedure. Follow-up assessments included digital subtraction angiography or computed tomography angiography at 6–12 months and clinical evaluations to monitor symptom resolution and complications. RESULTS Eighteen patients, with an average age of 46.44 ± 17.54 years, underwent 19 endovascular interventions. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Single stent deployment was used in 15 aneurysms, and telescopic stent deployment in 7. Total occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 94.4% of cases. One patient required retreatment due to the separation of two overlapped telescopic stents. All patients were discharged within 2 days post-procedure, with symptomatic patients experiencing the complete resolution of symptoms. No complications or adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION The endovascular treatment of ECAAs with FDSs appears to be a safe and effective alternative, achieving high technical success and positive clinical outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The use of FDSs for treating ECAAs significantly improves patient outcomes with minimal complications.