To investigate the safety and short-term effect of endovascular treatment for high-risk patients of chronic carotid artery occlusion.

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 12 patients with high-risk chronic carotid artery occlusion who were admitted to First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2014 to February 2016 and underwent endovascular treatment. National Institute of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)was used to evaluate patients'neuronal functions.Follow-up studies were conducted 1 week, 30 days and 6 months post operations to observe the adverse events. The follow-up time ranged from 4 to 17 months(mean, 13.6 months).

11 patients(11/12) achieved recanalization successfully.The degrees of preoperative and postoperative carotid stenosis in 12 patients was 100% and (22.5±8.9)%, respectively (P<0.05). At 1 week post operation, the adverse event of persistent hypotension occurred in 1 case. Among the 11 patients with successful endovascular treatment, the 6-month postoperative score (3.36±1.56) based on the NIHSS was significantly improved from preoperative level (2.59±1.37) (P<0.05).

Endovascular treatment suggests to be a safe and effective method for high-risk patients of chronic carotid artery occlusion in terms of short- and medium-term effects.

Carotid arteries; Arterial occlusive diseases; Endovascular treatment; Treatment outcome