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There were 10 men and 2 women, all white, aged 40 to 82 years (mean age, 62.6 years). Stent placement was successful in all patients, leading to statistically significant changes in the degree of stenosis, from 71.4% (range, 53% to 90%) to 10.3% (range, 0% to 36%) (P<0.0001). There were no deaths, stent thromboses, perforations, ruptures, or myocardial infarctions. Clinical follow-up was available for 0.5 to 16 months (mean, 5.9 months). One patient had nonspecific symptoms, and anoth er had a transient ischemic attack. All other patients remained asymptomatic. Elective stenting of the basilar artery is feasible, with minimal risk to the patient. Its impact on long-term stroke prevention and its durability are unknown and will requi re further study. |
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