Delayed deformation of self-expanding stents after carotid artery stenting for postendarterectomy restenoses.

Overview

Carotid artery stenting has become an acceptable alternative for treating patients with severe atherosclerotic lesions, particularly those with significant surgical risks, such as recurrent stenosis after endarterectomy. Stent deformation, a phenomenon primarily associated with balloon-expandable stents, is largely avoided by exclusively using self-expanding stents in treating carotid artery stenosis. Nonetheless, we herein report two patients who presented with delayed Wallstent deformation after carotid artery stenting for postendarterectomy restenosis. Our cases highlight the need for caution because delayed deformation of self-expanding stents can occur, particularly during treatment of patients with postendarterectomy stenosis. Furthermore, poststent surveillance is imperative in identifying patients with severe restenosis after carotid artery stenting who need reintervention.