[INTRODUCTION - Carotid artery stenting as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy is still not accepted by many Hungarian vascular surgeons. The purpose of our study was to prove that carotid artery stenting is effective in the treatment of primary atherosclerotic lesions and it carries a low risk of complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS - 149 patients (86 men, 63 women, 33-82 years old, mean age 57.5 years) were evaluated angiographically. 146 primary atherosclerotic lesions, and 8 post-endarterectomy restenoses were considered for carotid artery stenting. All patients had significant, over 60% stenosis according to NASCET criteria. Atherosclerotic plaques were classified as smooth, irregular and ulcerated. Subtotal occlusions (stenoses over 95%) were noted. The necessity of pre- or postdilation and the types of stent used were registered. Procedural success and periprocedural complication rates were noted. Followup colour Doppler sonography was performed at 1, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS - Subtotal occlusions were detected in 28% of the lesions. Procedural success rate was 149/150 (99%). Stenting was carried out in 86% with Monorail Carotid Wallstent. Predilation or use of protecting device was avoided in 96%. Postdilation was avoided in 6 cases of ulcerated plaques to prevent distal embolisation. Residual stenosis was always less than 30%. Stroke occured in 2.6%, TIA in 0.7%. Two of our patients developed restenosis. CONCLUSION - Carotid artery stenting is a safe alternative to carotid endarterectomy for most patients with primary atherosclerotic stenosis, as it can be carried out with clinical complication rate as low as published in the ACAS.]

[INTRODUCTION - In cases of endovascular treatment of internal carotid artery stenosis, one of the most important aspects is to minimise embolic complications. Dislodging emboli may be influenced by the shape and size of tapered endings of stent delivery systems. Our team performed measurements and calculations on the emergence of force of the various tapered endings. MATERIAL AND METHOD - Five different commercially available stent dilivery systems were investigated. The thickness of the devices were measured and taking 5 mm normal artery diameter, the lumen size was calculated, above which the delivery system should dilate the lumen mechanically. By means of geometrical computer-constructions and measurements, we analysed the forces directed ahead and laterally, emerging on the surface of tapered endings during the passing through the stenosis. RESULTS - The stent delivery systems were between 5.0 and 5.9 F in diameter, and even the stent delivery system of lowest profile would dilate a stenosis of over 89%. The different endings are tapered with variable lengths. The force transmission on the vessel wall of different directions was distinct at the various points of the cone surfaces. The forces directed ahead were less than those directed laterally on the larger part of a cone surface. Irregularity of the cone surfaces distributed the forces unfavorably. Considering the features of tapered endings, the atraumatic introduction of the devices required a range of upper limits of stenoses between 89.76-98.04%, which are more feasible values than those deternined by shaft sizes. CONCLUSIONS - Our experimental work suggests, that the shape and size of the endings of stent delivery systems influence the forces affecting vessel wall plaques, and in this manner, embolic complications, during carotid stenting. The lowest risk of embolisation could be induced by using the longest and smoothest tapered endings.]

[INTRODUCTION - Reducing the risk of embolisation during endovascular treatment of internal carotid artery stenosis is very important. The rate of embolisation is affected by the different steps of stenting manipulation. Using transcranial Doppler equipment we studied the embolic signals during the different phases of carotid dilatation and stenting. MATERIAL AND METHOD - 50 patients (33 male, 17 female; mean age 64 years) were intraproceduraly monitorized with transcranial Doppler. Predilatation was necessary in nine cases, postdilatation was performed in 39 cases. The number of emboli were measured in seven different steps of endovascular treatment of carotid stenosis. Different type of commercial available endovascular devices were used. RESULTS - Intraprocedural embolisation was observed in every case. In different phases of carotid stenting the rate of embolisation showed marked differences in each phase of carotid stenting. Crossing the stenosis with stent delivery system were accompanied by a low rate of embolism (5.3) compared to the level during stent opening (9.16) and balloon dilatation (9.96). The highest level of embolisation was observed during predilatation (15.9) without the protection of the stent. CONCLUSIONS - We detected embolisation in all of the cases, however the number of embolic signals varied in different phases of carotid artery stenting. Embolisation can be reduced if the most dangerous steps (i.e. pre- and postdilatation) are avoided. Using TCD monitorisation the physician can be informed by the degree of embolisation that may alarm the interventionalist to perform the procedure more carefully, furthermore it can be employed during the training of carotid stenting.]

[The main role of atherogenic dyslipidemia is known for decades. Several studies have proven the beneficial effect of statin therapy on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The following case report demonstrates the efficacy of high dose statin therapy regarding lipid goals and clinical signs. The presented 65 year-old female patient had a history of dyslipidemia and hypertension for over 15 years and positive cardiovascular family history. Carotid ultrasound examination showed 15-20% bilateral stenosis in 2008 whereas four years later, control ultrasound showed significant progression with 65% left-sided asymptomatic stenosis. At this time, LDL-cholesterol level was above the target; we managed to reach the recommended level with high-dose statin treatment in combination therapy with ezetimibe. Besides the lipid levels, regression of the carotid stenosis could be observed without statin-associated side effects.]