Efficacy of Drug-Eluting Vertebral Artery Stenting Treatment for Atherosclerotic Vertebral Arteries Stenosis

Stroke has been one of the most important causes of disability and death worldwide today. Ischemic stroke accounts for more than 50% of these strokes. The results of epidemiological surveys show that in 2018, more than 3 million new strokes occurred each year in China. In 2018, more than 3 million people suffered from a stroke, and more than 2 million people died from a stroke. Studies show that about 25% to 40% of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or strokes occur in the posterior circulation. The subclavian and vertebral arteries are important blood vessels in the posterior circulation and are important original sites for ischemic strokes in the posterior circulation. About 20% of strokes in the posterior circulation are caused by extracranial vertebral artery stenosis (ECVAS). Endovascular intervention is the recommended treatment for ECVAS. It is effective in promoting the perfusion of brain tissue in the area of the responsible artery, thereby reducing the risk of stroke recurrence, improving neurological prognosis, and reducing symptoms. The drug-eluting stent is effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative restenosis (ISR), thus further reducing the long-term risk of stroke. Vertebral artery drug-eluting stents Maurora® was approved for marketing in 2020 and has been shown to be effective in reducing restenosis in clinical trials. The purpose of this study is to further investigate its long-term effectiveness in treating vertebral artery stenosis in the real world.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years old, gender is not limited;
• Patients with medically prescribed rapamycin drug-eluting vertebral artery stent systems;
• Patients and family members fully understand the trial's purpose, voluntarily participate in the trial and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Unable to receive dual antiplatelet therapy due to known disease, or severe coagulation abnormalities, severe infections that are not controlled, severe systemic disease, uncontrollable hypertension, and contraindicated for surgery;
• With an aneurysm that cannot be treated earlier or simultaneously or is not suitable for surgery;
• Gastrointestinal disease with active bleeding;
• Previous myocardial infarction or large-scale cerebral infarction within 2 weeks;
• Known contraindications to heparin, rapamycin, anesthesia, and contrast agents;
• Life expectancy less than 12 months;
• the investigator judged patients to be unsuitable for participation in this study.