Use of an embolic protection system during endovascular recanalization of a totally occluded cervical internal carotid artery at the chronic stage. Case report.

A symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion with hemodynamic compromise was treated at its chronic stage by using an endovascular technique. An embolic protection system was used during the recanalization procedure to prevent stroke by reversing the flow from the distal ICA to the common carotid artery. The totally occluded ICA was completely recanalized through percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement. The patient's symptom (transient ischemic attack) disappeared completely after treatment with no new neurological deficit. Single-photon emission computerized tomography findings confirmed improvement of the hemodynamic compromise, and no new high-intensity spots appeared on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging after treatment. This case shows that endovascular recanalization by using an embolic protection device can be considered as an alternative treatment for symptomatic ICA occlusion with hemodynamic compromise and refractoriness to antiplatelet therapy, even in the chronic stage of the illness.