Efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy with Solitaire stent in acute basilar artery occlusion: an analysis of 5 cases

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy with Solitaire device in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO). Methods The clinical data of 5 patients with ABAO, underwent mechanical thrombectomy with Solitaire stent in our hospital from May 2016 to November 2018, were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical treatment efficacy and safety were recorded. Results All these 5 patients accepted endovascular mechanical thrombectomy successfully; successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] grading 2b or 3) was achieved in 4 patients; the embolus was detached to the distal arteriole in one patient. There was no symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage; one patient accepted decompressive craniectomy resulting from massive infarction of cerebellum. Follow up results 90 d after treatment indicated that 4 patients enjoyed good prognosis (modified Rankin Scale scores: 0-3). Conclusion Mechanical thrombectomy with Solitaire device is suggested to be safe and efficient in ABAO patients complying with appropriate operative indications. Key words: Acute basilar artery occlusion; Mechanical thrombectomy; Solitaire stent