Stent or balloon: How to treat proximal internal carotid artery occlusion in the acute phase of ischemic stroke? Results of a short survey

This short survey presents authors views on three questions related to endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients with critical stenosis of proximal internal carotid artery either alone or combined with a more distal intracranial artery occlusion. Approximately 15% of patients with acute stroke undergoing interventional treatment present with this condition. The interventional strategy varies from balloon dilatation followed by mechanical thrombectomy to carotid stenting preceded or followed by mechanical thrombectomy. Antithrombotic treatment also varies from immediate dual antiplatelet therapy to therapy postponed after control CT excludes hemorrhage into the ischemic zone.