VAST: Vertebral Artery Stenting Trial Protocol
Author Information
Author(s): Compter A, van der Worp HB, Schonewille WJ, Vos JA, Algra A, Lo TH, Mali WPThM, Moll FL, Kappelle LJ
Primary Institution: University Medical Centre Utrecht
Hypothesis
Is stenting for symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis ≥ 50% feasible and safe?
Conclusion
The trial aims to assess the safety and feasibility of stenting for symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Twenty to 30 percent of all transient ischaemic attacks and ischaemic strokes involve tissue supplied by the vertebrobasilar circulation.
- Atherosclerotic stenosis ≥ 50% in the vertebral artery accounts for vertebrobasilar stroke in at least one third of the patients.
- The risk of recurrent vascular events in patients with vertebral stenosis is uncertain.
Takeaway
Doctors want to see if putting a stent in a blocked neck artery is safe and helps people who have had a stroke or mini-stroke.
Methodology
This is a randomised, open clinical trial comparing best medical treatment with or without vertebral artery stenting.
Potential Biases
Case series are prone to publication bias.
Limitations
The study may not provide reliable data on the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with vertebral stenosis on best medical therapy alone.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 40 years or older with a recent transient ischaemic attack or minor disabling ischaemic stroke.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 18.8 – 23.6
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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