Use of a primary carotid stenting technique does not affect perioperative outcomes

Background: Primary carotid stenting (PCS) has been shown to be feasible and safe in small series, but real-world outcomes in a large multicenter data set have yet to be explored. We aimed to compare outcomes for PCS (PCS+) vs conventional carotid artery stenting (CAS) with angioplasty (PCS−) using a national database. Methods: We analyzed all CAS cases in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database (2005-2016) using univariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess the effect of PCS on outcomes. The primary end point was a composite of stroke/death occurring within 30 days. Results: The study included 10,074 patients (mean age, 69.5 ± 9.9 years; 64% male). The composite end point occurred in 3.5% of cases (stroke, 2.4%; death, 1.5%). PCS was used in 688 (6.8%) patients. On univariable analysis, stroke/death occurred more frequently with PCS+ vs PCS− (5.2% vs 3.4%; P =.01). However, this difference was mitigated after adjusting for baseline group differences (odds ratio [OR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-1.83; P =.55). PCS also had no significant effect on the primary composite end point on adjusted analysis stratified by symptom status (asymptomatic: OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.39-2.48]; symptomatic: OR, 1.19 [95% CI 0.66-2.06]) or among patients undergoing CAS with embolic protection (OR, 1.54 [95% CI, 0.92-2.57]). Patients undergoing CAS without embolic protection had a significantly higher risk of stroke/death regardless of the stenting technique used (OR, 3.97 [95% CI, 2.47-6.37]). Conclusions: PCS is associated with a similar risk of stroke and death compared with conventional CAS with angioplasty. The use of an embolic protection device is essential to good outcomes with both techniques.