Stent-assisted endoluminal revascularization for the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease

Since the inception of intravascular stents in the 1960s, marked technological advancements have yielded stents that can be navigated through tortuous cerebral vessels. Numerous applications for intracranial stenting are being developed at an exciting pace. One such application that has shown promise in several small series is the use of stents for endoluminal revascularization of severe intracranial stenosis that is refractory to medical therapy. Prior to the introduction of endovascular approaches for this condition, complex bypass procedures were often necessary to restore adequate blood flow to hypoperfused parenchyma. In the following article, we review endovascular techniques for stenting of intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Patient selection, vascular access, medical management, and future directions are discussed.