Need to have an angioplasty for blocked artery after flow diversion stent procedure

General
#1

Hi everyone,

I had my flow diversion stent procedure done on June 2 2021. I had my follow-up MRI 2 weeks ago which showed some issues so I had an angiogram completed this week and I’ve just heard from the doctors that my artery (right carotid) is nearly blocked at the stent site so I’m scheduled to have an angioplasty balloon procedure dec 3 2021. My doctor said it’s only about 50% successful and if it doesn’t work I might need a bypass or something else. I’m wondering what others experiences have been. Has anyone else had the flow diversion stent procedure result in needing an angioplasty? What was your experience with it? Any information would be helpful to ease my anxiety.

Thanks,
Cass

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#2

I hope our members who’ve had this reply. I believe an issue with stents can be blocked arteries, but don’t quote me on that as I cannot remember where I read it. I have had a balloon used to block off my aneurysm, I think it was the third attempt to control the little bugger. The last attempt was a NeuroForm Atlas stent and even more coils. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

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#3

@Moltroub thank you for the reply!

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#4

Hi, Cass, I am sorry to hear that you had blockage after the stent. How does it go now? I got my unruptured aneurysms stented in January and March 2022. I am taking blood thinner Brilinta and aspirin 81. I will take them for 5 months. Did you take any bloodthinners? Virginia

#5

Hi there,

Sorry for the late response. And yes I was taking brilinta and aspirin daily as prescribed. My blockage was a very rare complication th e doctors said- it wasn’t related to blood clotting but rather it was my body basically over healing and resulted in a closure of my artery.

Long story short but my right internal carotid artery is now 100% closed, and they were unsuccessful in attempting an angioplasty for it. They said I am VERY VERY lucky I did not have a stroke (while having an angioplasty at one point, the doctor woke me up mid procedure as they were worried I was stroking once they found the blockage- it was a very unsettling/scary experience), and I only didn’t have a stroke because my other vessels have thankfully overcompensated. As it stands now, my blood flow is slightly delayed to the right side of my brain but it’s not enough to cause major “issues” at this point, so I basically just need to live my life and be mindful if I feel I’m having any stroke symptoms to contact them right away.

The silver lining is that my aneurysms are gone thanks to the stenting, but it’s been quite the experience the last year and a bit. I am extremely lucky to not have had a stroke, and still can’t believe it all when I reflect back on everything.

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