Delayed Complications of Endovascular Stenting for Carotid Blowout

Endovascular stents are used in a wide variety of situations including management of acute hemorrhage from a carotid artery blowout. The long-term efficacy of these devices in this setting has not been elucidated. Two cases of carotid stenting for carotid artery blowouts in the face of cervical malignancy and overlying infection were followed over time. In both patients, initial control of carotid bleeding was followed by delayed stent-related complications. Although carotid stents are useful for control of acute carotid blowouts, their long-term efficacy in the setting of head and neck malignancy and overlying infection is suspect.