Recanalizing acute ischemic stroke with carotid tandem occlusion (CTO) is technically challenging because distal embolic migration during revascularization can significantly influence outcomes. In this study, we aimed to introduce our coaxial balloon technique using a balloon-guiding catheter (BCG), angioplasty catheter, and aspiration catheter sequentially to prevent thrombus migration to a new vascular territory. We used this technique for six patients with CTO. Technical success with good revascularization of the CTO was achieved in all six patients (100%) without neurological complications, including one and five cases of modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b and 3, respectively. The median duration of the procedure was 61 (interquartile range, 52-90) min. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge was 3.5 (2-8), with favorable clinical outcomes at 90 days for three of six patients (50%). The coaxial balloon technique for CTO is safe and effective for revascularization in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Thrombectomy before proximal stenting was associated with shorter reperfusion times and better clinical outcomes. Therefore, this approach is recommended for tandem occlusions requiring stent angioplasty.
Keywords: Balloon-assisted tracking technique; cerebral blood flow; neuroradiology; reperfusion; revascularization.