Comparison of Open‑Cell and Closed‑Cell Stent Designs in Carotid Artery Stenting: A Single‑Center Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate and compare the short‑ and mid‑term clinical outcomes of open‑cell and closed‑cell stent designs used in carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedures performed at a single high‑volume center.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 285 patients who underwent CAS between January 2020 and December 2024 was analyzed. Patients were treated with either the Protégé (open‑cell) or Wallstent (closed‑cell) stents—all procedures employed distal embolic protection and standardized peri‑procedural care. Primary endpoints included in‑hospital stroke and/or death, while secondary endpoints assessed 30‑day and 1‑year stroke or death rates.
RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. No significant differences were observed in in‑hospital, 30‑day, or 1‑year outcomes. In‑hospital stroke/death occurred in 3.0% of open‑cell and 3.3% of closed‑cell cases (p=0,760). At 1‑year follow‑up, ipsilateral stroke or death occurred in 3.1% vs. 3.4% (p=0,810), respectively.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Both stent designs demonstrated comparable safety and efficacy in CAS when performed by experienced operators using contemporary embolic protection and medical optimization.

Keywords: Carotid artery stenting, Carotid stenosis, Stents, Stroke, Embolic protection devices, Stent design