Long term outcome of transcranial bypass.

Abstract

This study examines the long term outcome of transcranial bypass in a single centre. In a prospective study, symptoms and angiographic findings were recoded on a database for 229 consecutive transcranial bypass procedures performed in 204 patients between 1976 and 1983. One hundred and seventy-seven had carotid territory symptoms, and the predominant angiogram finding was internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. At 5 years 87% (86 patients) were free from stroke. At 20 years 83% (29 patients) were stroke free but by this time the majority had died from other cardiovascular causes and 35 were lost to follow up. Stroke is uncommon five or more years after transcranial bypass but overall survival is poor.