Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion: Management

Purpose of Review Acute internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, whereas chronic ICAO can present insidiously with recurrent strokes. In this review, we discuss the medical and surgical management approaches among patients with acute, subacute, and chronic ICAO. Recent Findings We reviewed the recent literature regarding clinical presentation of acute and chronic cases of ICAO, and discuss the current data, accepted guidelines, and prospects. Surgical, endovascular, or a combination (hybrid) revascularization has been shown to be effective in recanalization with improved functional outcomes in patients with ICAO in comparison to systemic thrombolysis or medical therapy alone. Future prospective or randomized clinical trials are warranted to elucidate the procedural superiority for revascularization of patients with ICAO.

Automated summary

This review discusses the medical and surgical management approaches for patients with acute, subacute, and chronic internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO). Revascularization through surgery, endovascular procedures, or a combination of both has shown to improve functional outcomes in patients with ICAO compared to systemic thrombolysis or medical therapy alone. Further research is needed to determine the superiority of revascularization methods for patients with ICAO.