Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass and Risk of Stroke and Death in Patients With Symptomatic Artery Occlusion

A recent study conducted in China evaluated the efficacy of extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery in symptomatic patients with atherosclerotic occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA). The study included 324 patients and compared surgical intervention plus medical therapy to medical therapy alone. Results showed no significant difference in the primary outcome, a composite of stroke or death within 30 days or ipsilateral ischemic stroke beyond 30 days through 2 years. Secondary outcomes also revealed no significant benefits. The study suggests that EC-IC bypass surgery may not improve stroke prevention in these patients.