The Vertebral Artery Ischaemia Stenting Trial (VIST)

Narrowing (stenosis) of the vertebral arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the back of the brain, is an important cause of stroke. This is known as posterior circulation stroke and accounts for approximately 20% of ischaemic strokes. Despite its incidence, little is known about the optimal management of symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis and the risk of further stroke.

To date, many cases of vertebral stenosis have been treated by stents but there is insufficient information whether it is better to stent or treat with drugs. This is why VIST – the Vertebral artery Ischaemia Stenting Trial – has been designed.

VIST is a multi-centre randomised controlled open prospective clinical trial which compares vertebral artery stenting with best medical therapy. Prospective trial participants will be chosen because they have had a recent non-disabling stroke or TIA (within the last 3 months) and also have vertebral stenosis (>50%).

 

Our aims are two-fold:

1. To compare stenting vs. standard drug treatment alone in patients who have had a recent stroke or TIA due to vertebral stenosis

2. To examine peri-operative risk and long-term efficacy