Comparative study of fasudil and nimodipine for prevention of cerebral vasospasm during carotid artery stenting

Objective To compare the effect of fasudil and nimodipine on the prevention of cerebral vasospasm during carotid artery stenting(CAS).Methods A total of 532 patients treated with unilateral CAS were enrolled retrospectively.According to the administration of different drugs,they were divided into either a nimodipine group(n=184) or a fasudil group(n=348).The occurrence of intraoperative vasospasm,symptomatic hypotension,perioperative stroke,and fatality were observed.Results ①The proportion of patients without vasospasm during the procedure in the fasudil group was higher than that in the nimodipine group(85.1% vs.77.7%),and the incidence of patients with asymptomatic vasospasm was lower than that in the nimodipine group(13.8% vs.20.7%).There was significant difference between the 2 groups(P0.05).②The incidence of symptomatic hypotension during the procedure in the fasudil group was lower than that in the nimopine group(10.6% vs.19.0%).There was significant difference(P0.05).③There were no significant differences in the incidences of symptomatic vasospasm,perioperative stroke and fatality between the 2 groups(P0.05).Conclusion Compared to nimodipine,the incidence of cerebral vasospasm is lower in the fasudil group,and has less impact on the blood pressure.