Venous sinus stenting (VSS) is a treatment option for patients with pulsatile tinnitus (PT); however, comparative outcome data between braided and laser-cut stent designs remain limited.
Audiologists and ENTs managing pulsatile tinnitus patients should be aware of emerging comparative evidence on stent types to better counsel patients before neurointerventional referral, though the choice of stent remains a neurovascular specialist decision.
As venous sinus stenting grows as a treatment for pulsatile tinnitus, the first systematic review comparing stent designs provides an early evidence base for neurointerventionalists and informs referral conversations.
- 01First systematic review and meta-analysis directly comparing braided vs. laser-cut stents for venous sinus stenting in pulsatile tinnitus.
- 02Clinical outcomes compared include tinnitus resolution rates, complication rates, and symptom recurrence.
- 03Systematic review design (AJNR) represents the highest feasible evidence level for this procedural question.
- 04Findings have primary relevance for neurointerventionalists, with secondary relevance for audiologists making referrals.
- 05Results may influence stent selection protocols at centers offering venous sinus stenting.
Braided and laser-cut stents differ in clinical outcomes when used for venous sinus stenting in pulsatile tinnitus patients.
studypartially supportedVenous sinus stenting is an effective treatment for pulsatile tinnitus caused by venous sinus stenosis.
studysupported- PMID
- 42235962
- DOI
- 10.3174/ajnr.A9451.
- Journal
- American Journal of Neuroradiology
- Publication type
- meta_analysis
- Evidence level
- 1a
- Population
- Patients undergoing venous sinus stenting for pulsatile tinnitus
- Intervention
- Braided stents in venous sinus stenting
- Comparator
- Laser-cut stents in venous sinus stenting
Primary outcomes
Pulsatile tinnitus resolution rate; Complication rate; Symptom recurrence