Focus of the Report: This report focuses on venous sinus stenting (VSS) for treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) that has failed to respond to available drug and conservative treatments.

Technology Description: VSS is an endovascular procedure performed via the jugular veins that involves placement of 1 or more stents in a cerebral vein, such as the transverse sinus, with or without balloon angioplasty, with the patient under general anesthesia.

Controversy: Venous sinus stenosis seems to be a secondary effect rather than a cause of idiopathic intracranial hypertension; therefore, VSS therapy may not provide complete relief of symptoms.

Key Questions:

  • Does VSS improve outcomes in patients with IIH?

  • How does VSS compare with established methods for treatment of IIH?

  • Does VSS pose any safety issues?

  • Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for use of VSS in patients with IIH?

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