[Long-term results of PTA of degenerative supra-aortic arterial changes]

We present our experience with 129 patients in whom PTA was performed in 135 stenosed or occluded supra-aortic arteries. Angioplasty was successful in 44 stenoses of the carotid artery, 19 stenoses of the vertebral artery, 5 stenosis of the innominate artery, 53 stenoses of the subclavian artery and 4 occlusions of the subclavian artery. There were only 4 minor-complications (2 haematomas, 1 TIA, 1 small thrombus of the internal carotid artery which was detected by 111-indium platelet scintigraphy) and 1 major-complication (permanent hemiparesis). During the observations period of 1 to 116 months (average 61 m) there were only two cases with re-stenosis after subclavian angioplasty. The results suggest that angioplasty of supra-aortic arteries is an effective method.