[Subclavian Steal syndrome-operation or dilation? (author's transl)]

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in 15 patients with supra-aortic obstructions. One of two subclavian artery occlusions could not be recanalized. the intervention did ot improve the circulation disturbance in two patients. A favorable treatment effect was observed in 80% of the cases, a result not very different from operative corrections. No complications occurred. The risk of angioplasty of the carotid bifurcation is unknown and, therefore, vascular surgery will remain the preferable method of treating atherosclerotic lesions of this location. In our opinion, angioplasty should be considered when operative correction requires thoracotomy and when the operative risk is increased. This is especially valid in proximal subclavian artery stenosis with and without subclavian steal syndrome, as well as in stenosis at the origin of the vertebral artery.