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Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the vertebral arteries
Insights
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty successfully treated vertebral artery stenosis in four of five patients, alleviating symptoms of vertebral basilar insufficiency and avoiding surgery. This minimally invasive procedure offers a feasible option for carefully selected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Stenosis at the origin of the vertebral artery can lead to vertebral basilar insufficiency.
- Surgical intervention is often considered for severe cases.
- Alternative minimally invasive treatments are being explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for treating vertebral artery origin stenosis.
Main Methods:
- Five patients with symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis were selected.
- Grüntzig balloon catheter angioplasty was performed.
- Patients were monitored for symptom resolution and complications.
Main Results:
- Successful dilatation was achieved in 4 out of 5 patients.
- All successfully treated patients experienced symptom alleviation, avoiding the need for surgery.
- No complications were reported during or after the procedure.
- Symptom-free follow-up ranged from 1 to 18 months.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is a feasible and effective treatment for carefully selected patients with vertebral artery origin stenosis.
- Angioplasty can successfully resolve symptoms of vertebral basilar insufficiency.
- This endovascular approach offers a less invasive alternative to surgery.
Abstract:
Dilatation of stenosis at the origin of the vertebral artery, using a Grüntzig balloon catheter, was attempted in 5 selected patients and was successful in 4. Two patients had isolated vertebral artery disease without significant carotid occlusive disease, while the other 3 also had ulcerated carotid plaques. All patients had classical vertebral basilar insufficiency and were being considered for reconstructive surgery; however, dilatation alleviated the symptoms and made surgery unnecessary. No complications were encountered. At 1-18 months, all patients remain free of symptoms. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is a feasible means of treating stenosis of the origin of the vertebral artery in carefully selected cases.