Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (dilatation) of carotid, vertebral, and innominate artery stenoses.

Over a period of 5 years, 51 stenoses of brachiocephalic arteries were successfully dilated, and one subclavian occlusion recanalized in 42 patients. Among 24 patients there were 21 stenoses of the internal carotid artery, two stenoses of the common carotid artery, two stenoses of the innominate artery, five stenoses at the origin of the vertebral artery, and four stenoses of the subclavian artery. There were 17 patients who had stenoses of the subclavian artery. In 12 cases several arteries were affected. In 9 patients multiple (2-3) stenoses in these supraaortic arteries were dilated. In 4 cases bilateral dilatation of internal carotid arteries was performed. There were transient, minor complications in 2 patients.