Stenoses and occlusions of the supraaortic vessels--the interdisciplinary interventional treatment of patients with an increased surgical risk

Abstract

The value of elective PTA in stenoses of the supraaortic vessels and especially of the carotid artery is still under discussion. Stenoses after surgical and/or radiation therapy and a high cardio-vascular risk for a surgical procedure, however, justify minimal-invasive techniques. In 31 patients with 24 symptomatic and 7 asymptomatic stenoses of the supraaortic arteries (3 Acc, 19 Aci, 5 Ascl, 4 Tr.brc, 2 Aax) minimal-invasive angioplasty and stent-placement was performed. The rationale for the interventional procedure was an elevated medical or technical risk of the respective surgical procedure. All procedures were performed using a coaxial technique with a guiding catheter. An open vascular access was necessary in 7 cases due to an unfavorable anatomical situation. The technical success rate was 100%. Peri-interventionally, a TIA occurred in 2 patients (1 spontaneous relieve, 1 complete remission after rt-PA lysis therapy). During the mean follow-up period of 13 months 3 patients died due to non-cerebrovascular reasons. In 2 patients a moderate restenosis, in 1 a high-grade stenosis, and in 1 and complete occlusion occurred without symptoms. After one year of follow-up, all treated stenoses were patent with a restenosis rate of 10.7% without further neurological symptoms. Interventional angioplasty with stent-placement of the supraaortic arteries is a safe and effective alternative in patients are at high risk for classical surgical procedures.