ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the feasibility,safety and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal stenting angioplasty for severe complicated stenosis of vertebrobasilar system. Methods From November 2003 to February 2006,5 candidates underwent percutaneous transluminal stenting for severe complicated stenosis of vertebrobasilar system. Results Four out of 5 candidates,had occlusion of unilateral vertebral artery (VA),1 had severe bilateral proximal segmental stenosis of VA. There were 4 with severe proximal segmental stenosis of the VA associated with multiple segmental stenosis of intracranial VA and basilar artery (BA),and 1 with multiple segmental severe stenosis of intracranial VA and BA. Stenosis rate ranges from 80% ～95% with involved length from 10-20 mm. Technical success was achieved in all of the patient (100%),and residual stenosis rate was less than 20%. All the symptoms due to vertebrobasilar blood supply insufficiency disappeared. Follow-up with DSA 6-12 months later demonstrated no restenosis; showing satisfactory short term efficacy. Conclusions Percutaneous transluminal stenting for vertebrobasilar blood supply insufficiency is a safe and efficacious option with favorable short term outcome,especially with furthermore prevention of stroke.