ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of surgical treatment of vertebral artery stenosis and to summarize the experience.MethodThe clinical data of 6 patients undergoing surgical treatment from September 2018 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsAll the procedures were successfully performed without intraoperative cerebral infarction, injury of thoracic duct or nerve disconnection by mistake. The operative time was 120 to 270 minutes, the median was 180 minutes. The blood loss was 50 to 150 milliliters, and the median was 65 milliliters. One patient suffered from Horner’s syndrome after the operation. One patient suffered from cerebral infarction on 4 days after the operation. During the follow-up of 3–10 months, three patients felt dizziness relieved and there were no anastomotic stricture or new cerebral infarction happened.ConclusionsSurgical treatment is safeand effective for vertebral artery stenosis. Revascularization of the carotid and vertebral arteries at the same time shouldbe avoided.
ObjectiveTo investigate the treatment of modified vertebral-carotid transposition (VCT) in patients with severe stenosis or occlusion at V1 segment of vertebral artery.MethodsA retrospective study of 13 patients with severe stenosis or occlusion at V1 segment of vertebral artery treated by modified VCT in our hospital from October 2016 to December 2018 was done. There were 10 males and 3 females with an average age of 70.5±7.1 years.ResultsThe operation was successful in this series of patients. The follow-up duration was 1-3 years. The stenosis degree of the V1 segment of the vertebral artery decreased from 86.8%±7.5% to 17.4%±14.5%. All patients achieved remission of symptoms after the surgery. Temporary peripheral nerve injury occurred in 6 patients. Four patients with neurological complications relieved during follow-up. The patency rate was 100.0% at postoperative 1 and 3 years. There was no perioperative death, stroke or re-intervention.ConclusionModified VCT can precisely restore the distal blood flow of patients with severe stenosis or occlusion at V1 segment of vertebral artery, and relieve their symptoms.