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.
ObjectiveTo explore the treatment outcome of carotid endarterectomy combined with vertebral artery transposition in patients with severe stenosis to occlusion of the vertebral artery V1 segment and the ipsilateral carotid artery.MethodsFrom June 2017 to September 2020, patients with severe stenosis to occlusion of the vertebral artery V1 segment and the ipsilateral carotid artery treated with carotid endarterectomy combined with vertebral artery transposition in Fuwai Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsFinally 12 patients were enrolled, including 10 males and 2 females with an average age of 67.8±6.0 years. Twelve patients were successfully operated and the follow-up time was 1-3 years. The stenosis degree of the V1 segment of the vertebral artery decreased from 83.5%±11.8% to 24.9%±14.3% (P＜0.001). The stenosis degree of carotid artery decreased from 85.6%±11.0% to 0% (P＜0.001). Postoperative follow-up showed that the symptoms of symptomatic patients before surgery improved. The 1-year and 3-year patency rates were 100.0%, and there were no peripheral nerve injury complications, perioperative deaths or strokes.ConclusionCarotid endarterectomy combined with vertebral artery transposition can treat ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis and vertebral artery stenosis at the same time, improve blood supply to the brain, improve patients' symptoms and has high promotion value.
ObjectiveTo summarize the feasibility and effectiveness of endovascular treatment for vertebral artery stenosis ectopic originating from the aortic arch. MethodThe clinical data of 5 patients with vertebral artery stenosis ectopic originating from aortic arch admitted to Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsAll 5 patients underwent magnetic resonance angiography and CT angiography before treatment. The vertebral arteries of all patients originated from the aortic arch and were severe stenosis, with a median diameter of 1.3 mm (range, 1.1–1.5 mm) by CT angiography. All 5 patients were successfully treated with endovascular intervention. The operation time was 37–45 min, with a median of 39 min. There were no complications of vertebral artery rupture, embolism or occlusion, cerebral infarction, plaque abscission, hematoma at puncture site, pseudoaneurysm, postoperative hemorrhage, or perioperative pulmonary infection. The patients were followed-up for 13–30 months, with a median follow-up time of 20 months. The blood vessels of 5 patients remained unobstructed and no clinically significant vascular restenosis occurred. ConclusionsBased on the experiences of 5 cases of vertebral artery stenosis ectopic originating from the aortic arch, it is safe and effective to choose endovascular treatment for severe symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis. Especially, it is necessary to evaluate the stenosis degree of vertebral artery using CT angiography before treatment.