[Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the branches of the aortic arch].

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) takes its stable position in the therapy of obliterating arterial diseases. Its indication areas considerably extend. The authors present a survey of their experience and the results of PTA of arteries supplying the brain and upper extremities. This surgery was made in 29 patients on 31 arteries. The authors consider PTA on a. subclavia as a method of choice. In the angioplasty on a. vertebralis there is a very low risk in correctly indicated cases. An atherosclerotic stricture of a. carotis interna is not considered suitable for PTA for the risk of embolism from the exulcerated plaques. However, the method may be used with advantage in the stenosis based on fibromuscular dysplasia and in some cases of early restenoses in a. carotis interna after previous endarterectomy. The authors arrive at the conclusion that PTA, if correctly indicated, is a safe method even in arteries supplying the brain and upper extremities. No complication was observed in the reported group.