Abstract
Concern has been expressed recently regarding the proliferation of angioplasty and/or stenting of cerebral vessels. However, little is known about the volume of angioplasties being performed or the number of experienced interventionalists. A questionnaire was mailed to directors of accredited radiology residency programs in the United States, to define the level of expertise available at teaching hospitals in terms of angioplasty and/or stenting. Of 200 programs surveyed, 111 responded (56 %). Of 111 program directors 47 (42 %) indicated that cerebral angioplasty was being performed at their center. The greatest experience is currently for angioplasty of post-subarachnoid hemorrhage vasospasm (mean 16 procedures performed) and the least experience for dilation of basilar artery atherosclerosis (mean five procedures performed). The reported stroke and/or death rate in centers performing angioplasty of the extracranial carotid system is 1.5 %. Comparisons with other medical specialties (e. g., cardiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons) are necessary to determine the full scope of extracranial neurovascular procedures being performed and the corresponding complication rates.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 27 November 1998/Accepted: 13 May 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chaturvedi, S., St. Pierre, M. & Bertasio, B. Cerebral angioplasty practice at major medical centers in the United States. Neuroradiology 42, 218–220 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002340050051
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002340050051