Transluminal angioplasty of stenotic carotid arteries: case reports and protocol.

Transluminal angioplasty of the carotid artery was successfully performed without complications in two patients, one with a stenotic internal carotid artery and one with a stenotic common carotid artery. Effectiveness of the procedure was proven by amelioration of common carotid flow. The authors outline factors to be considered in selecting patients for this procedure, including the particular cerebrovascular pathogenesis, type of stenotic lesion, clinical indications, and technique and materials used for dilatation.