Endovascular treatment of chronic mesenteric ischaemia

Abstract

Background: With the development of endovascular techniques, the role of transluminal management of occlusive mesenteric vascular disease has been increasing. The aim of the study was evaluation of our current experience with endovascular stent implantation and angioplasty in the superior mesenteric artery, using modern stent technology and delivery systems as well as the determination of the safety of endovascular therapy.
Material and methods: 7 consecutive patients were studied (4 females, 3 males, mean age: 57.5 years) with chronic mesenteric ischaemia. In all patients, a presumptive diagnosis was based on the clinical examination, computed tomography angiography and duplex Doppler sonography and confirmed with digital subtraction angiography. All patients underwent endovascular angioplasty procedures with stent implantation in the superior mesenteric artery. In 4 patients, angioplasty and stent implantation in the superior mesenteric artery were performed via axillary access and in 3 patients via the femoral approach directly after digital subtraction angiography examination.
Results: Technical success and symptom relief were achieved in all patients. Patients were followed-up within 6-24 months and no signs of restenosis were present.
Conclusions: In our opinion endovascular revascularization of the superior mesenteric artery is a safe and effective method of treatment of chronic mesenteric ischaemia.