Objective To evaluate the efficacy of dual stent placements for the treatment of occlusion/stenosis of subclavian artery associated with stenosis of adjacent vertebral artery initial site. Methods The clinical data of 9 patients with occlusion/stenosis of subclavian artery associated with stenosis of adjacent vertebral artery initial site were retrospectively analyzed. Stent implantations in the affected subclavian artery and vertebral artery were separately performed; the patients were followed up for 3-12 months after the treatment. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated with the clinical symptoms and Doppler ultrasonic examination. Results Successful implantation of two stents was accomplished in all 9 patients, with the technical success rate of 100%. After the treatment, the blood flow in both the subclavian and vertebral arteries was unobstructed. Following-up examination showed that the subjective symptoms were obviously improved in all 9 patients, and no serious procedure-related complications occurred. Doppler ultrasound examination showed that no in-stent restenosis or stent displacement was observed. Conclusion For the treatment of occlusion/stenosis of subclavian artery associated with stenosis of adjacent vertebral artery initial site, dual stent placement technique is a safe and feasible means with satisfactory effect in improving vertebro-basilar arterial insufficiency.

Objective To evaluate whether the size,number or location of fibroids affect therapeutic efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE).Methods 84 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids who had received uterine fibroid embolization with the use of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)or gelfoam sponge particles(GSP).According to the lesion's size,number or location,all patients were divided into different groups and following -up as outpatients. Patient's symptomatic improvement and imaging following -up was assessed after UAE.Results A technically suc-cessful embolization was done in all patients.Postoperative 12 -month following -up was performed in 77 cases.No major life -threatening complications were found and the clinical symptoms were improved after UAE.In the different groups,the uterine size and the leiomyoma size after UAE were markedly decreased(t =5.842,P <0.05).Further comparison showed that the mean reduction in fibroids volume after UAE was not significant between the two groups, so was the mean reduction in uterine volume.Solitary leiomyoma group showed no significant difference in volume reduction rate of fibroids and uterine after UAE as compared with multiple leiomyoma group.Changes were not signifi-cantly in Submucosal uterine fibroids,Subserosal uterine fibroids,Intramural uterine fibroids.Conclusion UAE is an effective treatment for uterine fibroids.In this study,the size,number,and location of fibroids did not affect therapeutic efficacy or the complication rate of UAE.