[Reconstructive surgery in lesions of the vertebral artery].

The investigation of 33 patients with occlusive disease of the vertebral arteries has shown atherosclerosis to be the most common cause of the disease. The optimum method of the surgical treatment for isolated injuries of the vertebral arteries is thought to be a transsubclavian endarterectomy from the orifice of the vertebral artery. Multiple injuries should be treated by a one-step reconstruction of the vertebral and subclavian arteries. The data obtained allow these operations to be recommended for use in the vascular centers.