PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL ANGIOPLASTY FOR THE M2 PORTION VASOSPASM FOLLOWING SAH - DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW MICROBALLOON AND REPORT OF CASES

A new silicone microballoon was developed for the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of smaller intracranial vessels, such as Al, A2 and M2. This balloon was 0.5 x 2.0 mm in the deflated condition and became 2.2 x 6.5 mm inflated with 0.02 mL of fluid, and its bursting pressure was 2 atm. Two illustrative cases are presented. The first case was not treated in the M2 distribution. The second case of vasospasm of the left M2 portion was successfully treated with this new balloon, with prompt improvement of the neurological condition and cerebral circulation. The usefulness of our microballoon in treating a patient with vasospasm of small intracranial arteries is discussed.