Figure 1

Study protocol. At baseline the Pd/Pa ratio over the stenosis was measured. The patients were divided in two groups, the sequence of (in)active electrical neurostimulation was randomly assigned. Electrical neurostimulation was (in)active for 5 minutes, and continued during a 1 minute inflation. Two sequences of 5 + 1 minute were performed, one for dilation with a balloon and one for stent delivery. During the inflations aortic pressure and wedge pressure were recorded. Pd = pressure distal of the stenosis in resting conditions; Pa = aortic pressure; Pw = wedge pressure: pressure distal to the inflated balloon