ObjectiveTo investigate the safety, early and mid-term outcomes of drug-eluting stent-assisted angioplasty in treating symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis. MethodsFrom June 2004 to June 2008 a total of 24 patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) due to vertebral artery (VA) origin atherosclerotic stenosis received drug-eluting stent-assisted angioplasty. Patient records were reviewed for angiographic findings, peri-procedural complications, and follow-up data. ResultsThe procedures were technically successful for all patients and the stenoses were greatly improved. All patients were available for follow-up for (19±2) months. Two patients developed mild in-stent restenosis. ConclusionOur finding confirms that drug-eluting stent-assisted angioplasty is feasible and safe for treating symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis, with satisfactory early outcome.