Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting of the subclavian artery and brachiocephalic trunk

We report on our experience with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting for stenosis or occlusion of the subclavian artery and brachiocephalic trunk in 14 patients in the past 23 months. Two of them were in the brachiocephalic trunk, one in right subclavian artery, and eleven cases in the left subclavian artery. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty alone was done in four patients. Ten of them received percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting. One of four patients receiving only percutaneous transluminal angioplasty did not achieve adequate dilatation. After follow up for 10-23 (mean = 14) months, none of the other three patients had recurrent symptoms. One patient with left subclavian artery occlusion who received stenting showed re-stenosis at the region not covered by the stent. After follow up for 2-14 (mean = 10) months, none of the other patients who received stenting showed any signs of restenosis. Two complications with the treatment procedure were encountered: One was self-limited leakage of the contrast media; and the other was proximal migration of the stent, the stent was then implanted in the abdominal aorta. No clinical manifestations were noted in these two patients. In conclusion, percutaneous angioplasty and stenting are effective in the treatment of stenosis or occlusion in the subclavian artery or brachiocephalic trunk.