Non-penetrating subclavian artery trauma: management by selective transluminally placed stent device

Non-penetrating injury to the subclavian artery has not often been reported. The limited experience of surgeons with this type of trauma and the difficult vascular control required for its management make it a surgical challenge. We report on two cases, one after blunt trauma and the other with a subclavian artery aneurysm following anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Percutaneous stent implantation in the subclavian artery was successfully performed with, in the second case, coil embolization of the aneurysm. Follow-up Doppler sonography and angiogram demonstrated patency and luminal integrity of the involved artery. This less invasive procedure may be a significant advance and a new approach in the conservative management of traumatic subclavian injury for selected cases.