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Diagnosis and treatment of subclavian artery occlusive disease

Patrick A Stone1, Mohit Srivastiva, John E Campbell

  • 1Robert C Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University School of Medicine Charleston Division, 3100 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304, USA. pstone0627@yahoo.com

Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|September 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis in brachiocephalic vessels is rare but endovascular treatments like angioplasty and stenting offer effective management for subclavian artery occlusive disease, improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Brachiocephalic vessel atherosclerosis is less common than extracranial carotid artery disease.
  • Historically, surgical intervention for occlusive disease carried high morbidity and mortality.
  • Minimally invasive endovascular techniques have emerged as crucial in managing symptomatic patients over the past 30 years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the natural history of subclavian artery occlusive disease.
  • To discuss diagnostic evaluations for this condition.
  • To explore current and evolving endovascular treatment modalities.

Main Methods:

  • Review of natural history data for subclavian artery occlusive disease.
  • Analysis of diagnostic imaging techniques.
  • Evaluation of endovascular procedures (angioplasty, stenting) and surgical outcomes.
  • Examination of literature on treatment efficacy and durability.

Main Results:

  • Endovascular techniques, including angioplasty and stenting, demonstrate good technical success and durability.
  • These minimally invasive methods are viable therapeutic options for symptomatic patients.
  • The role of endovascular management has significantly evolved and expanded.

Conclusions:

  • Subclavian artery occlusive disease requires careful diagnostic evaluation.
  • Endovascular management has become a primary and effective treatment strategy.
  • Minimally invasive approaches offer a favorable alternative to traditional surgery for brachiocephalic atherosclerosis.

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