[Early and late results of subclavian transposition]

The subclavian-carotid transposition presents nowadays an elegant procedure for the treatment of the steal syndrome in subclavian stenosis. In 85 patients we were able to establish normal blood pressure without operative mortality. Follow-up examination after a mean time interval of 48 months revealed no reocclusion and 81% had complete relief of symptoms, whereas 18% were improved. The low operative morbidity, combined with the favorable late results demonstrate, that transposition is the method of choice for the treatment of subclavian steal syndrome. The operative procedure and the potential difficulties are described extensively, based on our experiences.