PTA of the subclavian and innominate artery: short- and long-term results

Twelve patients with brachial ischemia and/or subclavian steal syndrome underwent PTA of the subclavian, innominate and axillary artery. One technical failure occurred in a patient with a high grade stenosis of the subclavian artery. All other patients were successfully dilated. On long-term follow-up (mean: 12 months) only one patient had a recurrent stenosis which was successfully recanalized by PTA. This patient is asymptomatic since 12 months. The only severe complication was a transient amaurosis which occurred during catheterization. Balloon angioplasty was, therefore, not performed. In summary, PTA is an effective therapy for patients with brachial ischemia and/or subclavian steal syndrome. The long- and short-term results compare favorably with results obtained by surgery.