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Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
Subclavian artery stenosis caused by a prominent first rib
Isabelle Claus1, Kobe Van Bael1, Sabrina Speybrouck1
1Department of Thoracovascular Surgery, ASZ Aalst, Aalst, Belgium.
Abstract:
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a mechanical space problem in which the brachial plexus and/or subclavian vessels are compressed. Arterial compression is least common and almost always associated with a bony anomaly. We present a case of a 49-year-old woman with a prominent first rib which caused a subclavian artery stenosis. There are many options for subclavian artery repair through open surgery. In high-risk patients, minimal invasive techniques are favorable. To date, few case reports exist on an endovascular artery repair combined with open first rib resection. While long-term follow-up will be necessary, our preliminary results seem promising.
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