Isolated Subclavian Artery: A Rare Entity Revisited

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Aortic Arch Anomalies

Background:

• Isolation of the subclavian artery is a rare congenital anomaly of the aortic arch, with limited reported cases.
• This condition is often associated with other intracardiac or arch malformations, notably tetralogy of Fallot.

Observation:

• This study details the presentation, preoperative imaging, surgical strategies, and outcomes of four patients diagnosed with isolated subclavian artery.
• A review of existing literature on this rare condition is also included.

Findings:

• Surgical division and reimplantation of the isolated subclavian artery onto the aortic arch or common carotid artery is the preferred treatment.
• The surgical approach demonstrated good immediate and midterm outcomes in the studied patients.

Implications:

• This research contributes to understanding the embryological basis and pathophysiology of isolated subclavian artery.
• The findings support surgical reimplantation as an effective treatment, improving patient outcomes for this rare aortic anomaly.