Dysphagia lusoria: anterior approach for definitive treatment

An aberrant right subclavian artery causing symptoms is rare in adults. Several surgical approaches have been advocated. On the basis of results obtained in two patients, the authors recommended an anterior approach, either a transternal bilateral thoracotomy or a median sternotomy, that affords excellent exposure for flush ligation and division of the right subclavian artery at the aorta, and reconstruction on the ascending aorta.