Catheter-based treatment of the subclavian and innominate arteries

Current Advances in Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches for Subclavian Steal Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

With newly created therapy devices and cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, we successfully diagnosed and treated subclavian steal syndrome in this case report. This case report is complemented by a literature review that examines the current state of knowledge about diagnostic and treatment options. The patient reported pain and numbness in his left upper arm when raising his arm above his head. On clinical examination, he had good left radial and ulnar pulses while in a sitting position; however, he had absent left ulnar pulses when he raised his hand above his head. Angiography revealed retrograde perfusion of the left vertebral artery and nearly complete occlusion of the ostium of the left subclavian artery. The patient underwent angioplasty and stenting. Immediately after the procedure, the patient reported a reduction in the pain and numbness in his left upper limb by 50%, which completely disappeared at his routine follow-up after one month. The patient was completely asymptomatic during follow-up and had no signs of neurological deficit.

Endovascular treatment of Takayasu arteritis in a middle-aged woman with syncope and limb claudication: a case report

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a disease that causes inflammation and stenosis of medium to large blood vessels. We report a case of a 50-year-old female patient with newly developed hypertension, syncope, and claudication of the extremities. Total occlusion of the left subclavian artery at the origin was found and significant stenosis of the right common iliac artery was revealed by hemodynamic analysis. She was successfully treated with percutaneous angioplasty for multiple peripheral arterial diseases and was finally diagnosed with TA. In consultation with a rheumatologist, medical treatment for TA was initiated, the patient's hypertension disappeared, and her claudication symptoms improved.

Outcomes of covered stents versus bare-metal stents for subclavian artery occlusive disease

Objective

To compare the clinical efficacy of covered stents and bare-metal stents in the endovascular treatment of subclavian artery occlusive disease.

Methods

Between January 2014 and December 2020, 161 patients (112 males) underwent stenting of left subclavian arteries; CSs were implanted in 55 patients (34.2%) and BMSs in 106 (65.8%). Thirty-day outcomes, mid-term patency, and follow-up results were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves. Relevant clinical, anatomical, and procedural factors were evaluated for their association with patency in the two groups using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Mean follow-up was 45 ± 18 months. The primary patency was 93.8% (95% CI, 81.9%-98.0%) in the covered stent group and 73.7% (95% CI, 63.2%-81.6%; P = 0.010) in the bare-metal stent group. The primary patency in the total occlusion subcategory was significant in favor of CS (93.3%, 95% CI, 61.26%-99.0%) compared with BMS (42.3%, 95% CI, 22.9%-60.5%; P = 0.005). Cox proportional hazards regression indicated that the use of BMSs [hazard ratio (HR), 4.90; 95% CI, 1.47-16.31; P = 0.010] and total occlusive lesions (HR, 7.03; 95% CI, 3.02-16.34; P < 0.001) were negative predictors of patency, and the vessel diameter (HR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.04-9.71; P = 0.043)) was a positive predictor of patency.

Conclusion

Compared with bare stents, covered stents have a higher midterm primary patency in the treatment of subclavian artery occlusive disease.

[Treatment of atherosclerotic lesion of the first segment of subclavian artery]

Severe subclavian artery lesion is an important medical and social problem worsening the quality of life and leading to dire consequences. Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is the main syndrome of lesion of the first segment of subclavian artery. About 20% of all ischemic strokes occur in vertebrobasilar basin. At present, surgical treatment of asymptomatic patients with severe lesion of the 1st segment of subclavian artery is still debatable. Open surgery is optimal for occlusion of this vascular segment. Carotid-subclavian transposition is a preferable option with favorable in-hospital and long-term results. However, carotid-subclavian bypass is an equivalent alternative in case of difficult transposition following anatomical and topographic features of vascular architectonics. Endovascular treatment is preferable for isolated subclavian artery stenosis and should certainly include stenting.

Intravascular lithotripsy in calcified subclavian and innominate peripheral artery disease: A single centre experience

BACKGROUND

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a novel tool for the treatment of calcified vascular stenosis. Recently, IVL has been successfully used for modification of calcified plaque in coronary and lower extremity peripheral arteries with promising results. However, experience in subclavian and innominate peripheral arterial disease is limited. This study aims to report our initial experience of IVL use in calcified subclavian and innominate vasculature.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of all the cases of IVL performed in subclavian and innominate arteries at the Miriam Hospital, Providence, between January 2019 and May 2020. Data on the baseline and procedural characteristics were collected. The primary endpoint was procedural success defined as residual stenosis of <20% after stenting. Other endpoints of interest were; 1) procedural complications, including dissections, perforations, abrupt closure, slow or no-reflow, thrombosis, and distal embolization; 2) in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke/transient ischemic attack.

RESULTS

A total of 7 patients with 13 lesions undergoing IVL were included. Of these, 5 (71%) were women, the mean age was 74.6 ± 12.9, and the mean BMI was 25.1 ± 6.7. IVL was successfully delivered to all the target lesions with a mean 252.9 ± 54.4 pulses delivered per patient. Procedural success was achieved in 100% of the treated lesions. No procedure-related complications or in-hospital MACE occurred in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-center retrospective analysis, IVL facilitated acute procedural success without any procedural complications in severely calcified stenoses of the subclavian and innominate vasculature. Larger studies with an active comparator and longer follow-up are needed to establish the relative efficacy and safety of IVL use in this vascular bed.

Subclavian Artery Stenting Under Cerebral Protection by Balloon-Guiding Catheter Inflation Inside the Aortic Arch at the Left Subclavian Artery Origin

BACKGROUND

We describe a simple and novel technique for cerebral protection during left subclavian artery (SA) stenting by inflation of a balloon-guiding catheter inside the aortic arch at the SA origin.

METHODS

A total of 12 patients with left SA stenosis underwent SA stenting with inflation of a balloon-guiding catheter inside the aortic arch at the left SA origin between January 2020 and December 2020. The SA stenting procedures under proximal protection were retrospectively reviewed to assess ischemic complications, hyperintense spots on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and flow direction of left vertebral artery (VA) during balloon-guiding catheter inflation using ultrasonography (US).

RESULTS

The success rate of the SA stenting procedure was 100% with no symptomatic ischemic complications. None of the 12 patients showed small hyperintense spots in DWI. In all patients, the left VA on US during balloon inflation showed retrograde blood flow.

CONCLUSIONS

The left VA on US had retrograde blood flow during inflation of the balloon-guiding catheter inside the aortic arch at the SA origin. Therefore, the proximal balloon protection inside the aortic arch at the SA origin is a simple and maybe a safe technique for cerebral protection during SA stenting.

Symptomatic subclavian steal syndrome: Report of four Moroccan cases and literature review

Introduction

Subclavian steal syndrome (SSS) is the hemodynamic phenomenon of blood flow reversal in the vertebral artery due to significant stenosis or occlusion of the proximal ipsilateral subclavian artery.

Materials and methods

Four patients with subclavian steal syndrome were treated in our center. Percutaneous radial approach was used for angioplasty, primary stenting of subclavian artery was performed, surgical techniques in particular carotid-subclavian bypass and carotid-subclavian transposition were used.

Results

We report the cases of four patients, three of which are male, with an average age of 60 years. All of them were symptomatic. Diagnosis was made by duplex ultrasound, supplemented by CT-angiography and arteriography. Endovascular treatment was attempted in all four patients, which was successful in two patients, who underwent primary stenting, and failed for the two others, for whom surgical treatment was considered. One had a subclavio-carotid bypass graft with a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) prosthesis and the other had a subclavio-carotid transposition. The technical results were satisfactory in all patients with symptoms resolution. The postoperative evolution was without notable complications and the postoperative checkups were satisfactory.

Discussion

There are excellent screening tools and effective medical therapies which can be instituted if the SSS is diagnosed early. When the need for revascularization arises, percutaneous modalities are favored given their proven long-term efficacy, decreased morbidity and mortality, and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, large, prospective, randomized and controlled trials are needed to compare the long-term patency rates between the endovascular and surgical techniques.

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SSS is caused by the reversal of blood flow in the vertebral artery.

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Doppler ultrasound is the ultimate screening tool for diagnosis.

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Treatment of symptomatic SSS is always indicated.

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Endovascular approach is the first-line treatment.

Brachiocephalic and subclavian stenosis: Current concepts for cardiovascular specialists

Brachiocephalic and subclavian artery stenoses are less common manifestations of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) compared to lower extremity PAD. However, even among asymptomatic patients, a diagnosis of PAD portends worse long-term mortality. Symptoms may include subclavian steal syndrome and arm claudication. Among patients with internal mammary coronary bypass grafts, symptoms may include those of myocardial ischemia. Symptomatic subclavian stenosis can be readily treated using endovascular techniques with durable outcomes.

Long-term Outcome of Axillo-axillary Bypass in Patients with Subclavian or Innominate Artery Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Subclavian or innominate artery stenosis (SAS) may cause upper extremity and cerebral ischemia. In patients with symptomatic subclavian or innominate artery stenosis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is the treatment of first choice. When percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is technically restricted or unsuccessful, an extrathoracic bypass grafting, such as an axillo-axillary bypass can be considered. The patency rate of axillo-axillary bypass is often questioned. The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of patients undergoing axillo-axillary bypass for subclavian or innominate artery stenosis (SAS) and to provide a literature overview.

METHODS

In this single-center study, data from patients who underwent axillo-axillary bypass for symptomatic SAS between 2002 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Bypass material was Dacron® (54%) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (46%). Primary outcome was graft patency and secondary outcome was the occurrence of mortality and stroke. In addition, a systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases including all studies describing patency of axillo-axillary bypass.

RESULTS

In total, 28 axillo-axillary bypasses had been performed. Cumulative primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates at one year were 89%, 93%, and 96%, respectively. Cumulative primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates at five years were 76%, 84%, and 87%, respectively. The primary-assisted patency rates at five years for Dacron® and PTFE were 93% and 73%, respectively. A total of four primary axillo-axillary bypass occlusions occurred (14%), with a mean of 12 months (range, 0.4-25) after operation. The 30-day mortality was 7%; one patient died after a stroke and one died of a myocardial infarction. At the first postoperative follow-up control, 22 of the 26 remaining patients (85%) had relief of symptoms. The literature search included 7 studies and described a one-year primary patency range of 93-100% (n = 137) and early postoperative adverse events included death (range, 0-13%) and stroke (range, 0-5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patency rates of axillo-axillary bypasses for patients with a symptomatic SAS are good. However, the procedural complication rate in this series is high and attention should be paid to intervention indication.

Carotid, Vertebral, and Brachiocephalic Interventions

Carotid atherosclerosis most frequently manifests in the proximal internal carotid artery and the common carotid artery bifurcations. Subclavian artery atherosclerosis affects the proximal segments with a relatively higher incidence on the left and becomes clinically important in the presence of vertebrobasilar insufficiency or coronary steal. Atherosclerosis of the vertebral artery can lead to posterior circulation stroke. The authors review the major trials on carotid carotid, brachiocephalic and vertebral artery stenosis along with the various available diagnostic and interventional techniques.

Use of a Dual-Filter Embolic Protection Device for Brachiocephalic Artery Stenting

A 77-year-old female with peripheral artery disease underwent brachiocephalic artery stenting for right upper extremity claudication. Given a very high atherosclerotic burden seen on CT, a dual-filter embolic protection device (Sentinel, Boston Scientific) was deployed from the right radial artery to protect the right common carotid and subclavian arteries, and therefore the vertebral artery, during the stenting procedure. This case report demonstrates a novel use of this dual-filter device to provide both carotid and vertebral artery embolic protection during brachiocephalic artery intervention.

Cardiogenic Shock After Arterial Y-Graft Coronary Bypass Surgery Secondary to Critical Stenoses of the Left Subclavian and Left Main Coronary Arteries

We present a case of a 62-year-old man who was in cardiogenic shock. He had a history of coronary artery bypass grafting 4 years previously, with left internal mammary radial artery Y-grafting to a left dominant coronary circulation. Critical stenoses of the left main coronary and left subclavian arteries were seen at angiography. An occluded abdominal aorta precluded the use of mechanical circulatory support. The patient underwent high-risk stenting of the left subclavian artery with a successful outcome. The case highlights the unresolved issue of screening for subclavian stenoses in patients being considered for revascularization with arterial Y-grafting.

Percutaneous endovascular therapy for symptomatic chronic total occlusion of the left subclavian artery

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous endovascular therapy is an accepted and preferred procedure for symptomatic subclavian artery disease. However, the technical feasibility and effectiveness of treating chronic total occlusion of the subclavian artery with this approach is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the initial and mid-term results of endovascular therapy for patients with symptomatic chronic total occlusion of the left subclavian artery.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent balloon angioplasty and stenting for chronic total occlusion of the left subclavian artery between January 2010 and February 2014 were included.

RESULTS

Overall, 16 patients (10 male, 6 female; mean age 56 ± 13 years) underwent balloon angioplasty and stenting for chronic total occlusion of the left subclavian artery. 6 (37.5%) had arm claudication, 8 (50.0%) had vertebrobasilar insufficiency and 2 (12.5%) had coronary steal. 18 balloon-expandable stents were implanted in 15 patients. Central luminal passage was not achieved in one patient because of the subintimal position of the guidewire (procedural success rate 93.8%). There were no procedure-related complications. Mean preprocedural and postprocedural systolic blood pressure differences between the upper extremities were 37 ± 13 (range 25-60) mmHg and 11 ± 9 (range 5-38) mmHg, respectively; the improvement was statistically significant. Outpatient follow-up revealed one asymptomatic restenosis at two years. The patency rate at two years was 93.3%.

CONCLUSION

Balloon angioplasty and stenting for chronic total occlusion of the left subclavian artery is safe and effective, with good acute success rate and mid-term patency. Prospective randomised studies on larger patient populations would provide more precise results.

An unusual cause of ischemia after coronary bypass grafting!!

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome is an uncommon cause of ischemia recurrence after coronary artery bypass grafting. Endovascular treatment of subclavian artery stenosis or occlusion is increasingly common and appears to offer a safe and effective alternative to surgical revascularization. We report a case of recurrent angina after coronary artery bypass grafting for critical subclavian artery stenosis. The anomalous origin of the vertebral artery from the aortic arch was an indication for endovascular treatment. We discuss the diagnostic difficulties and the management pitfalls of subclavian artery angioplasty in this syndrome.

Use of a Re-entry Device in Left Subclavian Occlusion: Case Series

PURPOSE

To describe the use of a re-entry catheter in the endovascular treatment of left subclavian stenosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We present three patients where initial attempts at re-vascularisation using standard techniques were unsuccessful. An OUTBACK catheter was employed to facilitate re-entry in these patients.

RESULTS

True lumen re-entry was achieved in all patients, leading to successful treatment of all stenoses. There was a lack of filling of the left vertebral artery post-angioplasty in one patient; this was not clinically significant.

CONCLUSION

The case series presented is encouraging for the use of a re-entry catheter in the treatment of subclavian occlusion. In our limited experience this has proved to be a safe technique for use in patients who fail re-vascularisation by standard methods; a larger study is required to confirm this.

High incidence of progressive stenosis in aberrant left subclavian artery with right aortic arch

Right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery (RAA/aLSCA) is a rare aortic arch anomaly. The clinical association of aLSCA stenosis with RAA/aLSCA has not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnosis, incidence, management and outcome of aLSCA stenosis in infants with prenatally diagnosed RAA/aLSCA. Ten fetuses who were diagnosed as having RAA/aLSCA in Kyushu University Hospital between January 2011 and December 2014 were enrolled. The maternal and child medical records were reviewed to investigate sex, gestational age at the fetal diagnosis, gestational age and body weight at birth, the findings of computed tomography (CT), Doppler ultrasonography of the vertebral artery and angiography, and the complications and outcomes of aLSCA stenosis. In 8 of 10 patients, aLSCA stenosis was identified on the first CT examination after birth. No patients had dysphagia or respiratory distress. The stenosis spontaneously resolved in 3 patients. In 4 of the 5 remaining patients, aLSCA stenosis progressed, including one case in which complete occlusion occurred-the case was associated with retrograde flow from the left vertebral artery supplying the distal LSCA. Balloon angioplasty was successfully used to treat stenosis in two cases. The subclavian steal phenomenon and developmental problems were not observed in any patients. aLSCA stenosis was identified in 80% of patients with RAA/aLSCA after birth. The early detection and elective treatment of stenotic lesions may be required to prevent complete occlusion during the development of the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems.

Endovascular Therapy for the Steal Phenomenon due to the Innominate Artery Severe Stenosis and Bilateral Internal Carotid Artery Severe Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic innominate artery stenosis presenting as hemodynamic bilateral cerebral ischemia is uncommon. We present a rare case of the severe stenosis of the origin of an innominate artery and severe stenosis of bilateral internal carotid artery that induced hemodynamic cerebral ischemia after ipsilateral axillary artery-bilateral femoral artery bypass and was treated with stent replacement of the innominate artery and right internal carotid artery.

CASE REPORT

A 64-year-old woman who previously had undergone right axillary artery-bilateral femoral artery anastomosis for abdominal aorta high obstruction had been suffering from chronic dizziness and so visited our department. Findings of the examination included the severe stenosis of the origin of an innominate artery and severe stenosis of bilateral internal carotid artery, causing hemodynamic cerebral ischemia. She underwent stent replacement of the innominate artery and right carotid artery stenting via a right transbrachial approach. Her symptoms were relieved postoperatively.

DISCUSSION

For the sake of improving the hemodynamic cerebral ischemia, we performed stent replacement for innominate artery stenosis and right carotid artery stenting. Endovascular treatment of subclavian and innominate artery disease is a safe procedure. In addition, for the protection of thromboembolic migration, we performed balloon protection of the external carotid artery and filter protection of the internal carotid artery.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent replacement for these lesions can be performed safely with the right approach and protection methods, even when the only accessible route is the right brachial artery.

Successful Angioplasty of Left Vertebral Artery and Right Subclavian Artery Via Retrograde Approach

We describe a 77-year-old male who had right upper limb ischemic symptoms and history of unsuccessful right subclavian artery angioplasty. According to ultrasound findings, upper limb angiography was performed which confirmed stenosis of the left vertebral and right subclavian arteries. Percutaneous angioplasty and stenting of left vertebral and right subclavian arteries were performed in two separate sessions. Retrograde approach was scheduled for right subclavian artery angioplasty which is challenging due to potential risks to adjacent vertebral artery. This case reports underscores that percutaneous approaches may be preferential given their confirmed long-term efficacy and lower morbidity.

Subclavian Artery Disease: Diagnosis and Therapy

The diagnosis of brachiocephalic disease is often overlooked. Symptoms include arm claudication and vertebrobasilar insufficiency. In patients who have had the use of the internal mammary artery for coronary bypass surgery, the development of symptoms of myocardial ischemia should alert the clinician to the possibility of subclavian artery stenosis. Also, in patients who have had axillofemoral bypass, lower-extremity claudication may occur. Recognition involves physical examination and accurate noninvasive testing. Endovascular therapy has proven to be effective in alleviating symptoms in properly selected patients.

Endovascular treatment and morphology typing of chronic ostial occlusion of the subclavian artery

Chronic obstructive lesions of the subclavian artery (SCA) often result in subclavian steal syndrome, which leads to arm claudication, transient cerebral ischemia, and other serious complications. The lesions are classified as stenosis and occlusion, according to the degree of obstruction. Unlike totally occlusive lesions, including ostial occlusions, stenotic lesions have an excellent technical success rate. In the present study, ostial occlusions were classified into 4 types according to their angiographic appearance. A total of 8 patients (6 male, 2 female) with SCA occlusions were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting over a 4-year period. Mean patient age was 65.6 years (range, 60-72 years). In total, 9 self-expanding and 1 balloon-expandable stent were implanted at the ostia of the SCA in 7 of the patients. One female patient did not undergo stenting. Bleeding at the access site was noted in 2 patients and was controlled by gauze pressure. The patient that did not undergo stenting was lost to follow-up with symptoms of a transient ischemic attack at 3 months. The mean follow-up time for the remaining 7 patients was 15.7 months (range, 1-36 months). No ischemic symptoms, neointimal hyperplasia, or restenosis was observed in these patients. The transfemoral artery operation approach is preferred for rat-tail and peak type occlusions, whereas the dual approach involving both femoral and radial arteries is preferred for hilly and plain type occlusions. The angiographic morphology typing used in the present study may serve as a reference to decide upon the interventional operation strategy to be used for improving the technical success rate.

Iatrogenic Subclavian Artery Perforation Rescued by Operator-Modified Graft Stent

Subclavian artery (SCA) perforation is a rare complication while performing SCA intervention. In our present report, a 73-year-old female, with stenosis of the left SCA and situs inversus, presented with exercise-induced left arm weakness. The SCA stenosis was treated with direct stenting with a balloon-expansible Express LD 10×25 mm stent. However, it caused iatrogenic SCA perforation and hemothorax. The perforation was sealed by endovascular repair with operator-modified Endurant II graft stent, which complicated with occlusion of left common carotid artery. And, the carotid artery was rescued by another stent. The graft stent, which was originally designed for abdominal aortic aneurysm, can be modified to suitable length and take as a rescue stent of large vessel with iatrogenic perforation. Due to strong radial force of graft stent, preservation of large side branches should been watched out.

Drug coated balloon angioplasty for subclavian artery stenosis: A potential novel indication

Subclavian artery stenosis is associated with increased cardiovascular disease mortality. It remains an important treatable cause of upper extremity, brain and cardiac ischemia. Endovascular treatment with angioplasty and stenting has become the preferred modality of treatment. Surgical revascularization is reserved for difficult cases with unfavorable anatomy to endovascular approach. Here we describe a case of subclavian artery stenosis causing subclavian steal syndrome with unfavorable anatomy to stenting treated successfully with drug coated balloon angioplasty with maintenance of patency at 6months.

Resolution of ischemic symptoms after percutaneous angioplasty for a symptomatic subclavian artery stenosis

OBJECTIVE

A minor part of patients with subclavian or innominate artery occlusive disease (subclavian artery stenosis [SAS]) experience symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency, upper extremity exertional ischemia (UEEI), or cardiac ischemia owing to subclavian-coronary steal (SCS) in some instances. The study aimed to assess the impact of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of symptomatic SAS on symptom resolution and to determine factors related with SAS recurrence.

METHODS

Symptom resolution and incidence of restenosis (RS) were evaluated for up to 15 years in patients who had undergone successful PTA of SAS.

RESULTS

The study group comprised 232 consecutive subjects after successful PTA of SAS (61.9 ± 8.4 years old 53.4% men). The mean follow-up time was 101 ± 40 months (range, 5-188 months). One month after PTA, 85.4% of the study participants were free from dizziness, 94.4% from imbalance, 97.1% from visual disturbances, 97.8% from syncope, 98.7% from UEEI, and 100% from SCS. RS was found in 37 patients (15.9%) in long-term observation. UEEI, dizziness, imbalance, and SCS were significantly more frequent in patients with SAS recurrence, as compared with patients with patent artery (65.9% vs 3.1% [P < .001] 63.4% vs 19.4% [P < .001]; 26.8% vs 9.4% [P = .005]; and 100% vs 15.4% [P = .018], respectively). Smaller stent diameter (odds ratio [OR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.96; P = .004), implantation of ≥2 stents for a lesion (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05-1.26; P = .003), concomitant stenosis in the carotid or vertebral artery (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.21; P = .036), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09-1.31; P < .001), and high-density lipoprotein level (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.82-0.98; P = .021) were associated independently with risk of RS, whereas recurrence of UEEI (relative risk, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.55-1.90; P < .001), dizziness (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14-1.39; P < .001), limb paresthesia (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.25; P = .005), and angina in subjects after coronary artery bypass grafting (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.21; P = .024) were associated with RS/SAS progression after PTA.

CONCLUSIONS

Angioplasty of SAS leads to symptom resolution in most patients. UEEI, dizziness, and angina recurrence are predictors of RS or SAS progression; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, smaller stent diameter, and number of implanted stents predict RS.

Distal Embolization During Percutaneous Subclavian Artery Intervention

Distal embolization due to atherothrombotic debris during subclavian artery interventions is extremely rare and can usually be managed conservatively. Herein, we describe a case of acute hand ischemia due to massive distal embolization during balloon angioplasty and stenting of a left subclavian artery chronic total occlusion. This limb-threatening complication was effectively treated with rescue surgical thrombectomy.

Subclavian steal: Endovascular treatment of total occlusions of the subclavian artery using a retrograde transradial subintimal approach

INTRODUCTION

In symptomatic subclavian steal syndrome, endovascular treatment is the first line of therapy prior to extra-anatomic surgical bypass procedures. Subintimal recanalization has been well described in the literature for the coronary arteries, and more recently, in the lower extremities. By modifying this approach, we present a unique retrograde technique using a heavy tip microwire to perform controlled subintimal dissection.

METHODS

We present two cases of symptomatic subclavian steal related to chronic total occlusion of the left subclavian artery and right innominate artery, respectively. Standard crossing techniques were unsuccessful. Commonly at this point, the procedures would be aborted and open surgical intervention would have to be pursued. In our cases, retrograde access was easily achieved via an ipsilateral retrograde radial artery, using controlled subintimal dissection and a heavy-tipped wire.

RESULTS

We were able to easily achieve recanalization in both attempted cases of chronic total occlusion of the subclavian and innominate artery, using a retrograde radial subintimal approach. Subsequent stent-supported angioplasty resulted in complete revascularization. No major complications were encountered during the procedures; however, one patient did develop thromboembolic stroke secondary to platelet aggregation to the stent graft, 9 days post-procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment is considered the first-line intervention in medically refractory patients with symptomatic subclavian steal syndrome. In the setting of chronic total occlusions, a retrograde radial subintimal approach using a heavy tip wire for controlled subintimal dissection is a novel technique that may be considered when standard approaches and wires have failed.

Left Subclavian Artery Revascularization in Preparation for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome is a rare but important condition that occurs after a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to coronary artery bypass in the setting of a stenotic left subclavian artery. The lack of blood flow through the subclavian artery causes the reversal of flow in the LIMA so that it essentially steals blood from the myocardium. In order to avoid this complication, many surgeons now opt to either revascularize the stenotic subclavian artery prior to coronary artery bypass grafting or to use an alternate vessel as the bypass graft. Here, we present the case of an asymptomatic patient with poor exercise tolerance who was recently diagnosed with both triple-vessel coronary disease and peripheral arterial disease, which was most notably characterized by occlusion of the left subclavian artery. This case demonstrates the surgical management of this complex clinical entity.

Increasing role of interventional cardiologists for peripheral vascular disease

Improvements in the design of endovascular devices and technical skills of interventionalists have opened new possibilities for patients with a wide range of peripheral vascular diseases. In lower extremity peripheral artery disease, percutaneous treatments have become the predominant revascularization strategy for simple and complex lesions. Newer generations of stents and drug-coated balloons have demonstrated strong potential in the treatment of femoropopliteal and infrainguinal diseases. One of the most dramatic advances in the recent past has been endovascular repair of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, which has become the preferred approach in lieu of open surgical repair. Contemporary trials have established the safety and effectiveness of carotid stenting in selected patients with severe stenosis. Endovascular treatments for venous occlusive disease have long been underutilized, but their effectiveness is being increasingly recognized. This review covers new endovascular procedures performed by interventional cardiologists for peripheral vascular diseases.

Dealing with symptomatic stenosis of the subclavian artery: Open or endovascular approach? A case report

INTRODUCTION

Stenosis of the subclavian artery is uncommon and it rarely causes symptoms. Only symptomatic patients should be treated.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of chronic left upper limb ischemia caused by subclavian artery stenosis after repetitive clavicular fixation. The stenosis was first treated with carotid-subclavian bypass and soon followed by angioplasty and stenting of the subclavian artery because of occlusion of the bypass. Finally, failure of these procedures necessitated a subclavian-axillary crossover bypass.

DISCUSSION

Both extra-anatomic bypass and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty are safe and effective. If feasible, many authors use endovascular treatment. According to literature, extra-anatomic bypass still remains the first choice of treatment for symptomatic patients. However, the introduction of routine stent implantation is equalling these results. Because of its lower long-term patency rate, endovascular treatment is favorable for patients at high risk.

CONCLUSION

Our case is a good example of difficulties involved in choosing the best treatment option for subclavian artery stenosis.

Subclavian transectional stent fracture and migration to the aortic carrefour: a case description of retrieval by snare system

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with or without stent has become the treatment of choice for stenotic lesion in subclavian arteries. However, there is a growing concern following many reports of stent fractures, a serious complication of endovascular therapy. We report for the first time a case of delayed left subclavian stent fracture with transection of the protruding ostial part and migration into the aortic carrefour that was retrieved by a snare device.

Long-term treatment outcomes after intravascular ultrasound evaluation and stent placement for atherosclerotic subclavian artery obstructive lesions

The objective of this study was to determine long-term outcomes after stent placement for subclavian artery (SA) obstructive lesions assisted by intraoperative intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The study included 25 lesions in 24 patients who underwent stent placement assisted by intraoperative IVUS for subclavian artery stenosis or obstruction at our hospital between January 2003 and August 2010. Outcome was evaluated based on the results within 30 postoperative days (technical success rate, improvement in upper extremity ischemia, steal syndrome, left-right blood pressure difference, and perioperative complications) and the results after 30 postoperative days (incidence of vertebrobasilar artery territory infarction and restenosis). Stent placement and vessel dilatation were successful in all patients, without perioperative complications. Upper extremity ischemia, steal syndrome, and left-right blood pressure difference disappeared in all cases. During follow-up observation (6-96 months; median 51 months), no restenosis occurred at the stent placement site in any patient. In one case, four years after initial treatment, stenosis was noted proximal to the stent placement site. Satisfactory long-term as well as short-term outcomes were achieved after stent placement for SA obstructive lesions assisted by intraoperative IVUS evaluation.

Endovascular stenting of brachial artery occlusion in critical hand ischemia

Critical upper limb ischemia caused by atherosclerosis is uncommon. Endovascular treatment, with angioplasty or stenting, has been successfully performed for subclavian and below the elbow diseases; however, there's a lack of report regarding the treatment of brachial artery disease causing critical hand ischemia. In this article, we describe the treatment of a brachial artery occlusion with endovascular stenting in a patient with chronic upper limb ischemia.

Long-term results of primary stenting for subclavian artery disease

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate initial and long-term results of endovascular therapy (EVT) for symptomatic subclavian artery (SCA) disease.

BACKGROUND

EVT for SCA disease has a similar success rate as open surgery, but the long-term patency of EVT alone is uncertain.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 59 consecutive patients (42 males and 17 females) with 60 lesions. Mean patient age was 68 ± 10 years. Clinical symptoms were vertebrobasilar insufficiency in 21 patients (35.0%), arm claudication in 20 patients (33.3%), angina pectoris in 12 patients (20%), severe arm ischemia in 3 patients (5.0%), vascular access insufficiency in 3 patients (5.0%), and leg ischemia in 1 patient (1.7%). A total of 57 stents were implanted. All patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure and annually thereafter.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 93.3%. All patients for whom technical success was obtained received stents. There were four technical failures, all of which were owing to the failure of crossing the wire in occluded lesions. There were no procedure-related deaths. There were two stroke events (3.4%) and one embolic event (1.7%). Primary patency rates were 94.9, 90.8, and 85.8% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

EVT for SCA disease is an effective treatment with regard to initial success rate, clinical efficacy, and long-term primary patency. This minimally invasive procedure is appropriate as the treatment of first choice for proximal subclavian arterial obstructive disease.

Management of subclavian artery in-stent restenosis

Stenotic and occlusive diseases of the subclavian and brachiocephalic arteries can cause a significant morbidity as it can lead to symptomatic ischemia affecting the upper extremities, brain and, in some cases, the heart. An endovascular approach with primary stenting or provisional stenting has become the primary modality of revascularization of subclavian artery stenosis. In-stent restenosis can be treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or repeat stenting and although stents offer superior long-term patency over balloon angioplasty alone for de novo lesions, there are no data regarding primary versus provisional stenting in subclavian in-stent restenosis. Here we describe a case of subclavian in-stent restenosis treated with just balloon angioplasty and demonstrate that provisional stenting with angioplasty alone when the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty results are excellent is a reasonable alternative to primary stent placement for subclavian in-stent restenosis.