Subclavian Artery Endovascular Intervention for Vertebrobasilar Ischemia: The Use of Dual Arterial Access and Embolic Protection

A technique for prevention of posterior stroke during urgent revascularization of an acutely ischemic left upper extremity

Upper extremity acute limb ischemia (ALI) owing to obstruction proximal to the vertebral artery poses the risk of posterior stroke during intervention. We describe a case of upper extremity ALI secondary to thrombosis of the proximal left subclavian artery with thromboembolic occlusion at the brachial bifurcation. The patient underwent a hybrid procedure of open thromboembolectomy with endovascular vertebral artery embolic protection. The patient's distal pulses and upper extremity function returned to baseline, without evidence of posterior stroke. A literature review revealed limited reports of the use of cerebral embolic protection in the setting of emergent thromboembolectomy for upper extremity ALI.

Combined Transradial and Transfemoral Approach Using a Compliant Balloon for Emboli Protection at the Vertebral Artery During Subclavian Stenosis Stenting: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Endovascular intervention has become the mainstay of treatment for subclavian artery stenosis in many centers, with high technical success and low complication rates.1,2 However, potential embolization during proximal subclavian artery intervention can lead to catastrophic posterior circulation ischemic complications.3-5 Although considered a rare complication, the presence of a contralateral hypoplastic vertebral artery with persisting anterograde vertebral blood flow on the affected side is likely to increase the risk of embolization.3 The use of embolic protection devices, such as filters and noncompliant balloons, has been previously described.3,6,7 However, there is still a risk of distal embolization and vessel injury with the use of these devices.7 We present a technical video of a patient in their 80s with left subclavian stenosis who underwent subclavian stent-assisted percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (SAPTA) using an anterograde-retrograde access technique with a dual-lumen compliant balloon catheter (Scepter XC; MicroVention, Aliso Viejo, California) placed at the proximal segment of the left vertebral artery. With this approach, the compliant balloon provides adequate protection while minimizing the risk of endothelial injury and distal embolization. Written informed consent was obtained for the procedure. Patient consent was waived because all health information was deidentified.

Combined Transradial and Transfemoral Approach With Ostial Vertebral Balloon Protection for the Treatment of Patients With Subclavian Steal Syndrome

Background: Patients with an obstructive subclavian artery (SA) may exhibit symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency known as subclavian steal syndrome (SSS). Endovascular treatment with stent assisted percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (SAPTA) demonstrates significantly lower percentage of intraoperative and postoperative complications in comparison with open surgery. There is a 1–5% risk of distal intracranial embolization through the ipsilateral vertebral artery (VA) during SAPTA.

Objective: To assess the safety and feasibility of a novel technique for distal embolic protection using balloon catheters during SA revascularization with a dual transfemoral and transradial access.

Methods: We describe a case series of patients with SSS who underwent SAPTA due to severe stenosis or occlusion of the SA using a combined anterograde/retrograde approach. Transfemoral access to SA was obtained using large bore guide sheaths. Ipsilateral transradial access was obtained using intermediate bore catheters. A Scepter XC balloon catheter was introduced through the transradial intermediate catheter into the ipsilateral VA at the ostium during SAPTA for distal embolic protection.

Results: A total of eight patients with SSS underwent subclavian SAPTA. Four patients had the combined anterograde/retrograde approach. Successful revascularization was achieved in three of them. It was difficult to create a channel in the fourth unsuccessful case due to heavily calcified plaque burden. No peri-operative ischemic events were identified. On follow-up, we demonstrated patency of the stents with resolution of symptoms and without any adverse events.

Conclusion: Subclavian stenting using a combined transradial and transfemoral access with compliant balloon catheters at the vertebral ostium for prevention of distal emboli may represent an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of SA stenosis and occlusions.