Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in subclavian artery stenosis

The technique of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) that was introduced initially by Dotter and Judkins in 1964 has been applied to various arterial stenoses and some occlusive lesions and has advanced dramatically with the development of the Grüntzig catheter in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. However, the application to occlusive disease in brachiocephalic arteries is still considered to be disputable and has been made only in selective cases, especially in Japan. We report here a case with stenosis of the left subclavian artery successfully treated with PTA. The patient was 66 year-old man, who had been suffering from transient attacks of vertigo, ataxia, visual disturbance and the left arm claudication. Blood pressure was 150/92 mmHg in the right arm and 110 mmHg in systole in the left arm. Diagnostic arteriography identified the right carotid artery occlusion at its origin and significant stenosis in the proximal left subclavian artery. PTA under fluoroscopic control was performed by passing dilating catheter in antegrade fashion by Seldinger method through the left femoral artery. Anatomic correction was achieved without hemorrhagic or embolic complications. Systolic blood pressure gradient measured at the brachial artery level disappeared immediately after PTA and symptomatic relief was obtained completely. One month later, wide patency of the left subclavian artery and sufficient antegrade flow in the vertebral artery were confirmed angiographically. During follow-up period of 4 months, the patient was asymptomatic. We reviewed the literature reporting PTA for occlusive disease in brachiocephalic arteries and discussed its problems and possibilities, especially for the treatment of subclavian artery stenosis.     

Subclavian steal syndrome associated with the right aortic arch in a patient with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: case report

We report an adult case who presented vertigo attacks due to subclavian steal syndrome associated with the right aortic arch in a patient with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. A 29-year-old male diagnosed as having Peutz-Jeghers syndrome developed frequent vertigo attacks and was admitted to our hospital. Blood pressure of the left arm was 20 mmHg lower than that of the right arm. Aortagraphy showed that he had a right aortic arch and isolation of the left subclavian artery. Right vertebral angiography opacified the left vertebral artery and the subclavian artery in retrograde fashion, suggesting subclavian steal phenomenon. Blood flow studies disclosed impaired reactivity to acetazolamide in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres. We successfully carried out left common carotid artery-transverse cervical artery bypass. Postoperative angiography confirmed the patency of the graft and the disappearance of subclavian steal phenomenon. Vasoreactivity to acetazolamide normalized in the cerebellum. Vertigo attacks were not noted during the one-year follow-up period.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement for subclavian steal syndrome with concomitant anterograde flow in the left internal mammary artery graft for coronary artery bypass--case report

A 63-year-old man presented with subclavian steal syndrome associated with left internal mammary artery (IMA) bypass graft to a coronary artery. He was admitted with a history of oppressive sensation in the chest, dizziness, and light headedness on exertion for 2 weeks in March 2002. He had undergone myocardial revascularization consisting of a left IMA-to-left anterior descending coronary artery graft in April 1988. His blood pressure was 140/70 mmHg in the right arm and 80/64 mmHg in the left arm. Aortic arch arteriography revealed complete occlusion of the left subclavian artery proximal to the left IMA takeoff and subclavian steal with anterograde flow of the left IMA. Percutaneous angioplasty and stent placement with protection of the left IMA bypass graft using a balloon catheter was successfully performed without complication by cerebral or myocardial ischemia. Complete recanalization of the occluded left subclavian artery and anterograde flow of the left vertebral artery were achieved. His symptoms disappeared and blood pressure in the left arm recovered. This variant of coronary subclavian steal might require protection of the left IMA during angioplasty and stent placement.     

PTA of supra-aortic arteries with temporary balloon occlusion to avoid distal embolism.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was carried out in eight patients with cervical arterial stenosis; six in the subclavian and brachiocephalic arteries (5 with subclavian steal syndrome), one in the common carotid artery, and one in both the brachiocephalic and common carotid arteries (with subclavian steal syndrome). The PTA balloon catheters were introduced via the femoral artery in seven and brachial artery in one. To prevent distal embolization through the vertebral and internal carotid arteries, the blood flow in these vessels was temporarily occluded with a balloon catheter. The dilation of the stenotic areas was generally satisfactory. Antegrade blood flow was promptly obtained in the vertebral artery even in patients with subclavian steal syndrome. In all patients, the clinical symptoms improved. Two patients underwent repeat PTA because of restenosis.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for multiple brachiocephalic artery stenosis: case report

We encountered a patient with multiple stenotic lesions. He was treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). The patient, a 59 year-old male, complained of right motor weakness. CT scan showed a multiple low density area (LDA) in the distribution of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA), but did not reveal LDA in the distribution of the left MCA on the affected side. After hospitalization, right motor weakness gradually worsened and aphasia became apparent. A repeat CT scan, 8 days after the stroke, disclosed a new LDA in the left watershed zone and the basal ganglia. Angiographical findings revealed a right ICA occlusion, left ICA stenosis, right VA anaplasia and left subclavian artery stenosis, which proved inadequate for anatomical collateral supply. We treated both the left ICA stenosis and the left subclavian artery stenosis by Dotter balloon dilatation catheter, and successfully obtained sufficient dilatation of the vessels concerned. No complication occurred. PTA is a useful method to use in patients with multiple stenotic lesions which might result in ischemic injury if surgical procedures were used. It would also be of value in cases where surgery using general anesthesia might be highly risky.     

介入治疗锁骨下动脉窃血综合征

目的探讨锁骨下动脉狭窄或闭塞引起的锁骨下动脉窃血综合征（SSS）的介入治疗效果。方法回顾性分析15例锁骨下动脉狭窄（10例）或闭塞（5例）的患者资料。采用经股动脉顺行穿刺或经肱动脉逆行穿刺方式开通,行球囊扩张及支架植入术。术后观察患者体征及并发症。结果技术成功率为100%（15/15）,术后患者症状、体征消失,双上肢收缩压差由术前的（47.00±19.30）mmHg下降至（5.33±2.32）mmHg,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。术后造影示椎动脉血流转为正向血流。随访1～4年,未发现再狭窄。结论介入治疗锁骨下动脉狭窄或闭塞性病变引起的SSS安全、有效。     

Coronary-subclavian steal corrected with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

We describe a case of coronary-subclavian steal syndrome treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. A 58-year-old female who had her first coronary bypass operation 6 years previously and a second operation 3 years previously involving the left internal mammary artery and right gastroepiploic artery, developed unusual angina on effort characterized by left precordial pain, pain in the left shoulder and arm, tinnitus and dizziness. Angiography revealed retrograde flow to the left subclavian artery via the left vertebral artery and left internal mammary artery. Severe stenosis of the left subclavian artery was demonstrated at its ostium. Restoration of antegrade flow to the vertebral artery and left internal mammary artery by transluminal angioplasty resulted in complete resolution of these symptoms.     

锁骨下动脉窃血综合征的再认识及血管内治疗

目的 研究评价经皮血管内成形及支架置入术治疗锁骨下动脉窃血综合征(SSS)的疗效和安全性.方法 对2007年1月至2009年12月的32例左侧SSS患者进行介入治疗,术前行数字减影血管造影(DSA)检查和评估、抗血小板药物准备,然后实施球囊扩张+支架置入术,同时注意术中抗凝及术后处理,分别于术后即刻、3、6个月随访复查经颅多普勒超声(TCD)评价其疗效.结果 32例患者术前DSA检查结果显示锁骨下动脉狭窄平均为87.5%,术后降为15.0%,术后TCD检查结果显示椎动脉反向血流消失,放置的支架均无回缩和移位.术前患、健侧收缩压差平均为51.6 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa),术后3个月时降为10 mmHg,无栓塞及死亡事件发生.结论 球囊扩张+支架置入术是治疗SSS的首选治疗手段,术后抗凝和抗血小板至关重要,TCD随访简易、安全、有效、可靠.     

Das koronare Stealsyndrom

The internal mammary artery is being used more frequently for the revascularization of the coronary arteries in patients with angina pectoris. A stenosis of its donor vessel can result in a so-called coronary steal syndrome. The clinical and investigational aspects as well as the therapeutic options for this phenomenon are discussed. A 59-year-old man, active in sports, was suffering from renewed pain in the arm and angina pectoris when participating in sports after revascularization of the coronary arteries with the internal mammary artery. The reason for the recurrent complaints was a stenosis of the proximal left subclavian artery, which was successfully treated with PTA. The so-called coronary steal syndrome can be suspected clinically when the radial arterial pulse is decreased or absent and a significant fall in systolic blood pressure and a supraclavicular bruit are found. The diagnosis is confirmed by angiography. Percutaneous dilatation, mostly combined with primary stenting, is the therapy of choice in the treatment of a stenosis. The occluded subclavian artery is best treated surgically by transposition of the subclavian artery into the common carotid artery.     

Subclavian steal syndrome from high-output brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula: a previously undescribed complication of dialysis access

A 28-year-old dialysis-dependent man presented with episodic vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Noninvasive studies demonstrated an estimated 5.8 L/min flow through the arteriovenous fistula in his left arm and reversal of flow in the left vertebral artery. Surgical reduction of fistula flow resulted in the elimination of symptoms and the return of antegrade flow in the left vertebral artery. intraoperative invasive monitoring corroborated the pressure gradient responsible for his subclavian steal syndrome.     

Proximal flow arrest with temporary subclavian steal for internal trapping of a ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm

A 48-year-old woman presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage originating from a dissecting aneurysm of the left vertebral artery (VA). Internal trapping with proximal flow arrest was planned. The origin of the left VA was too tortuous to allow positioning of an occlusion balloon catheter and a microcatheter in the left VA via the femoral artery. Therefore, the temporary subclavian steal technique was used for proximal flow arrest, by placing an occlusion balloon catheter in the subclavian artery proximal to the VA origin via the femoral artery. Thereafter, coil embolization was achieved through the left axillary artery. The patient recovered well after the procedure.     

Pseudo subclavian steal syndrome: Case report

IntroductionVertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) is a condition that results from restricted blood flow to the posterior portions of the brain, which are primarily served by the vertebral and basilar arteries. It is the most common cause of vertigo in the elderly and is usually accompanied by impaired vision and sensation. Congenital abnormalities, atherosclerosis, stroke and/or trauma may all lead to decreased vertebrobasilar circulation. A syndrome called Subclavian Steal Syndrome (SSS), which manifests with similar neurological symptoms but with a different pathophysiology, may also cause VBI.Case presentationA middle-aged female presented with gradual onset fainting and vertigo attacks. Cardiac, auditory and autonomic etiologies were investigated and excluded. Clinical findings and presentation were highly suggestive of subclavian steal. However, subsequent CT angiography showed normal subclavian arteries. Instead, findings included a persistent right trigeminal artery (PTA), stenosis of the right proximal internal carotid artery, atresis of the left vertebral artery and distal segment of right vertebral artery, congenitally compromised changes in vertebral circulation (bilateral absence of the posterior communicating arteries (PCOMs)) and an absent anterograde vertebrobasilar circulation. Symptoms resolved after carotid endarterectomy.DiscussionDue to the absence of a normally developed posterior circulation, the PTA was the main source of blood supply for the patient. Development of recent artheromatous changes in the right internal carotid artery, however, resulted in decreased blood through PTA, further compromising posterior circulation. This resulted in vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and manifested in symptomology similar to SSS.ConclusionsThis clinical encounter illustrates the relative contribution of anatomical and vasoocclusive factors in closely mimicking symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome.     

Surgical reconstruction for radiation-induced extracranial vertebral artery stenosis: a case report]

We report a case of symptomatic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis after radiation therapy. This 49-year-old female received radiation therapy to the neck for nasopharyngeal carcinoma 11 years earlier, was admitted because of continuous dizziness and a floating sensation. Magnetic resonanse imaging showed no abnormalities, but an aortography demonstrated complete occlusion of the right common carotid artery as well as occlusion of the right vertebral artery and severe stenosis of the left vertebral artery at its origin, which was presumed to be the result of previous radiation therapy. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the left vertebral artery was performed using conventional balloon treatment, which resulted in wall dissection. Because of this, she underwent end-to-side vertebral artery to subclavian artery transposition, and she has had no further ischemic events science that time. PTA has been successfully performed as the first treatment of choice for vertebral artery stenosis, but surgical reconstruction can be a therapeutic management of choice for cases of failed PTA.     

Stenting for dissecting restenosis of the subclavian artery after balloon angioplasty: a case report]

A 51-year-old male presenting with dizziness and arm claudication was admitted to our hospital. The angiogram showed severe stenosis of the left subclavian artery accompanied by to and fro motion of left vertebral artery flow. He was treated at first by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) resulting in satisfactory dilatation of the stenosis and transient amelioration of the symptoms. However, the symptoms recurred five months later and the angiogram revealed restenosis with subintimal dissection. We chose stent implantation as the second treatment, and, hemodynamically, it produced a good result. As some reports have suggested, because of the therapeutic limitation of surgery or PTA, stenting could be a good alternative for the treatment of such disease, since it is less invasive and safe even in patients with a wide range of systemic atherosclerosis.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in subclavian steal syndrome: recurrent stenosis and retreatment in two patients

Two patients with proximal subclavian artery stenosis and "subclavian steal syndrome" by clinical and arteriographic criteria were treated with percutaneous transluminal balloon catheter angioplasty. Successful dilatation was obtained, but stenoses recurred at or near the dilated segments in both cases, necessitating repeat transluminal angioplasty. One patient eventually underwent surgical carotid-subclavian grafting. Factors influencing recurrent stenosis after transluminal angioplasty are discussed, including the choice of an optimal balloon inflation diameter, the pathophysiology of angioplasty, and the role of anticoagulation. Transluminal angioplasty may be a viable therapeutic alternative to operation in selected patients with occlusive subclavian disease.     

New subclavian artery angioplasty technique for treating subclavian coronary steal syndrome

Left subclavian artery stenting is usually performed through the standard femoral route using a guiding catheter technique. This technique has obvious drawbacks in the case of coronary subclavian steal due to the poor opacification of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) ostium, and difficult access to the LIMA in the case of plaque shifting, especially when the vertebral artery and the LIMA ostia are very close to the left subclavian artery stenosis. We have developed an "ad hoc" technique to minimize catheter manipulation and contrast injection, and to optimize LIMA and vertebral artery visibility during stent implantation, which includes access through the brachial artery and a long sheath guiding catheter. This technique should be preferred to the standard femoral route because of its intrinsic advantages.     

A case report of atypical coarctation of the aorta with coarctation and left subclavian arterial aplasia

A 18 year-old female was admitted to our hospital with hypertension of 190/100 mmHg in her right arm and 140/110 mmHg in the left arm. Femoral arterial pulsation was not palpable. Her physical status and growth of the lower limbs were normal. Aortography demonstrated slight coarctation with a pressure gradient of 10 mmHg and descending aortic stenosis with a pressure gradient of 80 mmHg. Main three branches from aortic arch were anatomically normal. However, the left subclavian artery distal to the origin of the left vertebral artery was not visualized and the axillary artery was perfused by collaterals. Atypical coarctation was replaced using a woven Dacron graft of 14 x 40 mm. Postoperatively proximal pressure decreased from 180/113 to 156/98 mmHg and there was no pressure gradient between proximal and distal of the graft. After six months blood pressure in the right arm gradually decreased to 120/78 mmHg.     

锁骨下动脉窃血综合征的腔内治疗

目的:探讨锁骨下动脉窃血综合征的腔内治疗效果。方法:回顾性分析10年间86例行血管腔内治疗的锁骨下动脉窃血综合征患者临床资料,其中锁骨下动脉闭塞11例,狭窄75例,狭窄程度均>70%。结果:86例患者均成功释放支架,无并发症发生。支架置入术后即刻造影显示:锁骨下动脉狭窄或闭塞段血流通畅,椎动脉血流正向。术后患侧肱动脉即刻恢复搏动,与健侧压差<10 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)。72例患者获随访,平均随访24个月。2例死于恶性肿瘤,4例死于心肌梗死。其余随访患者椎-基底动脉缺血及上肢缺血症状均明显改善或消失。复查超声提示:支架无脱落及移位,血流通畅。结论:锁骨下动脉窃血综合征的腔内治疗微创、安全、成功率高,近期效果肯定,可作为首选治疗方法。     

Endovascular therapy in prevention and management of coronary-subclavian steal

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) who have proximal subclavian artery stenosis (SAS) is not well established. SAS may lead to flow reversal through a patent in situ internal mammary artery graft, resulting in myocardial ischemia (coronary-subclavian steal). We review our experience in prevention and management of coronary-subclavian steal. METHODS: The medical records of patients who received treatment of symptomatic coronary-subclavian steal were reviewed. Patients who underwent subclavian artery revascularization before CABG were also included in our review. Patient demographic data, findings at presentation, imaging and treatment methods, and short-term and intermediate-term results were analyzed. RESULTS: Over 4 years, 14 patients with combined subclavian and coronary artery disease were identified. Nine patients had angina (n = 8) and/or congestive heart failure (n = 2) after CABG (post-CABG group). Four patients underwent treatment of SAS and one underwent treatment of recurrent stenosis before or during CABG (pre-CABG group). Among this pre-CABG group, one patient had symptoms of left arm claudication; the other four patients had no symptoms. A blood pressure gradient was commonly noted between both arms. An angiogram confirmed the proximal location of SAS in all patients, and established the presence of flow reversal in a patent internal mammary artery graft in the post-CABG group. Operative management consisted of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting of the subclavian lesion in 11 patients, PTA only in 2 patients, and carotid-subclavian bypass grafting in 1 patient. No known perioperative complications or morbidity was encountered in either group. Mean follow-up was 29 months, during which stenosis recurred in two patients, along with associated cardiac symptoms. In both patients repeat angioplasty was successful, for an assisted primary patency rate of 100%. CONCLUSION: PTA and stenting to treat SAS appears to provide effective protection from and treatment of coronary-subclavian steal over the short and intermediate terms. A surveillance program is essential because of the risk for recurrent stenosis. Continued follow-up is necessary to determine long-term efficacy of this treatment compared with more conventional surgical approaches.     

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome.

Inappropriate alterations in flow in the form of steal syndromes are a well recognised phenomenon. In the subclavian steal syndrome a proximal subclavian artery stenosis is responsible for reversal of flow in the vertebral artery and symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischaemia occur with arm movement. After internal mammary artery grafting to the coronary circulation, during coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), coronary subclavian steal can occur. Retrograde flow occurs from the myocardium through the internal mammary graft to the subclavian artery secondary to a proximal subclavian stenosis. It is a rare but important cause of recurrent chest pain after coronary surgery.