Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for occlusion of the subclavian artery: short- and long-term results.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in 8 symptomatic patients with proximal occlusion of the left subclavian artery. Technical and short-term clinical success was achieved in 7 cases. Nonoccluding embolization to the distal subclavian artery and stenosis of the brachial artery after a combined femoral/brachial approach occurred as complications in 2 patients. Three patients are asymptomatic with a patent subclavian artery 25, 28, and 37 months after angioplasty. Reobstructions in 4 patients occurring after 8, 12, and 16 months were retreated by angioplasty (3 patients) and stent implantation (1 patient with a second restenosis) with good technical and clinical success. Long-term patency was less than 50%, but successful retreatment is feasible. Therefore, we consider percutaneous transluminal angioplasty a reasonable therapeutic option in patients who are not surgical candidates.