Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the subclavian artery.

A series of 12 consecutive cases of symptomatic subclavian artery stenosis or occlusion treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty are described. In seven cases stenoses were successfully dilated, and in four out of five cases occlusions were recanalised using standard angioplasty technique. Complications were trivial and did not prolong hospital stay, all patients being discharged within 48 h of the procedure. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the subclavian artery is a safe, effective procedure and recommended as the treatment of first choice in symptomatic subclavian stenosis or occlusion.