Left subclavian artery stenosis in coronary artery bypass: prevalence and revascularization strategies.

BACKGROUND

We examined the prevalence of significant proximal left subclavian artery (LSA) stenosis in patients referred for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, and assessed management by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for LSA stenosis and revascularization using the left internal thoracic artery, or revascularization using grafts other than the left internal thoracic artery.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2007, significant proximal LSA stenosis was identified in 38 of 1,498 patients who underwent isolated coronary revascularization. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed before or after surgery in 20 patients (PTA group). Revascularization using grafts other than the left internal thoracic artery was performed in 18 patients with LSA stenosis unamenable to PTA (non-PTA group). Early, 1-year, and 5-year follow-up angiograms were performed to assess patency of both grafts and PTA. Computed tomographic angiography was also performed at 2 years in the PTA group.

RESULTS

Prevalence of significant LSA stenosis was 2.5%. Early, 1-year, and 5-year angiograms showed overall graft patency rates of 97.2% (105 of 108 distal anastomoses), 88% (81 of 92), and 92% (23 of 25), respectively. No differences were observed in graft patency rates between the two groups during the follow-up period. No intervention-related morbidities occurred in the PTA group. Estimated patency rates of PTA at 2 and 5 years were 100% and 85.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for LSA and revascularization using the left internal thoracic artery may be an effective treatment for patients with significant LSA stenosis. In patients with LSA stenosis unamenable to PTA, revascularization using grafts other than the left internal thoracic artery may be another treatment option.