Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for innominate artery stenosis and total occlusion of subclavian artery in Takayasu's-type arteritis.

Previous reports describe high success rates achieved by dilating subclavian artery stenoses. Attempts at angioplasty for total occlusions have been uniformly unsuccessful. No previous case successfully recanalizing total subclavian artery occlusion was found after an extensive literature search. Modified guidewire technique facilitated safe crossing of the occlusion.