Surgical treatment of atherosclerotic lesions of the subclavian artery.

Of eight patients with atherosclerotic lesions (seven occlusive, one aneurysmal) of the subclavian artery, five were operated upon because of the subclavian steal and three for severe ischemia of the hand and fingers. Removal or bypass of these lesions was uniformly successful in relieving symptoms. In most cases transcervical carotid-subclavian saphenous vein bypass graft is the treatment of choice, provided no carotid obstruction exists or, if there is obstruction, it can be dealt with at operation.