[Subclavian-carotid artery transposition in the therapy of lesions of the proximal subclavian artery].

Employing an extrathoracic approach 10 patients were operated upon for 12 obstructive lesions of the subclavian arteries using carotid-subclavian anastomosis. The operation was indicated 3 times for the pathological entity of arterial stenosis embolizing into the vascular periphery, 3 times for claudication of the upper extremity and 4 times for cerebro-vascular insufficiency. Followed up to 31 months all anastomoses remained patent. All the complications were managed conservatively and were considered of minor importance.