Subclavian Artery Revascularization: An Outcome Analysis Based on Mode of Therapy and Presenting Symptoms

Therapy for atherosclerotic occlusive subclavian arterial disease is undergoing a paradigm shift from open to endoluminal therapy. The aim of this study was to review the changing patterns of presentation and clinical outcomes based on presenting symptoms of subclavian artery revascularization. We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated for symptomatic atherosclerotic occlusive subclavian arterial disease from 1992 through 2006. Mean follow-up was 4 years. One hundred fourteen patients with a mean age of 63 years (range 33-89, 61% female) underwent 137 procedures. Of these, 89% had hypertension, 32% were diabetic, 69% had hyperlipidemia, and 13% had chronic renal insufficiency. Sixty-seven primary stent attempts (five technical failures) and 70 open (64 carotid–subclavian bypasses, six subclavian–carotid transpositions) were performed. No deaths occurred within the 30-day perioperative period. Fifty-seven percent of the patients presented with symptoms of arm ischemia: exertional pain (84%), rest pain (12%), and ulceration (4%). The assisted primary patency was 81 ± 7% and 80 ± 10% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Symptoms resolved in all patients, and none required major or minor amputations. Freedom from recurrent arm symptoms was 71 ± 8% and 71 ± 10% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Twenty-five percent of the patients presented with a cardiac indication: preparation for a left internal mammary artery (IMA) bypass in 61% and recurrent cardiac ischemia in the remainder. The assisted primary patency was 97 ± 6% at 5 years. No IMAs were abandoned in this group, and the freedom from recurrent cardiac symptoms related to IMA distribution was 79 ± 10% at 5 years. Eighteen percent of patients presented with posterior circulation symptoms secondary to vertebrobasilar disease. The assisted primary patency was 100 ± 0% and 100 ± 0% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Freedom from recurrent vertebrobasilar symptoms was 95 ± 6% and 95 ± 10% at 5 and10 years, respectively. Subclavian artery revascularization is safe and effective, but long-term outcomes are determined by the presenting symptomatology.