The main cause of subclavian artery stenosis is also atherosclerosis. Patients with subclavian artery stenosis may present with upper extremity pain on exercise, chest pain in patients who had had bypass surgery and got their internal mammary artery( a branch of subclavian artery) used as a coronary artery graft. In such patients subclavian stenosis is equivalent to coronary stenosis and should be treated. Treatment of the stenosis by stent has a high success rate and low complication compared to surgical treatment.
How is Subclavian Stent Implanted?
Catheter is inserted from the femoral artery and advanced to the ostium of the subclavian artery. Guidewire is used to cross the stenotic segment and the segment is dilated with a balloon of suitable diameter. After balloon angioplasty stent is implanted to prevent the stenosis caused by recoil in short term and restenosis in long term.