Treatment of Symptomatic Aberrant Subclavian Arteries

Objective The aim of this study is to present experience with 10 patients with symptomatic aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) and aneurysm of ASA who underwent surgical treatment. Methods From 2008 to 2011 10 patients with symptomatic aberrant subclavian artery (mean age 60 years [range 24–90 years]) were studied. Symptoms were dysphagia ( n = 7), dyspnea ( n = 4), acute chest pain ( n = 1), respiratory distress syndrome ( n = 1), superior cava syndrome, and shock ( n = 1). Six patients had aneurysm formation of the ASA (mean diameter of 7.1 cm [range 3.0–12.4 cm]; rupture [ n = 1], dissection [ n = 1]). All data were analyzed retrospectively. Results Treatment was performed as a hybrid procedure in eight patients. This included thoracic endoluminal graft exclusion with revascularization of the ASA, a pure endovascular procedure with two occluders in one patient, and an open procedure in one patient with ligation of the aberrant artery through a thoracotomy. Three patients died during the early postoperative period owing to pulmonary complications. All three suffered from a symptomatic aneurysm, and two were treated as an emergency procedure. Median follow-up was 20 months (range 12–49 months). Conclusion A symptomatic ASA and its associated aneurysmal formation should be excluded after diagnosis. In most cases, a hybrid procedure consisting of thoracic endografting and revascularization of the ASA is feasible.