Subclavian artery steal syndrome: treatment by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

We present our experience with 24 patients in whom percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in the proximal subclavian artery. Seventeen patients had symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome, and seven had symptoms of upper extremity ischemia. Eighteen (75%) had excellent clinical results, with 80-100% restoration of the expected lumen diameter. Three patients required repeat dilatation because of recurrent symptoms. The only complication was a single case of brachial artery occlusion. Our results suggest that subclavian artery angioplasty is a safe and effective method for treating subclavian artery steal syndrome and upper extremity ischemia.