Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Subclavian Artery Stenosis

PURPOSE: Proximal subclavian artery stenosis is relatively uncommon and usually asymptomatic. It is well known that the retrograde flow through ipsilateral vertebral artery is not related with onset of clinical symptom and not a definite indication of treatment. METHOD: We reviewed six patients including four patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty to correct the difference of blood pressure between arms. RESULT: Nobody shows marked clinical improvement even though there was definite technical success. CONCLLUSION: It is considered that angioplasty could be done for the treatment in most of subclavian artery stenosis.