Clinical Effectiveness of Endovascular Therapy for Total Occlusion of the Subclavian Arteries: A Study of 67 Patients

Background Endovascular therapy is a feasible option for total occlusion of the subclavian artery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of stenting therapy by comparing it with that of surgical treatment in patients with total subclavian artery occlusion. Methods Between May 2007 and October 2013, 52 stents were placed in 67 patients who underwent endovascular therapy for the treatment of total atherosclerosis subclavian artery occlusion. During the same period, 21 patients underwent bypass surgery. All patients were followed at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment and annually thereafter. Results Technical success was achieved in 77.6% patients in the endovascular group, while clinical success was achieved in 74.6%. Technical failure was noted in 15 patients, while the symptoms failed to resolve in 2. The rate of primary patency was 98.2% at 12 months, 94.3% at 24 months, and 92.1% at 3 years. Significant recurrent obstruction developed in 5 patients. No complications were observed in 5 patients with right side occlusion in whom embolic protection filters were used. Meanwhile, the technical success rate was 100% in the surgery group. One patient developed a major ischemic stroke during surgery (4.8%). The rate of primary patency was 100% at 12 months, 96.3% at 24 months, and 93.1% at 3 years. Conclusions When performed by skilled surgeons, percutaneous revascularization with primary stenting is a safe and effective therapy for symptomatic total occlusion of the proximal subclavian artery. However, we recommend the use of embolic protection devices during the treatment of right side occlusions. Otherwise, surgery may be the best choice.