Subclavian artery blockage.

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER.

Subclavian artery stenosis is not very common. It is usually a consequence of atherosclerosis. It is a disease of smokers and of diabetics. The left subclavian artery is involved more often than the right.

Symptoms of subclavian artery stenosis present in the arms, are neurological or are cardiac.

Arm ischemic symptoms may be claudication or finger necrosis from emboli.
Splinter hemorrhages are a tell tale sign. Part of the evaluation for blue fingers is to evaluate the subclavian artery.

Neurological symptoms are of vertebro-basilar insufficiency. The most common presentation is vertigo.

Treatment of subclavian artery stenosis is medical, endovascular or surgical.

First, is medical therapy. In patients who have atherosclerotic occlusions in the great arch vessels, it is important to treat them with antiplatelet therapy and aggressive blood pressure control to reduce risk of associated diseases including stroke and myocardial infarction.

Next, is endovascular treatment. With respect to revascularization and achievement of anterograde flow in the vertebral, there are various approaches including open surgery/endarterectomy, extrathoracic bypass and endovascular stenting. Less invasive strategies including extrathoracic bypass and percutaneous stenting have largely replaced traditional open endarterectomy, particularly in patients who are at increased risk for surgery.

Surgery is the last option for treatment of subclavian artery stenosis.

It is a serious condition,
Maryann