Endovascular stent implantation for the treatment of subclavian steal syndrome

Objective: To discuss the application of intravascular stent implantation in the treatment of subclavian steal syndrome. Methods: Endovascular stent implantation was performed in thirteen patients with subclavian steal syndrome caused by severe stenosis of the proximal segment of subclavian artery (n=7) or by arterial occlusive lesions (n=6). Results: Self-expandable stent placement was successfully performed in all 13 patients. The pulse of the radial artery and the brachial artery returned to normal after the treatment. The retrograde blood flow in vertebral arteries disappeared and the subclavian steal phenomenon vanished. The retrograde brachial arteries puncture was employed in 4 patients with complete occlusion of subclavian artery. Conclusion: For subclavian steal syndrome, endovascular stent implantation is a safe, effective and minimally-invasive therapeutic method. (authors)