BACKGROUND: Bilateral atherosclerotic subclavian artery occlusion is rare. AIM: To describe the surgical treatment of a patient with symptomatic bilateral subclavian artery occlusion. METHODS: A midline sternotomy and bilateral aorto-subclavian bypass was performed in a male with upper limb, exercise-induced vertigo. RESULTS: Postoperatively symptomatic improvement paralleled an increase in brachial systolic arterial blood pressure readings. CONCLUSION: Bypass grafting is the more durable option for subclavian artery occlusion, as angioplasty with or without stenting is associated with a higher rate of late stenosis.
BACKGROUND:Bilateral atherosclerotic subclavian artery occlusion is rare. AIM: To describe the surgical treatment of a patient with symptomatic bilateral subclavian artery occlusion. METHODS: A midline sternotomy and bilateral aorto-subclavian bypass was performed in a male with upper limb, exercise-induced vertigo. RESULTS: Postoperatively symptomatic improvement paralleled an increase in brachial systolic arterial blood pressure readings. CONCLUSION: Bypass grafting is the more durable option for subclavian artery occlusion, as angioplasty with or without stenting is associated with a higher rate of late stenosis.