Surgical approaches to the aberrant right subclavian artery.

Aberrant subclavian artery (arteria lusoria) is a rare congenital anomaly that usually does not produce symptoms. Symptomatic patients require surgical intervention. The operative approach to correct this condition has been controversial. Herein, we describe surgical approaches to the aberrant right subclavian artery. From 2000 through 2004, 3 children and 1 adult with aberrant right subclavian artery underwent operation. Our surgical approach varied according to the age of the patient. A muscle-sparing right thoracotomy was used in the pediatric patients, and a supraclavicular approach was used in the adult. Patients were treated successfully by division of the aberrant right subclavian artery and translocation to the right common carotid artery, without graft interposition. There was no operative or late morbidity or death. Symptoms were completely relieved in all patients. Although an extrathoracic approach is applicable and reliable for adult patients, we believe that adequate exposure for the described procedure is best accomplished through a right thoracotomy in pediatric patients. This approach enables optimal mobilization of the distal right subclavian artery without leaving a long stump and enables direct anastomosis to the ipsilateral carotid artery.