Subclavian artery intervention: Catheter-based therapy

The occurrence of subclavian artery (SA) stenosis or occlusion is low compared to lower extremity disease with a prevalence of approximately 2-3% in the general population. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause for hemodynamically significant lesions with arteritis, and aneurysmal disease being less common. Endovascular intervention for SA stenosis became the first line of treatment. Open surgical repair has better long-term patency compared to endovascular repair, 96% compared to 70% at five years, respectively. With the advancements in endovascular techniques in the last three decades, endovascular repair has become the first choice for SA revascularization. Catheter selection is mainly guided by aortic arch anatomy. Open surgical revascularization has been the gold standard for SA lesions but with the advancements in endovascular surgery in the last few decades, it was become the first line of treatment. A step-by-step approach is necessary in order to standardize the procedure and avoid complications.