Subclavian balloon angioplasty in the management of the coronary-subclavian steal syndrome.

The syndrome of coronary-subclavian steal presenting with angina pectoris after coronary revascularization with the mammary arteries is not common. This disorder should be suspected in post LIMA patients with blood pressure differences between the arms and confirmed by angiography. PTA of the subclavian artery via the brachial approach, in appropriately selected patients, offers potential advantages over carotid subclavian bypass including an apparent lower complication rate with equally good results. Recurrences, which are apt to be more common after PTA versus carotid subclavian bypass, are easily managed with repeat dilatation. This course of management in our patient resulted in an excellent clinical outcome without complication. This report emphasizes the importance of considering subclavian stenosis in patients with prior LIMA bypass grafting, particularly when the ipsilateral arm blood pressure is reduced. In such cases, subclavian PTA offers a reasonable nonsurgical approach for correction.