Contemporary relevancy of carotid-subclavian bypass defined by an experience spanning five decades.

BACKGROUND: The contemporary impact of and indications for carotid-subclavian bypass (CSB) are essential considerations in decision making for brachiocephalic reconstruction.

METHODS: We analyzed operative outcomes, long-term graft patency, and the extended epidemiological impact of the primary disease process in 287 consecutive patients (mean age, 60.6 years; 43.2% male) who received CSB for symptomatic brachiocephalic disease.

RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in each patient. Operative mortality was 1.0% (3/287) and total (ipsilateral [1.4%, 4/287] plus contralateral [0.7%, 2/287]) stroke rate was 2.1% (6/287). Primary patency rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 94.2 ± 1.9%, 88.6 ± 3.2%, and 86.5 ± 3.8%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier freedom from specific events at 15 years was as follows: restenosis, 86.5 ± 3.8%; death, 67.5 ± 5.2%; coronary revascularization, 59.6 ± 6.3%; myocardial infarction, 82.8 ± 3.9%; stroke, 85.6 ± 4.9%; other vascular procedure, 60.0 ± 5.5%; adverse cardiac outcome (death, myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization), 44.5 ± 5.5%; and adverse vascular outcome (restenosis, stroke, or other vascular procedure), 48.7 ± 5.3%.

CONCLUSIONS: CSB produces excellent long-term patency and extended symptom relief, with acceptably low operative morbidity and mortality. Despite the durability and success of CSB, the primary disease process has an adverse impact on long-term prognosis and significantly influences decision making with regard to management. The proven durability may offer extended symptom relief to the relatively younger patient, a survival advantage associated with preservation of internal mammary artery perfusion in patients at risk for myocardial revascularization, optimal durability in patients requiring a concomitant open procedure, and preservation of limb function in patients who require aortic endovascular graft placement.