Combined brachial embolectomy and stent graft endovascular exclusion in the treatment of acute arm ischemia due to subclavian artery aneurysms thrombosis or distal embolization

Abstract

AIM: Purpose of this study is to report our results after simultaneous transbrachial embolectomy and endovascular aneurysm exclusion with stentgraft in the treatment of upper limb acute ischemia due to subclavian artery aneurysm thrombosis and embolization.

METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2015, seven consecutive patients (6 men; mean age 71.5, range 44-85) underwent to emergent revascularization for upper limb ischemia due to thrombosis/embolization of SAA by means of brachial embolectomy and endovascular exclusion. Demographics, clinical, surgical data, complications and survival were recorded. Univariate analysis by chi-square was carried out to evaluate the role of demographics data and risk factors variables on reconstruction patency rate. Primary, primary assisted and secondary patency and limb salvage were calculated using the Kaplan Meyer’s life table method.

RESULTS: Successful treatment was achieved in all cases. No postoperative death or complications occurred. Primary and assisted primary patency rates at 1 and 3 years were respectively 85.7%, 71.4% and 100%.Secondary patency and limb salvage at 1 and 3 years was 100%. A fatal ischemic stroke occurred in 1 case at 6 months (14.2%). A redo PTA was carried out at 24 months. Univariate analysis showed as demographics data and risk factor variables did not influence the primary, assisted primary, secondary patency rate and limb salvage.

CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair is a less invasive alternative to open repair especially in high risk patients. long term results must still be confirmed in further studies.