Endovascular management of axillosubclavian artery injuries: report of three cases

Open surgical repair of axillosubclavian artery injuries is technically demanding and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endovascular intervention has emerged as a valuable alternative to open surgical repair. This report presents three cases with axillosubclavian artery injuries managed with endovascular intervention. All three cases had a pseudoaneurysm of the axillosubclavian artery with one case associated with an arteriovenous fistula. They were successfully treated with endovascular stenting and balloon angioplasty. There were no observed acute complications. No complications or recurrence have occurred, with a mean follow-up of 26 months. Endovascular intervention for axillosubclavian artery injuries is less invasive, safe and effective; however, data concerning the long-term effects and complications associated with this technique are lacking.