Surgical procedures in subclavian steal syndrome: A retrospective analysis

Objectives: Patients diagnosed with subclavian steal syndrome present with claudication in the upper extremity, vertigo, blurred vision, dizziness and myocardial ischemic symptoms after coronary artery bypass grafting. Surgery is still a good option with good long-term patency rates and symptom-free survival. We aimed to present our results on surgery for subclavian steal syndrome. Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective study involving 16 patients undergoing surgery for subclavian steal syndrome from January 2005 to December 2012. Postoperative follow-up consisted assessment of graft patency and resolution of symptoms. Results: There was only 1 in-hospital mortality. The mean follow up period was 28.58 ± 26.92 months. Nine patients were symptom-free. Doppler ultrasonographic examination of 11 patients revealed patent grafts. Conclusion: Choice of surgical procedure in subclavian steal syndrome depends on the patient characteristics and the preference of the surgeon. Surgical procedures are safe and durable in patients with subclavian steal syndrome who are not eligible for angioplasty. Consideration of the age, stenosis and comorbidities will aid making the correct surgical strategy with satisfactory long-term results.