Subclavian stents and stent-grafts: cause for concern?
OBJECTIVE
To report cases of stent and stent-graft fracture in the subclavian vessels.


RESULTS
Three patients with self-expanding stents of 3 different types in 1 subclavian artery and 2 subclavian veins presented with recurrent symptoms 6 months to 2 years after stenting. All devices showed signs of compression with stent fracture. The covered stent in the subclavian artery was excised. Of the 2 venous patients, 1 was treated with first rib resection and the other refused further treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The subclavian vessels are prone to flexion during movement, and the vessels may be compressed by external structures, including the clavicle and first rib. Stents that have not been designed to withstand these forces may be damaged.
Phipp
L H
LH
Department of Vascular Surgery, St. James's and Seacroft University Hospitals, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Scott
D J
DJ
Kessel
D
D
Robertson
I
I
D000328:Adult; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D000792:Angiography; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005260:Female; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013348:Subclavian Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013350:Subclavian Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible