Endovascular Treatment of Arteriovenous Fistulas Arising from Branches of the Subclavian Artery

Pseudoaneurysm of the right subclavian artery-tracheostomy tube as a causative factor

“…A pseudoaneurysm, also termed a false aneurysm, is a leakage of arterial blood from an artery into the surrounding tissue with a persistent communication with the feeding artery [1]. Injury to the subclavian artery and its branches are not very common because these vessels are protected by the overlying bony and muscular structures.…”

Microcatheter Embolization of Arteriovenous Fistulas in the Subclavian Region

“…In the past the treatment of these lesions was purely surgical (2,8,9). Detachable bal loons replaced operations and are still successfully used with in cases with large fistulae (3). Recently endovascular stent grafts have been described in the treatment of large AVFs (6).…”

“…Currently there are a large number of materials available for endovascular embolization using the microcatheter technique (1,3,5,7,10). These include balloons, particles, coils and liquids.…”

“…Platinum microcoils have been developed for appli cation with microcatheter systems and have proved effective for the occlusion of AVFs. The venous approach can be used if arterial embolization is impossible (3). Digital subtraction angiography with road mapping is helpful in many situations (5).…”

“…Their etiology is mostly iatrogenic or otherwise traumatic in origin; the congenital type is rare. Endovascular embolotherapy has recently been used to replace surgery as the treatment for these lesions (3).…”