Technique of endovascular repair of iatrogenic subclavian artery injury following subclavian vein catheterization

The iatrogenic subclavian artery injury is a rare but potentially serious complication of subclavian vein cannulation. The use of endovascular techniques is an alternative to surgical repair especially in patients with concomitant diseases in whom immediate, potentially large surgery would be associated with a high risk of perioperative complications. This article discusses technical aspects of endovascular repair of iatrogenic injury of subclavian artery with implantation of covered stents based on two cases. Author’s experience and data from literature suggests that endovascular management including covered stent implantation is safe and effective treatment and should be considered as a method of choice especially among patients in poor general condition and/or major comorbidities.