Subclavian Steal Syndrome Surgeon, Los Angeles

Expert Surgical Treatment for Subclavian Steal Syndrome (SSS)

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What is the Subclavian Artery?

The subclavian is an artery that supplies blood to your arm. Like other arteries in your body this artery can develop atherosclerosis and become narrowed or blocked.

When this artery becomes blocked it can cause the flow of blood to reverse and “steal” blood flow from your vertebral artery by diverting it to the arm and limiting blood flow to your cerebral circulation.

Subclavian Steal Syndrome Q & A

Los Angeles woman with her hand on her head showing symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome

Dizziness, blurred vision and vertigo may be symptoms of SSS.

What are the risk factors for SSS?

The following increase the risk for subclavian artery stenosis:

Atherosclerosis The depositing of plaque and fatty material onto the wall of the artery.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) The compression of an artery by the collarbone sometimes leading to a bulge or aneurysm.
Coronary artery IMA bypass graft Surgery that restores blood flow to a part of the heart.
Takayasu’s arteritis A rare inflammation of the walls of the main arteries of the body.
Presence of cervical rib An extra rib that forms above the first rib.
Anatomical abnormalities
Following surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta

What are the symptoms of SSS?

Depending on the severity and location of your disease you may not experience any symptoms at all. If your case is mild to moderate you may benefit from medical management, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.

The following are the most common symptoms reported for SSS:

Fainting or the sensation you are going to faint
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Vertigo
Hearing loss
Arm pain, fatigue, numbness during arm movement or exercise
Memory problems
Hands showing circulatory problems
Angina (coronary IMA bypass graft patients)
Blood pressure difference between subclavian artery and vertebral artery

Treatment Options for Subclavian Steal Syndrome (SSS)

In addition to a physical examination, your doctor may use a variety of non-invasive tests to diagnose you with subclavian steal syndrome including ultrasound, MRA or CTA.

Patients with no symptoms and mild to moderate disease may be managed with medical therapy, lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring follow-up; however, if you present with more severe and highly symptomatic subclavian steal syndrome, you may require surgical intervention. Drs. Eghbalieh and Abi-Chaker have specialized training to treat subclavian steal syndrome.

Surgical carotid to subclavian bypass
Endovascular stent and balloon angioplasty

To schedule an evaluation at Southern California Multi-Specialty Center, call 818-900-6480.

Our Vascular & Endovascular Surgeons

It's important to remember not all physicians are trained in advanced vascular and endovascular surgery. It’s a good practice to get multiple opinions and do research on the surgery and the physician.