Abstract 4347411: Successful Treatment of Severe Calcified Left Subclavian Artery Stenosis with Intravascular Lithotripsy Prior to Stenting: A Case Report

Abstract

Subclavian artery stenosis is a rare but clinically significant cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency and upper extremity ischemia. Management is challenging, especially in the presence of heavily calcified lesions. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is an emerging adjunctive therapy for calcified lesions, primarily studied in coronary and lower extremity vessels, but its application in subclavian interventions is underexplored. A 78-year-old female with a history of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and peripheral artery disease presented with recurrent dizziness and nausea. Carotid duplex demonstrated moderate left internal carotid stenosis and retrograde flow in the left vertebral artery, consistent with subclavian steal syndrome. Subsequent angiography revealed 90% eccentric, calcified stenosis of the proximal left subclavian artery. Given the lesion’s heavy calcification, the patient underwent percutaneous intervention with a Serranator scoring balloon, followed by IVL using an 8x30 mm peripheral balloon (2 rounds, 30 pulses each). This resulted in significant lesion modification and relief of balloon waist. A 7x27 mm Express LD bare-metal stent was then deployed with excellent angiographic results and residual stenosis <10%. IVUS confirmed adequate stent expansion. The procedure was performed via right femoral access with no complications. Post-procedure, the patient reported complete resolution of dizziness and no further symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. She was discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy for 30 days, followed by aspirin monotherapy. At 1-month follow-up, she remained asymptomatic with a patent stent and no evidence of restenosis. This case highlights the utility of IVL in treating severely calcified subclavian artery stenosis. Traditional balloon angioplasty and stenting in such lesions are associated with suboptimal expansion, risk of dissection, and restenosis. IVL offers a safe and effective means of calcium modification, facilitating optimal stent deployment. To our knowledge, reports of IVL use in subclavian arteries are scarce, and this case adds to the growing body of evidence supporting its application in complex peripheral vascular interventions. IVL is a valuable adjunct in the endovascular management of heavily calcified subclavian artery stenosis, enabling successful stent placement and symptomatic relief. Further studies are warranted to define its role in this vascular territory.