Endobypass Using a Heparin-bonded Covered Stent to Treat Upper Limb Claudication due to Axillary Artery Occlusion Following Axillofemoral Bypass

AbstractIntroductionPost-surgical axillary artery occlusion may present with upper limb symptoms requiring intervention.ReportA 76-year-old male had previously undergone left axillofemoral bypass for lower limb ischemia. Following an initial presentation with brachial thromboembolism, he re-presented with left axillary artery occlusion manifesting as upper limb claudication significantly affecting activities of daily living. The axillary artery was successfully recanalised following deployment of a 10 × 50mm Viabahn endoprosthesis with complete symptomatic resolution.DiscussionEndovascular recanalisation of proximal upper limb vessels affords a convenient option to open surgery. A stent-graft offers additional protection compared to a stent if there is arterial rupture during the procedure