The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Vol 76, 61-63, Copyright © 1978 by The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and The Western Thoracic Surgical Association
Subclavian artery approach for insertion of intra-aortic balloon
JH Mayer
Subperiosteal clavicular resection for access to the subclavian artery is
described. In those patients requiring intra-aortic balloon placement in
the nonsurgical setting, such an approach provides a reasonably benign
alternative when aortoiliac atherosclerosis prevents the usual retrograde
femoral placement. Little morbidity or functional compromise is associated
with clavicular wedge resections, and the anatomic availability of a large
artery without the need for major surgical maneuvers in these gravely ill
patients is a distinct advantage.