Aneurysms of the upper extremities, and particularly the intrathoracic
segment of the subclavian artery, are unusual. Surgical approach and
timing of repair remain controversial. We successfully treated a case
of a large proximal subclavian artery aneurysm, atherosclerotic in ori
gin. In spite of the size, the symptoms were vague. The patient underw
ent partial resection of the lesion located in the proximal third of t
he right subclavian artery, and repair using 8mm dacron interposition
graft. She did well postoperatively and remains symptom free at 1 year
. A discussion of this disorder with the relevant literature review is
herein included.