Vascular complications in thoracic outlet-syndrome: combined transaxillaryrib resection and revascularization

Based on two patients with vascular complications in thoracic outlet-syndro me, the anatomic and pathophysiologic principles prior to surgery are discu ssed. Causative therapy including rib resection and elimination of the embo lic source in the subclavian artery is often supplemented by peripheral rev ascularization with bypass, lysis and/or sympathectomy. The transaxillary a pproach seems to be optimal, combining minimally invasive principles with a long exposure of the subclavian artery from segment 3 to the proximal axil lary artery.