Right & Left Subclavian Artery Stenosis Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, ICD-10

Read about Right & Left Subclavian Artery Stenosis Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, ICD-10.

What is Subclavian Artery Stenosis?

The term "subclavian artery stenosis" refers to a restriction of the subclavian artery caused by plaque buildup inside the arterial walls. This condition restricts blood flow to the arms, which reduces the supply of nutrients and oxygen. If subclavian artery stenosis is not treated, it can lead to major issues including stroke or arm ischemia.

Right & Left Subclavian Artery

Each side of the body has a subclavian artery. The aortic arch gives rise to the left subclavian artery, while the brachiocephalic trunk gives rise to the right subclavian artery. These arteries travel through the thoracic outlet, which is positioned between the collarbone (clavicle) and the first rib.

Subclavian Artery Stenosis Symptoms

Subclavian artery stenosis symptoms vary depending on severity. Typical symptoms include:

• Arm weakness or exhaustion
• Arms that feel cold or numb
• Arm ache or stiffness, especially when exercising
• Unsteadiness or faintness
• Headaches, especially around the temples 
• Elevated blood pressure
• Having trouble completing regular tasks that require arm movement

Subclavian Artery Stenosis Causes

Numerous factors can contribute to subclavian artery stenosis. The most common cause is atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fat deposits and plaque in the walls of the arteries. Other potential causes include:

• Smoking, 
• High blood pressure, 
• High cholesterol, 
• Diabetes, and a 
• Family history of cardiovascular disease
• Getting older 

Subclavian Artery Stenosis Diagnosis

To find subclavian artery stenosis, a medical practitioner will perform a thorough evaluation. This might involve:

• Medical history evaluation
• Physical examination, which includes monitoring the arms' Pulses measuring the blood pressure in both arms
• Doppler ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow.
• Angiography, a procedure that makes use of contrast dye and X-rays to see the arteries.

Subclavian Artery Stenosis Treatment

The type of treatment for subclavian artery stenosis depends on the severity of the condition, the symptoms that are present, and the patient's general health. Treatment options include:

Lifestyle Changes

Subclavian artery stenosis can be effectively managed to a significant extent by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This might involve:

• Smoking cessation 
• Regular exercise
• Eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol
• Addressing underlying illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes
• Being weight-healthy

Drugs for subclavian artery stenosis

Medication can be used to treat symptoms brought on by subclavian artery stenosis, which lowers the chance of complications. Typical prescribed medicines include:

• Antithrombin medicines
• Anticoagulants 
• Medicines for reducing blood pressure 
• Medicines for reducing cholesterol 

Subclavian Artery Stenosis Surgical Treatment

More severe subclavian artery stenosis may necessitate surgical treatment. The two most widely used surgical methods are:

1. An endarterectomy involves removing plaque from the arterial walls.
2. Bypass surgery involves constructing a bypass using a graft to reroute blood flow around the clogged artery.
3. Interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting can also be used to treat subclavian artery stenosis. These procedures include:

• Balloon angioplasty is the process of inflating a balloon to widen a narrowed artery.
• Stenting is the process of inserting a small metal mesh tube inside an artery to maintain its open position and improve blood flow.

Subclavian Artery Stenosis ICD-10

Subclavian vein stenosis narrows the blood supply to the arms, head, and neck. Applicable ICD-10 codes Include:

I77.1: Artery Stricture

Q25.48: Anomalous origin of the subclavian artery

It is significant to remember that these codes could not be specific to subclavian artery stenosis and might need additional codes to reflect the diagnosis correctly. For instance, I65.22 is a code for left carotid artery occlusion with stenosis, which is distinct from subclavian artery stenosis.