Subclavian flap aortoplasty with preservation of arterial blood flow to the left arm for coarctation repair--report of 2 cases

Two infants with coarctation of the aorta were successfully repaired by the modified method of subclavian flap aortoplasty with preservation of arterial blood flow to the left arm. The left subclavian artery was detached from the aorta at its origin, opened longitudinally in its posterior wall and sutured over the coarctation site. Widening of the stenosis and preserving of the blood flow to the left arm were obtained. This operative technique seems advantageous without complications induced by sacrificing the continuity of the subclavian artery, reserving the advantages of the former subclavian flap aortoplasty.