Abstract
Proximal subclavian artery stenosis may cause severe disturbances of cere bral blood supply well known as subclavian steal syndrome. On the other hand subclavian artery stenosis may produce problems of the perfusion of the arm. But in the presence of a well established collateral circula tion with reversal flow in the ipsilateral vertebral artery the reduced perfusion of the arm in the presence of proximal subclavian artery stenosis seldom re quires operative treatment.