Translocation of aberrant right subclavian artery to the ascending aorta—a treatment for dysphagia lusoria

Generally, an aberrantly coursing right subclavian artery (ARSA), also known as ‘arteria lusoria’, is an incidental diagnosis of no clinical consequence. Where correction is indicated, popular practice is for decompression via staged percutaneous +/− vascular methods. Open/thoracic options for correction are not widely discussed. We report the case of a 41-year-old woman with dysphagia secondary to ARSA. Her vascular anatomy precluded staged percutaneous intervention. The ARSA was translocated to the ascending aorta via thoracotomy, utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass. Our technique is a safe option for low-risk patients with symptomatic ARSA. It obviates the need for staged surgery and removes the risk of carotid-to-subclavian bypass failure.