When I first went to see Dr. Thompson for an evaluation last February, he said that usually if there is vascular involvement, it really is best to get it surgically repaired. I had an aneurysm in my subclavian artery, and he said that it would likely cause problems over time (clots, etc.), so he recommended surgery. I had the artery repaired in June and got my first rib and cervical rib and two scalene muscles also removed during the same surgery. The recovery was rough early on, but now I'm doing great and am relieved to have it behind me. I'm fortunate to only live 4-5 hours from St. Louis, so it wasn't too hard for me. I know it's a lot more difficult if you're farther away, but if there is any way you can get to there to see Dr. Thompson, I would really recommend it.