Traumatic aortic valve injury sustained despite the deployment of an automobile air bag.
Blunt chest trauma is a rare cause of aortic valve dysfunction. A case of the successful management of traumatic injury to the aortic valve is reported. The aortic valve injury was sustained in an automobile accident despite the use of a seat belt and the deployment of an air bag. The literature is briefly reviewed. Aortic valve injury remains a consideration in cases of automobile-associated chest trauma, even in automobiles equipped with seat belts and air bags.
Reiland-Smith
J
J
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Mass 02215.
Weintraub
R M
RM
Sellke
F W
FW
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017278:Air Bags; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000293:injuries; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male