Subclavian artery injuries.
Thirty-two consecutive patients with subclavian artery injuries were evaluated to assess the mechanism of injury, types of repair, and results. In this series, most wounds were from firearms. Although the mortality was high (19%), most patients had the vessel repaired successfully. Associated injuries, especially to neural structures, led to significant morbidity. Principles used in dealing with these injuries should be 1) proximal and distal control prior to exposing the injury site, 2) reestablishing distal circulation through primary repair or graft placement, and 3) identifying and treating associated injuries.
McCoy
D W
DW
Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee-Memphis College of Medicine 38163, USA.
Weiman
D S
DS
Pate
J W
JW
Fabian
T C
TC
Walker
W A
WA
D000328:Adult; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries; D002968:Clavicle / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009017:Morbidity; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D013348:Subclavian Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D013908:Thoracotomy; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*
D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene