Surgical management of axillosubclavian vascular injuries

Endovascular Management of a Subclavian Arterial Injury During Central Venous Catheter Placement for Hemodialysis

Subclavian artery injuries after central venous catheter placement constitute a rare but potentially fatal complication. The surgical repair of a subclavian artery trauma is a real challenge, associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The role of endovascular treatment for vascular trauma, including injury to the subclavian artery, continues to evolve. In this manuscript, we report the case of an urgent endovascular repair by a covered stent graft of a subclavian artery perforation following the placement of a central venous catheter for dialysis in a 52-year-old patient, having a chronic kidney failure stage 5, with multiple comorbidities. The present case suggests that attention needs to be paid to preventing iatrogenic arterial cannulation during central vein catheterization to avoid potentially devastating complications. Endovascular treatment using a covered stent should be attempted as a first-line therapeutic option.

Scapulothoracic dissociation and blunt vertebral vascular injury: case report

Case Description:

A 24-year-old male suffers from a motor vehicle accident with penetrating neck trauma and concomitant closed left cervicothoracic trauma.

Clinical Findings:

High impact trauma causing hypovolemic shock, left zone I penetrating neck trauma, ischemia due to blunt trauma to the axillary vessels, and brachial plexus injury. Transection of the vertebral artery on angiotomography. Diagnosed with scapulothoracic dissociation and vertebral artery trauma.

Treatment and outcome:

Axillary arteriovenous reconstruction, fasciotomies, non-surgical approach of the vertebral artery trauma, and deferred treatment of the brachial plexus trauma were performed. Survival of the patient and his limb, with major neurologic sequelae

Clinical Relevance:

The case presented here is an example of scapulothoracic dissociation with associated trauma to the vertebral artery, injuries that are uncommon and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of the injuries and a multidisciplinary approach for this complex case by surgical board reviews at various levels within the course of care were key determinants in the patient’s improved prognosis. This case report presents an analysis of the diagnostics, treatment, and course; considering in-hospital care and the decision-making process as determinants for the prognosis in a polytrauma patient.

Scapulothoracic dissociation and blunt vertebral vascular injury: case report

Case Description: A 24-year-old male suffers from a motor vehicle accident with penetrating neck trauma and concomitant closed left cervicothoracic trauma. Clinical Findings: High impact trauma causing hypovolemic shock, left zone I penetrating neck trauma, ischemia due to blunt trauma to the axillary vessels, and brachial plexus injury. Transection of the vertebral artery on angiotomography. Diagnosed with scapulothoracic dissociation and vertebral artery trauma. Treatment and outcome: Axillary arteriovenous reconstruction, fasciotomies, non-surgical approach of the vertebral artery trauma, and deferred treatment of the brachial plexus trauma were performed. Survival of the patient and his limb, with major neurologic sequelae Clinical Relevance: The case presented here is an example of scapulothoracic dissociation with associated trauma to the vertebral artery, injuries that are uncommon and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of the injuries and a multidisciplinary approach for this complex case by surgical board reviews at various levels within the course of care were key determinants in the patient’s improved prognosis. This case report presents an analysis of the diagnostics, treatment, and course; considering in-hospital care and the decision-making process as determinants for the prognosis in a polytrauma patient.

Endovascular Repair of Axillary Artery Transection with a Stent Graft following Blunt Trauma

Transection injuries of the axillary artery are rare and typically involve surgical repair. This case describes an emergent endovascular treatment option, using a stent graft, in a patient that was deemed as high risk for open surgery.