Laceration of superior vena cava due to blunt trauma: successful surgical management
Couves, C.M.; Heughan, C.
Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien de Chirurgie 24(4): 402-403
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-428X PMID: 7272856 Document Number: 170150
Injuries of the superior vena cava are usually due to penetrating trauma. Injuries due to blunt trauma are rare. The diagnosis of superior vena caval injuries, which may be intrapericardial or extrapericardial, is usually made retrospectively. In the case described in this report the patient, a 21-year-old man, sustained an intrapericardial laceration due to blunt trauma. The patient was managed successfully by median sternotomy and immediate control of the bleeding.