Subclavian artery injuries
McCoy, D.W.; Weiman, D.S.; Pate, J.W.; Fabian, T.C.; Walker, W.A.
American Surgeon 63(9): 761-764
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1348 PMID: 9290516 Document Number: 477010
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.