Subclavian Artery Injury Research Articles

Exsanguination Following Iatrogenic Subclavian Artery Injury: A Surgical Rescue

Exsanguination Following Iatrogenic Subclavian Artery Injury: A Surgical Rescue

Endovascular Repair in Patients with Axillary-Subclavian Arterial Trauma

Arterial trauma of the axillary subclavian segment carries considerable morbidity and mortality risks. Surgical approaches are challenging given the hidden trajectory of these vessels which has made the endovascular approach a valid -and potentially better- alternative for managing these injuries. We describe the incidence of relevant outcomes for patients with traumatic axillary and/or subclavian artery injury who underwent endovascular therapy at a tertiary care-university hospital over a 15-year period in Cali, Colombia. We conducted an incidence study based on clinical records that included patients aged 15 years or older with traumatic axillary subclavian arterial injury treated with endovascular therapy between 2008 and 2022. Vascular injuries caused by intra-arterial dialysis catheter insertion (iatrogenic) were excluded. We described clinical and imaging characteristics upon admission, perioperative findings, and the incidence of complications and in-hospital mortality, with accompanying 95% confidence intervals. We included 32 patients, 93.8% of whom were male, with a median (IQR) age of 30 (21-42) years. The type of trauma was penetrating in 75% of patients (62.5% corresponding to gunshot wounds) and blunt in 25%. Upon admission, 12 patients (37.5%) exhibited hard signs of vascular injury, and 20 patients (62.5%) exhibited soft signs. Fourteen patients (47%) had an Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 15 and 12 (37.5%) had hemodynamic instability. All but three patients (90.6%) suffered subclavian artery injury (right 48.3%, left 51.7%), while 12.9% had axillary artery injury (one patient with both vessels affected). Intraoperative complications happened in one patient (3.1%, 95%CI: 0.2%-18%). Pseudoaneurysms were identified in 11 patients (34.4%), thrombosis in 6 (18.8%), and dissection in 6 (18.8%). Three (9.4%) patients required hybrid management (endovascular therapy following conventional surgery). No cases of ischemia or amputation occurred. The length of hospital stay was 6 (3, 11.5) days. No cases of in-hospital mortality were reported (0%, 95% CI: 0.0-13.4%). Endovascular treatment in trauma is a minimally invasive technique with favorable clinical outcomes in patients with arterial trauma in the axillary-subclavian segment. This should be a viable therapeutic option for selected cases.

Endovascular Versus Open Repair in Adolescent Patients With Difficult-to-Access Vascular Injuries

IntroductionManagement of subclavian artery injuries (SAI) and iliac artery injuries (IAI) in adolescent trauma patients poses a considerable challenge due to their complex anatomical locations. The aim of our study was to determine the association between the injury mechanism and type of repair with the outcomes of patients with traumatic SAI and IAI. MethodsIn this retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database2017-2020, adolescent (<18 y) patients with SAI and IAI undergoing either endovascular or open repair were included. Patients were stratified by mechanism (blunt versus penetrating) and type of repair (endovascular [E] versus open [O]) and compared. Outcomes measured were mortality and major complications. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. ResultsOver 4 y, 170 pediatric patients were identified, of which 73 (43%) sustained an SAI and 97 (57%) had IAI. The mean age was 15 and 79% were male. Overall, 39% were managed endovascularly. Both groups had comparable median injury severity score (E: 23 versus O: 25, P = 0.278). For patients with blunt injury (n = 60), the type of repair was neither associated with major complications (E: 39% versus O: 33%, P = 0.694) nor mortality (E: 2.6% versus O: 4.8%, P = 0.651). For patients with penetrating injuries (n = 110), the endovascular repair had significantly lower morbidity (19% versus 41%, P = 0.034) and mortality (3.7% versus 21%, P = 0.041). On multivariable logistic regression, endovascular repair was identified as the only modifiable risk factor associated with reduced mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.201, 95% confidence interval [0.14-0.76], P = 0.038). ConclusionsDifficult-to-access vascular injuries result in significant morbidity and mortality. Endovascular repair was found to be the only modifiable factor associated with decreased mortality of patients with penetrating injury, whereas the type of repair was not associated with mortality in those with blunt injury.

Endovascular treatment for 2 types of subclavian artery injury: A case report.

Subclavian artery (SCA) injuries, though rare, carry significant morbidity and mortality risks due to significant blood loss causing hypovolemic shock. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are crucial to minimize bleeding and associated morbidity. Recent advances in endovascular techniques offer faster and more accurate treatment options compared to traditional open surgical repair. This study demonstrates the efficacy of endovascular treatment in 2 cases of SCA injury and reviews its indications, limitations, and precautions. A 69-year-old man presented with a penetrating SCA injury from a steel bar, and a 38-year-old woman presented with a blunt SCA injury caused by a fall. Both patients were hemodynamically unstable upon presentation. Both patients were diagnosed with SCA injuries. The man had a penetrating injury, while the woman had a blunt injury, both resulting in hemodynamic instability and significant risk of hypovolemic shock. Endovascular techniques, including the use of covered stent grafts, were employed to manage the injuries. These techniques allowed for rapid and efficient treatment, reducing the need for open surgical intervention. Both patients were successfully treated using endovascular methods and were discharged without any complications. The endovascular approach minimized blood loss, transfusion needs, and hospital stay. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of endovascular techniques in rapidly diagnosing, bridging, and definitively treating SCA injuries, suggesting their use as a first-line therapy.

Subclavian arterial rupture due to blunt trauma injury: A case report.

Subclavian arterial injury due to blunt trauma is rare but can have devastating outcomes. Massive hemorrhage or limb ischemia might develop depending on the extent of damage, and open repair might be necessary to salvage the limb. However, life-saving treatments should be prioritized in critically unstable patients. A 21-year-old male patient who was transferred to our trauma center following a motorcycle accident. Abdominal and chest computed tomography (CT) revealed right renal injury and massive hemothorax with several rib fractures in the right chest. Right renal injury with multiple extravasations and right 8th intercostal arterial injury were detected during angiography. Emergent exploration with lateral thoracotomy was performed to manage right hemothorax. Pulsating bleeding from the thoracic roof observed in the operative field suggested a subclavian arterial injury. The unstable vital signs did not recover despite massive transfusion, and his right arm had already stiffened. Therefore, endovascular approach was adopted and the second portion of the right subclavian artery was embolized using microcoils and thrombin. Postoperative intensive care unit management performed to resuscitate patient from multiorgan failure included continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). After confirming the demarcation lines, transhumeral amputation of the right arm was performed on admission day 12. The patient recovered from multiorgan failure for more than 3 weeks after the accident; however, the patient survived. Limb salvage, albeit critical for quality of life, is not possible in some cases where life-saving measures require its sacrifice. In these cases, quick decision-making by the surgeon is paramount for patient survival. As illustrated in this case, endovascular approaches should be considered less invasive measures to save the patient's life.

Contemporary Review of Traumatic Axillary and Subclavian Artery Injuries at an Urban Level One Trauma Center.

Traumatic axillary and subclavian artery injuries are uncommon. Limited data are available regarding patient and injury characteristics, as well as management strategies and outcomes. Retrospective chart review was performed on patients presenting to University of Louisville Hospital, an urban Level One Trauma Center, with traumatic axillary and subclavian artery injuries from 2015-2021. Patients were identified using University of Louisville trauma, radiology, and billing database searches based on ICD9/10 codes for axillary and subclavian artery injuries. Descriptive statistics are expressed as frequencies and percentages. Comparisons were performed using Fisher's Exact and Chi-squared tests. Forty-four patients with traumatic axillary-subclavian arterial injuries were identified for analysis. Blunt and penetrating trauma were equally represented (n = 22 for both). A variety of injury types were seen, including minimal/intimal injury, laceration, pseudoaneurysm, transection, occlusion, and arteriovenous fistula. Management strategies were also variable, including non-operative, endovascular, planned hybrid, open, and endovascular converted to open. In operative patients, revascularization technical success was high (n = 31, 97%) with low likelihood of thrombosis (n = 2, 6%) and no infections. Among all patients, amputation rate was 5% (n = 2) and mortality rate was 9% (n = 3). Regarding arterial involvement, blunt injury was more likely to affect the subclavian (n = 18) than the axillary artery (n = 6) (P = .04). No significant difference was seen in brachial plexus injury based on artery involved (subclavian = 9 vs axillary = 11, P = .14) or mechanism (blunt = 6 vs penetrating = 11, P = .22). Non-operative management was more likely with subclavian artery injury (n = 11) vs axillary artery injury (n = 1) (P = .008). There was no significant difference between decision for non-operative (blunt = 9, penetrating = 3) vs operative (blunt = 13, penetrating = 19) management based on mechanism (P = .09). Transection injury was associated with an open repair strategy (endovascular/hybrid = 1, open/endovascular to open conversion = 11, P = .0003). Of the three patients requiring endovascular to open conversion, two required amputation, which were the only two patients in the study undergoing amputation. Both open and endovascular/hybrid strategies are useful when treating traumatic axillary and subclavian artery injuries and are associated with high likelihood of revascularization technical success, with low rates of thrombosis or infection, when treated promptly at a trauma center with vascular specialists available. Transection injuries were most often treated with open revascularization. Patients undergoing amputation had blunt transection injuries to the subclavian artery and underwent endovascular to open conversion after failed attempts at endovascular revascularization.

Percutaneous closure of subclavian iatrogenic injuries after central venous catheterization: a Latin American experience.

Arterial injuries following central venous catheterization (CVC) range between 0.1%-2.7%. The open surgical approach could be related to increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Vascular closure devices (VCD) are often used for the management of these patients with a success rate of up to 80%. Describe our experience in managing arterial vascular injuries following central venous catheterization with Perclose ProGlide (Abbott Vascular IncSanta Clara, CA, USA). A retrospective review of all patients over 18 years old who underwent percutaneous closure of arterial injuries following central venous catheterization in our center between January 2018 and May 2023 was included and reported with a 90-day follow-up. 3 Patients were included, in all cases, access to the CVC were right with a subclavian artery injury. Ultrasound and fluoroscopy guide was used in all cases. For the 3 cases, a percutaneous technique using Perclose ProGlide (Abbott Vascular IncSanta Clara, CA, USA) was performed. With a 100% success rate, and no complications evidenced after 90 days of follow-up. Inadvertent arterial catheterization it's a non-negligible complication after CVC placement. VCD could be considered a safe and feasible approach for the management of these traumatic injuries.

Transarterial interventions in civilian gunshot wound injury: experience from a level-1 trauma center

PurposeTo assess the effectiveness of trans-arterial vascular interventions in treatment of civilian gunshot wounds (GSW).Materials and methodsA retrospective review was performed at a level-1 trauma center to include 46 consecutive adults admitted due to GSW related hemorrhage and treated with endovascular interventions from July 2018 to July 2022. Patient demographics and procedural metrics were retrieved. Primary outcomes of interest include technical success and in-hospital mortality. Factors of mortality were assessed using a logistic regression model.ResultsTwenty-one patients were brought to the endovascular suite directly (endovascular group) from the trauma bay and 25 patients after treatment in the operating room (OR group). The OR group had higher hemodynamic instability (48.0% vs 19.0%, p = 0.040), lower hemoglobin (12.9 vs 10.1, p = 0.001) and platelet counts (235.2 vs 155.1, p = 0.003), and worse Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) score (4.1 vs 10.2, p < 0.0001) at the time of initial presentation. Technical success was achieved in all 40 cases in which targeted embolization was attempted (100%). Empiric embolization was performed in 6/46 (13.0%) patients based on computed tomographic angiogram (CTA) and operative findings. Stent-grafts were placed in 3 patients for subclavian artery injuries. Availability of pre-intervention CTA was associated with shorter fluoroscopy time (19.8 ± 12.1 vs 30.7 ± 18.6 min, p = 0.030). A total of 41 patients were discharged in stable condition (89.1%). Hollow organ injury was associated with mortality (p = 0.039).ConclusionEndovascular embolization and stenting were effective in managing hemorrhage due to GSW in a carefully selected population. Hollow organ injury was a statistically significant predictor of mortality. Pre-intervention CTA enabled targeted, shorter and equally effective procedures.

A Case Report of Endovascular Repair by a Pull-through Technique for Iatrogenic Right Subclavian Artery Injury

A Case Report of Endovascular Repair by a Pull-through Technique for Iatrogenic Right Subclavian Artery Injury

Editor's Choice – In Hospital and Long Term Outcomes After Repair of Subclavian and Axillary Artery Injuries

To evaluate the in hospital and long term outcomes after open or endovascular repair of subclavian and axillary artery injuries. This was a retrospective, single centre study. Data were reviewed from patients with subclavian and or axillary injuries who presented to the authors' centre between January 2009 and December 2022. Outcome data included complications, death, amputations, and re-interventions. A p value < .050 was considered to be statistically significant. Over the study period, 62 patients with subclavian or axillary trauma were admitted to the study hospital. Patients were young (median age 32.5 years, range 12 - 53) and most were men (85%); 32 patients experienced blunt trauma, and 30 penetrating trauma. The median injury severity score was 18 (interquartile range [IQR] 9, 34), and 47% of patients had a brachial plexus injury. The arterial injury was occlusion in 62% of patients, and the median ischaemia time was 12.5 hours (IQR 7.13, 24). All patients with subclavian injuries (n= 37) and 13 of 25 patients with an axillary injury underwent endovascular repair (stent graft placement). Open repair was performed in 12 patients with axillary injury (axillobrachial bypass in seven patients). At hospital discharge, the amputation free survival rate was 82% vs. 92% (p= .67), the mortality rate was 10% vs. 8% (p= 1.0), and the amputation rate was 10% vs. 0 (p= .57) for endovascular and open repair, respectively. The mean follow up time was 4.1 ± 3.5 years. After the seven year follow up, the stent primary patency was 42%. No re-interventions or amputations were performed after hospital discharge. Disability was related to fractures and soft tissue and brachial plexus injuries. Endovascular treatment was preferred for patients with subclavian artery injuries. Open repair was preferred for patients with penetrating axillary injuries. In hospital and long term complications were related to fractures and soft tissue and brachial plexus injuries, rather than the treatment of arterial injuries. Measures are needed to reduce ischaemia time and improve brachial plexus injury repair.

Treatment of Acute Upper Limb Ischemia after Iatrogenic Left Subclavian Artery Injury during Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Treatment of Acute Upper Limb Ischemia after Iatrogenic Left Subclavian Artery Injury during Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Long-Term Outcomes of Open and Endovascular Axillosubclavian Interventions After Traumatic Injury Reveal High Rates of Limb Dysfunction

Arterial axillosubclavian injuries (ASIs) are currently managed with open repair (OR) and endovascular stenting (ES). The long-term prognosis of patients with these and associated brachial plexus injuries is poorly understood. We hypothesize that OR and ES for ASI have similar long-term patency rates and that brachial plexus injuries would confer high long-term morbidity. All patients at a level-1 trauma center who underwent procedures for ASI over a 12-year period (2010 to 2022) were identified. Long-term outcomes of patency rates, types of reintervention, rates of brachial plexus injury, and functional outcomes were then investigated. Thirty-three patients underwent operations for ASI. OR was performed in 72.7% (n=24) and ES in 27.3% (n=9). ES patency was 85.7% (n=6/7) and OR patency was 75% (n=12/16), at a median follow-up of 20 and 5.5months respectively. In subclavian artery injuries, ES patency was 100% (n=4/4) and OR patency was 50% (n=4/8) at a median follow-up of 24 and 12months respectively. Long-term patency rates were similar between OR and ES (P=1.0). Brachial plexus injuries occurred in 42.9% (n=12/28) of patients. Ninety percent (n=9/10) of patients with brachial plexus injuries who were followed postdischarge had persistent motor deficits at median follow-up of 12months, occurring at significantly higher rates in patients with brachial plexus injuries (90%) compared to those without brachial plexus injuries (14.3%) (P=0.0005). Multiyear follow-up demonstrates similar OR and ES patency rates for ASI. Subclavian ES patency was excellent (100%) and prosthetic subclavian bypass patency was poor (25%). brachial plexus injuries were common (42.9%) and devastating, with a significant portion of patients having persistent limb motor deficits (45.8%) on long-term follow-up. Algorithms to optimize brachial plexus injuries management for patients with ASI are high-yield, and likely to influence long-term outcomes more than the technique of initial revascularization.

Contemporary Review of Traumatic Axillary and Subclavian Artery Injuries at an Urban Level One Trauma Center

Contemporary Review of Traumatic Axillary and Subclavian Artery Injuries at an Urban Level One Trauma Center

A Case of Accidental Right Subclavian Artery Injury during Central Venous Catheterization through the Right Internal Jugular Vein

A Case of Accidental Right Subclavian Artery Injury during Central Venous Catheterization through the Right Internal Jugular Vein

Endovascular treatment of axillosubclavian arterial injuries is a safe alternative to open repair

BackgroundInjuries to the axillosubclavian arteries are rare, comprising 5% of all extremity trauma. This study aims to examine contemporary outcomes of traumatic axillosubclavian injuries. MethodsA retrospective review was performed on patients admitted with innominate, subclavian, and/or axillary artery injuries to a level 1 trauma center from 2011 to 2021. Patients undergoing endovascular repair were compared to those with open repair. ResultsThirty two patients met inclusion criteria. Injuries were approached open in 22 (59%) cases and endovascular in 10 (27%). There was no difference in 30-day mortality or hospital length of stay between endovascular and open repair. Endovascular repairs had shorter operative times (1.9 vs 3.1 h, p = 0.009) and lower blood loss (72 vs 1662 mL, p < 0.001). ConclusionsEndovascular repair of axillosubclavian arterial injuries demonstrate similar outcomes to open repair. Significantly shorter operative times and lower blood loss suggest potential decreased morbidity.

A Rare Injury Due to Blunt Trauma: Rupture of Subclavian Artery Branch

Subclavian artery injury is an extremely rare and life-threatening condition. In this case, we discussed the diagnosis and treatment of the subclavian artery branch injury due to chronic blunt trauma caused by inappropriate traditional physical therapy. A 72-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with sudden onset of pain and swelling in the left chest wall after inappropriate traditional physical therapy. He had a medical history of hemorrhagic stroke causing paralysis in his right arm and right leg. Muscle tension exercises were given to the patient by his relatives with the mechanism they built. Pulses were normal in the left upper extremity, and there was no difference in temperature and diameter between both upper extremities. The patient diagnosed with left subclavian artery branch rupture with computed tomography angiography was followed up with compression therapy without any surgical intervention and discharged with full recovery.

Impact of Endovascular Stenting on Outcomes in Patients with Traumatic Subclavian Artery Injury.

Traumatic subclavian artery injury (SAI) remains uncommon but can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Although open and endovascular repair offer excellent limb salvage rates, their role in blunt and penetrating injuries is not well defined. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of mechanism of injury and type of repair on outcomes in patients with traumatic SAI. Patients undergoing procedures for traumatic SAI were identified from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database between 2015 and 2018. Demographics, severity of injury and shock, type of subclavian repair (open vs endovascular), morbidity, and mortality were recorded. Patients with SAI were stratified by mechanism and type of repair and compared. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of mortality. Seven hundred thirty-seven patients undergoing procedures for SAI were identified. Of these, 39% were penetrating. The majority were male (80%) with a median age and Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 37 and 21, respectively. 58% of patients were managed endovascularly. For patients with blunt injury, the type of repair affected neither morbidity (25% vs 19%, p = 0.116) nor mortality (11% vs 10%, p = 0.70). For patients with penetrating injuries, endovascular repair had significantly lower morbidity (12% vs 22%, p = 0.028) and mortality (6% vs 21%, p = 0.001). MLR identified endovascular repair as the only modifiable risk factor associated with reduced mortality (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.14 to 0.87, p = 0.02). SAI results in significant morbidity and mortality regardless of mechanism. Although the type of repair did not affect mortality in patients with blunt injury, endovascular repair was identified as the only modifiable predictor of reduced mortality in patients with penetrating injuries.

Successful thoracoscopic management of iatrogenic left subclavian arterial injury: a case report.

The subclavian artery at the thoracic outlet is in the deepest position of the thoracic cavity and is difficult to repair in this narrow space once injured, even if the surgery is converted to a thoracotomy. This article presents a successful left subclavian artery repair procedure at the thoracic outlet using a thoracoscopic approach, with a video demonstration, and describes its technical characteristics. The patient was planned for a left upper lobectomy through three-port thoracoscopic approach. Severe adhesions were found intraoperatively and an accidental left subclavian arterial injury occurred when dissecting the adhesions. We first clamped the proximal portion of the subclavian artery and then directly clamped the rupture site. Our first suture failed due to the limited suture angle and the mutual restriction between the needle holder and atraumatic vascular clamp. To freely control the needle holder, another assistant port was made in the seventh intercostal space (ICS). The arterial injury was finally successfully repaired using pledgetted suture. The operation time was 235 minutes and intraoperative blood loss was 800 mL. The pulsation of the left radial artery was normal postoperatively, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. Appropriate strategies allow attempts to manage intraoperative hyperbaric arterial bleeding from the systemic circulation, such as bleeding caused by subclavian arterial injuries, by means of a thoracoscopic approach without conversion to thoracotomy.

Viabahn Stent Graft for Inadvertent Insertion of a Central Venous Catheter in the Subclavian Artery

Subclavian artery (SCA) injuries associated with central venous catheter (CVC) insertion are uncommon yet lethal complications that typically require surgical treatment. This case report presents the case of a 94-year-old man with an iatrogenic right SCA injury resulting from a misplaced CVC. Computed tomography revealed the catheter piercing the right internal jugular vein to enter the right SCA and then reaching the aortic arch. Emergent endovascular treatment was performed, and a 13-mm × 50-mm self-expanding Viabahn stent graft (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) was placed via the right brachial artery. The misplaced catheter was successfully removed under simultaneous postdeployment balloon dilatation. This case highlights the utility of the Viabahn stent graft for iatrogenic right SCA injury caused by a misplaced CVC and presents some insights and tips for a safer procedure.

Combination of Endovascular and Open Repair for the Management of Subclavian Artery Injury

Combination of Endovascular and Open Repair for the Management of Subclavian Artery Injury