Disruption of aortic arch branches due to nonpenetrating chest trauma
R. S. Faro, D. O. Monson, M. Weinberg and H. Javid
From 1967 through 1979, six patients sustained non-penetrating chest trauma
with disruption of the Innominate, carotid, and subclavian arteries.
Diagnosis was established in each case by aortography. Two patients with
subclavian artery injuries underwent exploration through lateral
thoracotomies, and three patients underwent sternotomy for innominate
artery disruptions. A cervical approach was used for a common carotid
artery disruption. One patient had innominate and left common carotid
artery disruption. Two patients with subclavian injuries had associated
bronchial disruptions. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in one patient and
should be available in all cases. One patient died with multiple vessel and
bronchial disruption. A variety of repairs were used, varying from simple
oversewing of the subclavian artery to elaborate graft replacement of the
innominate and left common carotid arteries.
