Reports of arterial injuries from both the civilian and military arenas report the brachial artery as the most frequently injured vessel, accounting for approximately 25% to 33% of all peripheral arterial injuries. The frequency of injury is similar in some…
Axillary vessel injuries are uncommon and challenging injuries encountered by trauma surgeons. Proximity of this vessel to other adjacent veins including the axillary vein, brachial plexus, and the osseous structures of the shoulder and upper arm account for a large…
Thoracic and thoracic-related vascular injuries represent complex challenges for the trauma surgeon. Subclavian vessel injuries, in particular, are uncommon and highly lethal. Regardless of the mechanism, such injuries can result in significant morbidity and frequent fatality. Subclavian vessel injuries are…
Background Penetrating vertebral artery injuries (VAIs) are rare, difficult to diagnose, and pose a challenge to surgeons, given their complex anatomy and difficult surgical exposure. Due to the rarity of these injuries, few surgeons and trauma centers have developed a…
Carotid arterial injuries are the most difficult and certainly the most immediate life-threatening injuries found in penetrating neck trauma. Their propensity to bleed actively and potentially occlude the airway makes surgical intervention very challenging. Their potential for causing fatal neurologic…
The diagnosis of vascular trauma is usually not a problem, as most injuries manifest overt blood loss, shock, or loss of critical pulses. However, in certain instances, the lesion may not be recognized initially, only to manifest itself later by…
From Egyptian, Greek, and Roman battlefields centuries ago, extremity vascular injuries were identified and treated. Subsequently, knowledge regarding the management of vascular trauma has also been gained from more modern military conflicts. Napoleon’s surgeon Larrey was an expert with rapid…
Introduction to combat torso trauma In the modern era, combat trauma care frequently involves the management of major torso injuries that would have been rapidly fatal in previous conflicts. In addition to the severe wounds and altered physiology, surgical teams…
Current critical care supportive measures make it possible for patients with severe injuries and physiologic impairment to survive what otherwise might have been lethal conditions. One of the major surgical consequences of extensive resuscitation efforts regards the condition of the…
Injury severity and the spectrum of injuries continue to evolve, resulting in greater and different challenges for the trauma surgeon. High-energy blunt trauma, as well as increased availability of military firearms with greater wounding capacity, have resulted in an increase…