Clavicular excision in management of vascular trauma.

The problems of surgical management of injury to blood vessels of the thoracic outlet are illustrated by a case report of clavicular excision to gain direct access to the damaged vessels. The article reviews the surgical procedure and documents its efficacy and the lack of subsequent deformity or dysfunction. It recounts the hazards of unsuccessful attempts to repair the clavicle. Last, it discusses the beneficial effects of clavicular resection carried out for reasons other than vascular injury.