Thoracic vascular injuries: a major problem in trauma.

OBJECTIVE

We present a review of our experience in the management of thoracic vascular injuries during the past 10 years in one of Sweden's busiest emergency departments, with morbidity and mortality as the main outcome measures.

DESIGN

Of eight patients who sustained chest trauma with thoracic vascular injuries, six presented with shock. Angiography was the gold standard in diagnosing aortic and subclavian injuries.

RESULTS

Lesions of the inferior vena cava, left internal mammary artery, and intercostal vessels were detected only at surgery. Two patients died of exsanguination. Managing thoracic vascular injuries is still difficult and challenging for thoracic and trauma surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Early thoracotomy is important for salvage of patients with chest-wall vascular injury. Despite our limited experience, which is characteristic for Scandinavian and European countries, our results were satisfactory.