Damage control for subclavian artery injury.

Mortality from penetrating traumas involving the subclavian vessels can be as high as 60% in pre-hospital settings. Operating room mortality is in the range of 5-30%. This paper presents a case in which a strategy for damage control was employed for a patient with an injury to the origin of the left subclavian artery, using subclavian ligation, with no need for any other intervention, and maintaining viability of the left upper limb via collateral circulation. The authors also review surgical approaches and treatment strategies with a focus on damage control in subclavian vessel injuries.