Traumatic innominate artery disruption and aortic valve rupture.

Rapid deceleration injury causing blunt thoracic trauma can result in injury to the thoracic aorta. Rupture of the aortic isthmus is the most common presentation; however, injury can occur more proximally in the arch vessels or the aortic root. We present an unusual case of simultaneous innominate artery disruption with aortic valve rupture after a motor vehicle accident, and we discuss issues surrounding the diagnosis and operative management of this rare, but life-threatening condition.