Innominate vascular injury.

Survivors of innominate and other major cardiovascular injuries are being seen with increasing frequency. Penetrating injuries more frequently involve the distal innominate artery and innominate veins. Associated subclavian and carotid artery injuries are more frequent following penetrating trauma. Blunt trauma typically involves the proximal innominate artery. A variety of operative exposures is useful but the selection of incision frequently depends upon the presence or absence of associated mediastinal injuries. Partial or complete median sternotomy in combination with various cervical and thoracic extensions is advised. Successful management of innominate artery injury can be performed without the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass or arterial shunts.