Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Creation of Two Saccular Elastase-Digested Aneurysms with Different Hemodynamics in One Rabbit
Published on: April 15, 2021
Fragmentation injury to the innominate artery in a three-year-old child
Julia M Greene1, Jeremy W Cannon2, W Darrin Clouse3
1Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Insights
Pediatric vascular trauma in combat zones is challenging. A 3-year-old girl with combat injuries underwent successful surgical repair of an innominate artery pseudoaneurysm, highlighting the need for a pediatric trauma database.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Pediatric Trauma
- Combat Medicine
Background:
- Management of pediatric vascular trauma is complex, particularly in austere combat environments.
- Fragmenting injuries pose unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in young children.
- Occult injuries, like pseudoaneurysms, can be missed during initial assessments.
Abstract:
The management of vascular trauma in pediatric patients presents numerous challenges, especially in an austere environment. We present the case of a 3-year-old girl who sustained multiple fragmentation injuries to the right chest and right upper extremity as a result of combat activity in Iraq. This resulted in an occult pseudoaneurysm of the innominate artery identified during exploration of her right chest for a persistent air leak from the right side of the chest. Computed tomography angiography delineated the injury, which was surgically repaired. This report demonstrates the type of challenging cases encountered in a combat zone and illustrates the need for a national database of such injuries in pediatric patients to better inform surgical decision making.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...

