Management of hemorrhage from severe scalp lacerations with Raney clips

A 23-year-old man was assaulted about the head and face with a wrench, sustaining multiple severe scalp lacerations. Massive bleeding from the lacerations ensued, resulting in refractory hypovolemic shock. Emergency department control of this hemorrhage was accomplished by the application of Raney clips to the edges of the scalp lacerations. Following stabilization and radiologic studies, the patient was admitted to the ICU, where his scalp wounds were managed definitively. The remainder of his hospital course was unremarkable, and he was discharged on the third hospital day to be followed in the surgical clinic as an outpatient.