Treatment Outcome of Traumatic Subclavian Artery Injuries

Traumatic subclavian artery injuries are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Thoracic cage and clavicle provide a well protection of the underlying subclavian vessels and nerves and also cause a very limited operation space during open surgery. The endovascular modality is less invasive and alternative to conventional open surgical reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the different therapeutic effects on limb salvage.

A retrospective review of patients who presented with blunt or penetrating injuries to the subclavian arteries between March 2012 and March 2021.

Endovascular and open repairs were both effective for traumatic subclavian artery injury. There was no statistical difference in the limb salvage, mortality, procedure-related complication, reintervention rate and in-hospital medical complications. Intraoperative blood loss, red blood cell transfusion requirement and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the endovascular intervention group.

Endovascular treatment represents an attractive alternative to the traditional surgical approach for the treatment of traumatic injuries in the subclavian.