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Management of Venous and Arterial Bullet Emboli

Miles W Reese1, Ricardo E Rendel1, Jay N Collins1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.

The American Surgeon
|March 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Bullet emboli are a rare but serious gunshot wound complication. Endovascular retrieval offers a successful treatment option for both venous and arterial bullet emboli, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Gunshot wounds (GSW) are a significant cause of death and disability in the U.S.
  • Bullet embolus is a rare but life-threatening GSW complication.
  • Potential complications include limb ischemia, stroke, and cardiac injury.

Observation:

  • This report details two cases of bullet emboli: one venous and one arterial.
  • Both patients presented with GSW injuries.
  • Both bullet emboli were successfully treated with endovascular retrieval.

Findings:

  • Endovascular retrieval is an effective treatment for both venous and arterial bullet emboli.
  • Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to prevent severe patient outcomes.
  • Thorough physical examination and imaging are vital for diagnosis.

Implications:

  • Endovascular retrieval should be considered a primary treatment modality for bullet emboli.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve patient prognosis.
  • Awareness of bullet emboli as a potential complication of GSW is critical for clinicians.

Keywords:
bullet embolusembolectomymissile emboluspenetrating trauma

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