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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
Published on: March 26, 2018
Disruption of aortic arch branches due to nonpenetrating chest trauma
Insights
Non-penetrating chest trauma can disrupt major arteries like the innominate, carotid, and subclavian. Surgical repair varied, with cardiopulmonary bypass recommended for complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Non-penetrating chest trauma can cause severe injuries to major arteries.
- Disruption of the innominate, carotid, and subclavian arteries is a rare but critical complication.
Observation:
- Six patients with non-penetrating chest trauma and arterial disruption were treated between 1967 and 1979.
- Diagnosis was confirmed using aortography.
- Injuries involved the innominate, carotid, and subclavian arteries, with some cases also having bronchial disruptions.
Findings:
- Surgical approaches included lateral thoracotomies, sternotomy, and cervical approaches.
- Repairs ranged from simple oversewing to graft replacement for complex innominate and carotid artery disruptions.
- One patient died due to multiple vessel and bronchial disruption; cardiopulmonary bypass is recommended for all cases.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention are crucial for managing these severe vascular injuries.
- The study highlights the importance of available cardiopulmonary bypass for complex arterial disruptions.
- Diverse surgical techniques may be required depending on the specific arteries and extent of injury.
Abstract:
From 1967 through 1979, six patients sustained non-penetrating chest trauma with disruption of the Innominate, carotid, and subclavian arteries. Diagnosis was established in each case by aortography. Two patients with subclavian artery injuries underwent exploration through lateral thoracotomies, and three patients underwent sternotomy for innominate artery disruptions. A cervical approach was used for a common carotid artery disruption. One patient had innominate and left common carotid artery disruption. Two patients with subclavian injuries had associated bronchial disruptions. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in one patient and should be available in all cases. One patient died with multiple vessel and bronchial disruption. A variety of repairs were used, varying from simple oversewing of the subclavian artery to elaborate graft replacement of the innominate and left common carotid arteries.
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