Open Surgical Repair of Traumatic Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Report

Abstract

Penetrating trauma involving the subclavian vessels is rare but associated with life-threatening sequelae, including hemomediastinum, formation of pseudoaneurysm and limb ischemia. Conventional open surgery and endovascular repairs are effective treatment modalities for subclavian-related injuries, but the latter has become more attractive owing to being less invasive and less procedure-related complications. We report a case with left subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to a bomb blast. The patient was successfully treated by surgical repairs using a combination of supra-and infraclavicular approaches. The patient recovered completely and discharged home on the third day. In a resource-limited setting, traditional surgical repair is an effective therapy for posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm, especially when the adjacent organs are compressed by the pseudoaneurysm. Vascular injury should be suspected once a patient presents with localized pulsatile mass in the clavicular region following roadside bomb blasts injuries.