Penetrating Injuries of the Subclavian Vessels with Associated Venous Complications

PENETRATING wounds of the subclavian vessels constitute an immediate threat to life from exsanguination. If this does not occur, late sequelae of secondary hemorrhage, false aneurysm, and arterio-venous fistulas may be equally serious.4 Recently four patients with similar subclavian vessel injuries were admitted to the Louisville General Hospital. Operative treatment and complications stimulated a renewed interest in this problem. This report describes our method of handling these injuries and discusses complications and results of treatment