Repair of axillary artery section due to vascular trauma secondary to stab wounds: a case report

Abstract

Objective: To present a clinical case and discuss the management of axillary artery trauma and to review current literature.

Clinical case: Male patient with axillary artery injury, who is brought in hypovolemic shock to the Emergency Department. Surgical findings demonstrated an incomplete section of the second portion of the axillary artery which was repaired with primary end-to-end anastomosis. Postoperatively, the patient evolves without pain and is discharged.

Discussion: The management of vascular trauma should be methodical and multidisciplinary. Hard signs of vascular trauma mandate immediate surgical exploration. Patients with soft signs may need further evaluation with images. In an incomplete section of the axillary artery the end-to-end anastomosis has shown good results.

Conclusions: Axillary artery lesions in the context of trauma are infrequent. Its management requires a high index of suspicion, a multidisciplinary approach and adequate surgical access.