Penetrating injuries of the aortic arch and its branches

Acute cardiac failure, pulmonary edema, and ischemia of the brain, cord, and other structures pose special problems with trauma to the aortic arch and its branches. Data on 93 such cases are reported. Diagnosis was made by clinical examination in hemodynamically unstable patients and led to immediate operation in 61.3%. Patients in stable condition had angiography, which localized the injury and allowed planning of incision and bypass shunts. In left subclavian artery injuries, anterior thoracotomy was best for proximal control regardless of wound entry sites; midline sternotomy with sternocleidomastoid extension was usually adequate for other vessels. Flow was reestablished in all carotid injuries; there were no neurological complications. Temporary or permanent bypass shunts during periods of proximal aortic occlusion were valuable in decreasing cardiac afterload, maintaining circulation to the brain, and allowing an unhurried methodical approach to the hematoma. Occlusion of one or more venae cavae alleviated acute cardiac dilatation during brief periods of ascending aortic clamping. Associated trauma contributed to the high mortality.