Iatragenic injury to axillary artery: rescued by endovascular repair

Abstract

Most of axillo-subclavian artery injuries are due to violence. Iatrogenic injuries to such vessels are relatively rare. We hereby present the first report of pigtail catheter insertion for right upper chest wall hematoma drainage resulting in penetration of axillary artery and pseudoaneurysm formation. A 39-year-old male victim of motor vehicle accident developed right upper chest wall hematoma after initial conservative treatment. Subsequent admission was arranged and pigtail catheter drainage was performed under sonography guidance. The procedure caused penetrating injury to his right axillary artery with pseudoaneurysm formation. Endovascular repair and stent placement were performed. The patient was discharged within 2 weeks without significant sequelae. Non-catheterization procedure caused penetration of axillary artery was rarely seen in published reports. Our report described a case of axillary artery penetration resulted by pigtail catheter insertion which was never seen. We wish to emphasize on the jeopardy of non-vascular procedure on penetrating nearby vessels because of anatomical proximity.

Keywords

Trauma / vascular injury / endovascular surgery

References

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