Blunt injury to the subclavian artery.

ABSTRACT

This paper reports two cases of closed injury to the subclavian artery, one resulting from avulsion and the other from compression from a seat-belt. Diagnosis may be delayed because of the absence of both haemorrhage and distal ischaemia. The surgical approach may be via a standard supraclavicular incision, but frequently a combined cervicothoracic approach is necessary.