Hostname: page-component-745bb68f8f-f46jp Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-02-11T13:43:42.890Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The case of the missing carotid artery – a well aimed knife!

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Hesham M. Mehanna*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
Fiona B. MacGregor
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: H. M. Mehanna, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SE
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

A 20-year-old male presented with a small stab wound to the neck and with haemodynamic signs of significant haemorrhage, but no signs of local bleeding. On exploration, an intact vagus nerve and internal jugular vein were found, but the common carotid artery was not immediately apparent. Careful dissection confirmed a completely transected common carotid artery with the two ends contracted and retracted. A primary repair was performed and post-operatively the patient recovered completely and had no neurological deficit.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1998

References

George, S. M., Croce, M. A., Fabian, T. C., Mangiante, E. C., Kudsk, K. A., Boelier, G. R., Pate, J. W. (1991) Cervical thoraric arterial injuries: Recommendations for diagnosis and management. World Journal of Surgery 13: 129139.Google Scholar
Ramadan, F., Rutledge, R., Oiler, D., Howell, P., Baker, C., Keagy, B. (1995) Carotid artery trauma: A review of contemporary trauma centre experiences. Journal of Vascular Surgery 21: 4655.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rubio, P. A., Reul, G. J., Beau, A. C., Jordan, G. L., DeBakey, M. E. (1974) Acute carotid artery injury: 25 years experience. Journal of Trauma 14: 967973.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Thai, E. R., Snyder, W. H., Hays, R. J., Perry, M. O. (1974) Management of carotid artery injuries. Surgery 76: 955962.Google Scholar