Endovascular treatment of penetrating injury of axillary vein with Viabahn endoprosthesis.

Abstract

Penetrating injuries of the axillary or subclavian venous system are associated with extensive blood loss and are fatal in more than 50% of cases. Patients are usually unstable and are treated with surgical exploration. We present a case of axillary venous injury that was treated in the operating room with intravenous placement of a self-expanding Viabahn endoprosthesis (W.L. Gore). The device was delivered to the injured site percutaneously via a basilica vein, with immediate control of hemorrhage.