Chonnam Med J.  2011 Aug;47(2):134-137. 10.4068/cmj.2011.47.2.134.

Penetrating Carotid Artery Injuries Treated by an Urgent Endovascular Stent Technique: Report of Two Cases

• Kim JP
• Park JJ
• Won SJ
• Woo SH

• KMID: 2048800
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4068/cmj.2011.47.2.134

Abstract

Penetrating neck injuries are potentially dangerous and require emergent management because of the presence of vital structures in the neck. Penetrating vascular trauma to zone I and III of the neck is potentially life-threatening. An accurate diagnosis and adequate surgical intervention are critical to the successful outcome of penetrating trauma in the neck. We experienced some cases with externally penetrating injuries in neck zone II in which the patients were confirmed to have the presence of large vessel injuries in neck zones I and III. Here we report on the endovascular stent techniques used in two cases to address penetrating carotid artery injuries and review the literature.

Keyword

Penetrating wound; Carotid artery injuries; Lacerations; Angiography; Stents

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Carotid Arteries
Carotid Artery Injuries
Glycosaminoglycans
Humans
Lacerations
Neck
Neck Injuries
Stents
Wounds, Penetrating
Glycosaminoglycans

Figure

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  FIG. 1 The right carotid angiographic image shows extravasation of contrast media (arrow) from the proximal common carotid artery.

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  FIG. 2 Follow-up angiographic image shows a patent right internal carotid artery without leakage of contrast media. The angiographic image reveals the patent stent (arrow).

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  FIG. 3 Photography of multiple penetrating neck injuries in zones I-II.

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  FIG. 4 The right carotid angiographic image (A) shows extravasation of contrast media (arrows) from the cervical internal carotid artery. After deployment of a balloon expandable stent graft, extravasation of contrast media is no longer demonstrated (B).

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  FIG. 5 Zones of the neck for classification of penetrating injuries. Zone I extends from the sternal notch to the cricoid cartilage. The thoracic inlet may be considered an inferior extension of this zone. Zone II extends from the cricoid cartilage to the angle of the mandible. Zone III extends from the angle of the mandible to the base of the skull.

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