Subclavian artery injury secondary to clavicular plate fixation: a novel operative approach

We present the case of a 32-year-old male with a delayed symptomatic left subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to protruding screws from prior perpendicular clavicular plate fixations. The pseudoaneurysm development and our operative approach are unique to the few similar cases available in the literature. The patient presented with a progressive pulsatile mass behind his left clavicle associated with paraesthesia. Angiography demonstrated a subclavian pseudoaneurysm adjacent to a prominent fixation screw. Offending screws were removed and the pseudoaneurysm was repaired using a reversed greater saphenous vein graft. This case illustrates an unusual aetiology for pseudoaneurysm development and highlights a successful operative intervention.