Case report: Endovascular embolization of the thoracoacromial branch of axillary artery after gunshot trauma at a regional trauma center()

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Penetrating subclavian-axillary artery injury is a rare vascular injury associated with high morbidity and mortality rates traditionally treated with open surgical repair, however endovascular treatments have been utilized in selected cases. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 31-year-old male with a traumatic gunshot injury to the thoracoacromial branch of the left axillary artery successfully managed with endovascular embolization at a regional trauma center. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The availability of a hybrid operating suite in severely injured patients is associated with reduced time to intervention, reduced operative duration and improved clinical outcomes. Our experience demonstrates the utility and benefit of a hybrid operating theatre in a regional trauma center. The availability of a hybrid suite allowed rapid diagnostic and therapeutic angiography with a minimally invasive approach and eliminated the need for urgent open surgical management. However, the high costs associated with a hybrid operating theatre remain the major barrier for most regional centers. CONCLUSION: The availability of hybrid operating theatre at a regional trauma center allowed early diagnosis and successful management of the injury with a minimally invasive endovascular approach.