SAFETYLIT WEEKLY UPDATE

We compile citations and summaries of about 400 new articles every week.
RSS Feed

HELP: Tutorials | FAQ
CONTACT US: Contact info

Search Results

Journal Article

Citation

Davies E, Davenport R, Brohi K, Tai N, Walsh M. Inj. Extra 2008; 39(5): 160-160.

Affiliation

The Royal London Hospital, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.injury.2007.11.301

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Introduction: Vascular injuries are complex, challenging, time-critical and have a high mortality. We undertook this study to identify the incidence, mechanism and vessels involved in fatal vascular injuries at a UK urban trauma centre. Method: Retrospective review of all patients with vascular injuries over a 47-month period from July 2003 to May 2007. Results: A total of 3164 patients were admitted following a trauma call over the study period, 104 of which sustained vascular injuries (3.3%). The median (i.q. range) ISS for those with vascular injuries was 20 (10-34) whereas for all trauma patients it was 9 (1-16). Penetrating trauma comprised 46% vascular injuries (n = 48) of which 5 were gunshot wounds. Motor vehicle collisions were the cause for 40 of the 56 blunt vascular injuries. Among the patients with vascular injuries there were 20 deaths (19%), 7 penetrating trauma (all stab wounds) and 13 blunt trauma (7 motor vehicle collisions, 2 falls from height, 2 crushed by heavy objects, 1 blast injury, 1 hit by train). Conclusion: Vascular injuries are uncommon but carry a significant mortality. Death is usually associated with torso haemorrhage including junctional zones. The non-compressible nature of these injuries means that extremely rapid transportation and intervention are essential if mortality is to be reduced.

NEW SEARCH


All SafetyLit records are available for automatic download to Zotero & Mendeley
Print