Endovascular treatment of axillosubclavian arterial injuries is a safe alternative to open repair

Background: Injuries to the axillosubclavian arteries are rare, comprising 5% of all extremity trauma. This study aims to examine contemporary outcomes of traumatic axillosubclavian injuries. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients admitted with innominate, subclavian, and/or axillary artery injuries to a level 1 trauma center from 2011 to 2021. Patients undergoing endovascular repair were compared to those with open repair. Results: Thirty two patients met inclusion criteria. Injuries were approached open in 22 (59%) cases and endovascular in 10 (27%). There was no difference in 30-day mortality or hospital length of stay between endovascular and open repair. Endovascular repairs had shorter operative times (1.9 vs 3.1 h, p = 0.009) and lower blood loss (72 vs 1662 mL, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Endovascular repair of axillosubclavian arterial injuries demonstrate similar outcomes to open repair. Significantly shorter operative times and lower blood loss suggest potential decreased morbidity.