Brachiocephalic artery & subclavian vein injury with embolization to the pulmonary vasculature

Penetrating trauma with resultant vascular injury can cause significant morbidity and mortality. In rare instances, embolization of projectiles or other foreign bodies can cause additional morbidity and present a diagnostic challenge to the treating physician. With the advent of endovascular stents, the use of minimally invasive techniques for the management of vascular injuries from penetrating trauma is increasing. We present the case of a brachiocephalic artery to subclavian vein arteriovenous fistula following a BB gunshot to the neck successfully treated with endovascular stent and non-operative management of a projectile embolus to the pulmonary arterial circulation. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.