Axillary and Brachial Vessels

Abstract

Penetrating injuries to the axillary and brachial vessels are fairly uncommon [1–5]. As with all traumatic injuries, prompt diagnosis and rapid repair provide the best outcomes. A thorough physical examination looking for any “hard” or “soft” signs of vascular injury will identify most injuries. Detailed neurological examination should be performed because of the proximity of these vessels to the branches of the brachial plexus. If an arterial injury is diagnosed on clinical ground, then operative intervention should be performed without further delay. If the physical examination is unrevealing and a clinical suspicion for vascular injury remains, then additional studies such as duplex ultrasonography or CT angiography should be performed. An understanding of the vascular anatomy and the relationships of key structures is critical for any operation, particularly in the emergency setting where anatomy is often distorted and time is of the essence.