Case reports of iatrogenic vascular injury in the trauma field: what is the same and what is different?

Iatrogenic vascular injury (IVI) can occur with any technique or type of surgery performed around a blood vessel. Patients with severe trauma are at risk of IVI. In this study, we describe our experiences of IVI in the trauma field. We reviewed five patients who were diagnosed with an IVI and received either surgical or endovascular treatment. Of the five patients, one had an arterial injury, three had venous injuries, and one had an arteriovenous fistula, a form of combined arterial and venous injuries. Of the five patients, four had undergone orthopedic surgery. The IVIs of three patients were immediately identified in the operating room and simultaneous vascular repair was performed. The remaining one patient underwent additional surgery for occlusion related to entrapment of the superficial femoral artery by a surgical wire used during orthopedic surgery. Complications presumably related to the IVI were identified in two patients. IVI in trauma patients can be successfully managed, but significant morbidity can occur. If an IVI is suspected, immediate evaluation and management are required.