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The case of the missing carotid artery – a well aimed knife!

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Hesham M. Mehanna*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
Fiona B. MacGregor
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: H. M. Mehanna, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SE

Abstract

A 20-year-old male presented with a small stab wound to the neck and with haemodynamic signs of significant haemorrhage, but no signs of local bleeding. On exploration, an intact vagus nerve and internal jugular vein were found, but the common carotid artery was not immediately apparent. Careful dissection confirmed a completely transected common carotid artery with the two ends contracted and retracted. A primary repair was performed and post-operatively the patient recovered completely and had no neurological deficit.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1998

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References

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