Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: A young adult arrived to the trauma bay after a self-inflicted stab wound to the right neck directly below the ear. Initial vital signs were heart rate 110–130 BPM, blood pressure 73/63 mm Hg, respiration rate 30 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation 100% on 15 L/min non-rebreather mask. Massive transfusion protocol was activated before arrival, and whole blood resuscitation was initiated on arrival to the trauma bay. A Foley catheter was inserted into the wound tract and inflated for active arterial bleeding from the wound. This caused increased oropharyngeal bleeding, raising the concern for a communicating injury. The Foley catheter was removed, allowing blood to drain externally, and gentle manual pressure was held. Rapid sequence intubation was then successful with simultaneous oropharyngeal suctioning. The oropharynx was subsequently packed with hemostatic gauze. The Foley catheter was replaced, and interrupted silk sutures were quickly placed across the skin over the catheter balloon as a bolster, as this was a gaping wound. At this point, the patient had received four units each of whole blood, red blood cells, and plasma and became more hemodynamically stable with a heart rate of 105 beats per minute (BPM) and a blood pressure of 155/93 mm Hg.
Source: Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open
Institution: University of Colorado Anschutz
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,100
OpenAlex ID: W4410438347