A traumatic injury of the aortic arch after blunt chest trauma

A rare case of an aortic arch injury caused by blunt chest trauma is presented. A 63-year-old man was transferred to our hospital in the state of hemorrhagic shock after falling from a height. Computed tomography showed a hematoma and a tear of the aortic arch between the innominate and left common carotid arteries on the posterior surface. Other injuries included six fractures of the ribs on the left, a fracture of the sternum and pulmonary contusion with hemopneumothorax. The patient was uigently taken to the operating room. The defect was successfully repaired with a xenopericardium patch. There were no postoperative neurologic complications. The patient was discharged on the 23rd postoperative day.