Traumatic transection of the innominate artery.

A case of transection of the origin of the innominate artery with an associated head injury following blunt thoracic injury is presented. The patient had been the unrestrained driver in a road traffic accident. Investigation demonstrated embolic damage to the brain parenchyma. Early surgical repair employing cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest was successfully performed without extension of the neurological injury.