Rapid airway compromise following traumatic laceration of the facial artery.

A patient with facial lacerations and a patent airway developed major airway compromise in a relatively short period. The patient underwent exploration of the wound with ligation of the facial artery and vein. The best method of hemorrhage control is directly at the hemorrhage site. For this reason, we recommend that all penetrating wounds to the face be surgically explored before debridement and closure.