The atriocaval shunt. Facts and fiction.

During the past 11 years, 31 patients with major juxtahepatic venous injuries were treated with the atriocaval shunt. Penetrating injuries occurred in 27 patients (87%), and injuries from blunt trauma occurred in four patients. Shock was present on admission in 28 patients (90%). Resuscitative thoracotomy for cardiovascular collapse was required in 13 patients (42%). Juxtahepatic venous injuries included the vena cava in 23 patients (74%) and the hepatic veins alone in five patients (16%). One patient had an isolated portal venous injury, and two patients died before their vascular injuries could be delineated. Technical problems related to the shunt occurred in seven patients. Most were related to delays in placement or problems encountered in obtaining vascular control of the suprarenal vena cava. Major hepatic resection was performed in 11 patients (35%). Twenty-five patients died of their injuries. No patient survived who required resuscitative thoracotomy, hepatic resection, or when technical problems with the shunt occurred. Six patients (19%) survived and were discharged from the hospital. All sustained gunshot wounds to the retro-hepatic vena cava. Four of the six survivors had serious postoperative complications, but none were related to the shunt. Major juxtahepatic venous injuries are highly lethal. The atriocaval shunt will permit the salvage of some patients where other methods are not possible. Avoidance of delay and alternative shunting techniques that eliminate difficult maneuvers may improve survival in the future.