BLUNT TRAUMA INJURY OF THE CAVAL JUNCTION - A CASE TREATED WITH PTFE PATCH ANGIOPLASTY

A case report of caval bifurcation injury associated with right common iliac artery thrombosis sustained after a blunt trauma to the abdomen is presented. Different problems are encountered in the management of this type of lesions. These are related to transportation, resuscitat ion techniques, and diagnosis and, in the operating room, to an adequa te exposure, control of hemorrhage, and vascular reconstruction. A rep air of the caval junction has been performed successfully using a poly tetrafluoroethylene patch, avoiding stenosis of the lumen, and restori ng blood flow in the vena cava. No complications such as thromboemboli sm have been reported and patency has been verified at a four month fo llow-up.