Protective Arteriovenous Fistula in Traumatic Common Carotid Transection.

Penetrating injuries of the neck involving major vessels are associated with high morbidity and mortality. A traumatic arteriovenous (AV) fistula can provide a protective effect by decompressing the injured arterial structure and prevent massive blood loss and airway compression. We present a novel description of CCA (common carotid artery) transection with associated protective AV fistula. Protective AV fistulae have been uncommonly described, and to our knowledge, this is the first case involving carotid transection with associated protective AV fistula ultimately allowing lifesaving operative repair.