The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 30, 487-489, Copyright © 1980 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Upper extremity gangrene: a complication of subclavian artery division
D Geiss, WG Williams, WK Lindsay and RD Rowe
Gangrene of the upper extremity is a rare complication following subclavian
artery ligation. Two case reports from the 23-year experience at the
Hospital for Sick Children are presented. If gangrene is to be eliminated
in such cases, early recognition of inadequate limb perfusion is mandatory.
A suspicion of inadequate perfusion justifies heparin therapy, and prompt
revascularization and fasciotomy must be considered.