The patient arrived at the emergency department with multiple chest injuries following an altercation. His blood pressure was unmeasurable, indicating severe hemorrhagic shock. Within minutes, he suffered cardiac and respiratory arrest. The emergency team immediately initiated blood transfusions and performed continuous external chest compressions for 20 minutes to sustain his life. He was then rushed to the operating room for surgery and intensive resuscitation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Vy, a thoracic and vascular surgery expert who performed the operation, stated on 3/5 that the patient had multiple chest wounds. The most critical was a profusely bleeding wound in the left neck.

During surgery, doctors discovered a completely severed left subclavian artery, a major blood vessel located near the heart. Approximately 1,5 liters of blood had filled the left chest cavity, with another 1,5 liters having escaped through the wound.

"This type of injury carries a very high risk of death if not managed within an extremely short timeframe," Assoc. Prof. Vy commented.

Doctors operate on the patient. *Photo: Hospital provided*

Thanks to urgent coordination, the surgical team successfully controlled the bleeding and restored circulation, ultimately saving the patient's life. After five days of intensive care, the patient made a good recovery and was recently discharged in stable condition.

Dr. Vo Duc Chien, director of Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, highlighted this as a rare and severe trauma case successfully managed. He noted it showcased the hospital's specialized emergency capabilities, rapid response, and effective coordination among various departments. The success not only saved the patient's life by a hair's breadth but also reflected the doctors' courage in a life-or-death situation.

Le Phuong