BACKGROUND: The management of patients with subclavian artery injury is rapidly evolving from an open to an endovascular approach. We aim to present an analysis of management and a comparison of outcomes according to the type of approach used to treat these challenging injuries. METHODS: Adult patients with subclavian arterial injuries were abstracted from the National Inpatient Sample database from 2012-2014 and 2016-2021. Patients were divided according to the type of management, which was endovascular management (EM
stent placement) or open surgery (OS), and clinical outcomes were compared. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1200 cases were analyzed. The EM and OS groups had similar baseline characteristics, including age, sex, All Patient Refined Diagnosis-Related Groups severity of illness and risk of mortality scores, and Charlson Comorbidity Scores. The presence of shock on admission was similar between groups (EM: 23.1% vs. OS: 34.2%
P = 0.115). Median injury severity score was higher in the EM group but with a lower mortality rate (5.5% vs. 14.8%, P = 0.045) than OS. Additionally, EM was associated with a lower fasciotomy rate (P = 0.018). Hemorrhagic shock on presentation (odds ratio: 3.72) was associated with a marked increase in the odds of in-hospital mortality, while EM was associated with a 67% decrease (odds ratio: 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: EM is associated with significantly better outcomes, including lower odds of in-hospital mortality and a decreased need for fasciotomy. Currently, EM is a feasible option in the management of subclavian arterial injuries.