# Acute successful management of a chainsaw injury to the roof of the left chest

## TL;DR

A man survived a severe chainsaw injury to his chest due to quick resuscitation and surgery, allowing him to return to his family.

## Contribution

This case highlights the successful acute management of an atypical and severe chainsaw injury.

## Key findings

- The patient suffered total transection of the left subclavian artery and vein.
- The left brachial plexus was also completely transected, and the left lung apex was lacerated.
- Coordinated medical efforts enabled the repair of life- and limb-threatening injuries.

## Abstract

This case report chronicles the experience of prompt resuscitation, beginning with the patient, and immediate surgery following the fatal malfunction of a chainsaw. The injuries were atypical for chainsaw injuries and involved total transection of the left subclavian artery and vein, total transection of the left brachial plexus and laceration to the apex of the left lung, among other injuries. A coordinated effort allowed for successful repair of the life- and limb-threatening injuries so that the patient could return to his young family in time for his 40th birthday.