American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

For injury to the distal right subclavian artery, what is the recommended incision type?

1. Axillary incision

2. Paraclavicular incision

3. Midclavicular incision

4. Transverse incision

The correct answer is: Midclavicular incision

The recommended approach for an injury to the distal right subclavian artery is the midclavicular incision. This incision provides optimal access to the vascular structures located in that region, facilitating both exposure and potential repair of the artery. The midclavicular incision is particularly advantageous because it offers a direct line to key anatomical landmarks associated with the subclavian artery, allowing the surgeon to effectively visualize and manage any injury. It is less invasive than some of the alternative approaches and minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, which is beneficial for patient recovery. When considering other incisions, while axillary and paraclavicular incisions can be employed for specific cases involving the axillary and subclavian regions, they may not offer the same adequacy in accessing the distal aspect of the subclavian artery. Similarly, a transverse incision lacks the precise orientation needed for the best surgical exposure to the distal subclavian artery, making it a less favorable choice in this scenario.