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Thoracic aortic rupture due to airbag deployment

Publication |
2021

Abstract

Airbags are an example of passive preventive measures reducing the risk of severe injury or death from a motor vehicle accident. However, airbags have also been described as a source of injuries related to airbag deployment.

Typical airbag-related injuries are eye injuries, cervical spine injuries, rib fractures, cardiac injuries, extremity injuries, and thoracic aortic rupture (TAR).[1-3] Approximately one-third of patients with TAR who survive till hospital admission die before surgical treatment.[4] We present a patient with TAR after a low-speed motor vehicle accident with rapidly deteriorating vital signs and subsequent death on the scene.