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Published in: Head & Face Medicine 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Case report

Carotid artery injury from an airgun pellet: a case report and review of the literature

Authors: Syed Abad, Ian DS McHenry, Lachlan M Carter, David A Mitchell

Published in: Head & Face Medicine | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Historically airguns were powerful weapons. Modern models, though less lethal, are still capable of inflicting serious or life threatening injuries. Current United Kingdom legislation fails to take into the account the capacity for airguns to maim and kill. We believe that airguns should be governed by the same law that applies to firearms. We present a case of a potentially fatal airgun injury to the neck. The airgun pellet caused a defect in the anterior wall of the external carotid artery, which required rapid access and surgical repair. We discuss the mechanism of airgun injury and review the literature in terms of investigation and management.
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Metadata
Title
Carotid artery injury from an airgun pellet: a case report and review of the literature
Authors
Syed Abad
Ian DS McHenry
Lachlan M Carter
David A Mitchell
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Head & Face Medicine / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1746-160X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-160X-5-3

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