Ligature of external carotid artery as an optional technique in a patient with von Willebrand disease

Braz Dent J. 2011;22(5):435-8. doi: 10.1590/s0103-64402011000500015.

Abstract

The von Willebrand disease (vWD) is a hereditary coagulopathy. There is no gender predilection. Clinically characterized by mucocutaneous bleeding, especially nose bleeding, menorrhagia and bleeding after trauma. This article reports a case of a 52-year-old Caucasian male patient with vWD, who presented with extensive bleeding in the tongue after a lacerating injury caused by accidental biting, and describes some clinical, pathological and treatment aspects of vWD. After repeated attempts to suture the wound and replace clotting factors, a decision was made to perform the ligature of the external carotid artery ipsilateral to the injury. There was favorable resolution of the case, with a good aspect of the scar 2 months after ligation. This case reinforces that it is extremely important to make a thorough review of medical history of all patients, searching for possible bleeding disorders or previous family history.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carotid Artery, External / surgery*
  • Factor IX / therapeutic use
  • Factor VIII / therapeutic use
  • Fibrinogen / therapeutic use
  • Hemostatic Techniques*
  • Humans
  • Lacerations / complications
  • Ligation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oral Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Oral Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Suture Techniques
  • Tongue / injuries
  • von Willebrand Diseases / surgery*
  • von Willebrand Factor / therapeutic use

Substances

  • von Willebrand Factor
  • Factor VIII
  • Factor IX
  • Fibrinogen