Internal Jugular Vein Avulsion Controlled With Intraoperative Foley Balloon Occlusion Following Blunt Neck Trauma

Internal jugular vein injuries caused by blunt trauma are rare. Here, we describe the case of a severe internal jugular vein injury high in neck zone II and immediately lateral to the hypoglossal nerve, making surgical management extremely challenging. A Foley balloon inserted into the cranial end of the internal jugular vein allowed for effective hemorrhage control while the vein could be suture ligated. Balloon tamponade was helpful in a field with distorted and blood-stained anatomy. It allowed critical time to carefully dissect around the hypoglossal nerve and avoid the sequalae of its injury.