Surgical experience with 220 acute arterial injuries in civilian practice

Abstract

During the past decade 220 cases of acute arterial injuries were encountered in civilian practice. Primary repair was performed in 167 instances with restoration of peripheral pulse in 86 per cent of these cases. A graft was employed in the repair of twenty-three cases. Amputation was necessary following unsuccessful repair in eleven patients. The four basic technics employed in arterial reconstruction were lateral suture, end-to-end anastomosis, graft replacement and bypass graft. Immediate repair of all arterial wounds should be performed except under the most extenuating circumstances. Attention to minute details and fastidious technic provide the greatest opportunity for salvage of life and limb.