Emergency War Surgery NATO Handbook: Part III: General Considerations of Wound Management: Chapter XVIII: Vascular Injuries
United States Department of Defense
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Reviewed
Prior to the Korean conflict, major vascular injuries were routinely treated by arterial ligation. This resulted in a 50% amputation rate Combat zone arterial repairs, rather than routine amputation, were first accomplished in Korea. This practice was continued in Vietnam, where thousands of arterial repairs were performed. Amputation rates after acute arterial repair were lowered to 13.7%. Popliteal arterial injury continues to be associated with a higher amputation rate. Rapid evacuation and resuscitation of the wounded in future conflicts should continue to result in high rates of salvage of both life and limb.
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