Application of Temporary Vascular Shunting by Infusion Rubber Tubing for Salvage of the Major Vessel Injuries in Limbs

Introduction: Although the feasibility of reimplantation has increased greatly with the development of new surgical techniques, long-term functional prognosis is unpredictable. Combined vascular and skeletal injuries are associated with a high limb loss rate. One of the major factors resulting in amputation is frequently because the allowable warm ischemia time for skeletal muscle is exceeded before adequate revascularization. Rapid temporary vascular shunting and perfusion of injured extremities with infusion rubber tubing is essential to limit loss of life and maximize limb preservation.

Methodology and Material: 38 cases of vascular injury in limbs (20 cases of brachial artery, 12 cases of axillary artery, 6 cases of femoral artery) received active treatment. They were received infusion tube shunt in recovery of blood supply of limbs on the basis of thorough debridement, and then skeleton reconstruction. Repair of tendon, nerve and other soft tissue and end to end vascular anastomosis were performed.

Results: There is no death occurred in 38 cases, 38 cases of vascular injury in limbs were repaired successfully (100%); the function of 29 cases in limbs was good (80%).

Conclusions: Time is the emphasis for the major vessels injury in limbs during pre hospital, in hospital and surgical emergency. For major vessels injury in limbs of patients, timely treatment is the premise to save life, reconstruction limb blood circulation as soon as possible is the key to save the limbs and recover the function, equal to dealing with the compound wound and complications can improve the curative effect.