The Use of Temporary Vascular Shunts in Military Extremity Wounds: A Preliminary Outcome Analysis With 2-Year Follow-Up

• DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e3181e03e71
• Publication Date: 2010-07-12T10:35:53Z
• Authors: LT Jeffrey Borut; CAPT José A. Acosta; LCDR Matthew Tadlock; Judy L. Dye; Michael Galarneau; CAPT Donnel Elshire
• Keywords: Demographics; Limb loss; Vascular surgery; Presentation (obstetrics)

The use of temporary vascular shunts (TVS)s in the management wartime extremity injuries has received an increasing amount attention. However, overall impact this adjunct remains incompletely defined. objective study is to characterize outcomes those patients who suffered managed with TVSs.This a retrospective review Navy and Marine Corps Combat Trauma Registry examining peripheral treated during military conflicts Middle East. Patient demographics, injury severity score, mechanism injury, vessels injured were recorded. Operative reports reviewed for TVSs, type definitive repair, need amputation, survival.Eighty included. Forty-six (57%) had TVSs placed 34 (43%) underwent repair at initial presentation. mean score TVS group non-TVS groups 15.0 +/- 5.05 12.9 10.18, respectively, (p = 0.229). There total 13 amputations, 6 (13%) 7 (21%) 0.38). was no difference amputation rates between either group. recorded mortalities Median patient follow-up 24.5 months (range, 3-48 months).This demonstrates importance utility injury. When used restore perfusion extremity, there seems be adverse effects or increase limb loss therefore useful surgery salvage.