[Trauma-associated vascular injuries and the vascular surgical/interventional options for vascular reconstruction]

The aim of this work is to illustrate the diversity of vascular injuries in terms of vascular segments or body regions, accident mechanisms and specific patient constellations.

A representative case collection was compiled based on current and relevant scientific references in PubMed, own clinical experiences, vascular surgical and novel image-guided interventional options.

The diagnostics of vascular injuries in the context of trauma and fractures are based on a thorough physical examination. In addition, the hard and soft signs preferred by the Western Trauma Association should be included in the decision. Doppler ultrasonography examination is the safest and gentlest noninvasive examination procedure for a suspected vascular injury due to repeatable and comparative measurements. The stabilization of a fracture, ideally using an external fixator, should be performed before vascular reconstruction whenever possible, unless massive bleeding, hypovolemic shock or a rapidly spreading hematoma represent an immediate indication for surgery. In pediatric supracondylar fractures, avascular injury without relevant ischemia has frequently been described (pink pulseless hand). In this case, the fracture should first be reduced as the pulse often recovers. Due to the increasing availability, good technical handling and high technical success rate as well as the relatively limited interventional trauma, endovascular treatment of traumatic vascular injuries has become widely accepted. Traumatic aortic ruptures are associated with a high mortality even at the accident site. Rapid endovascular treatment using a stent prosthesis significantly increases the injured person's chances of survival.

Vascular injuries in connection with fractures or multiple injuries require interdisciplinary cooperation between the specialties involved.