Improved treatment of popliteal arterial injuries using anticoagulation and extra-anatomic reconstruction

Management of popliteal arterial injuries remains a challenging problem. Early recognition and treatment, arteriography, fasciotomy, and repair of concomitant popliteal venous injuries are modalities that have contributed to improved results. Systemic heparin sodium anticoagulation and selected extra-anatomic vein graft bypass of the popliteal area are two additional measures that have contributed to a 91% success rate in treatment of popliteal arterial injuries and five of six blunt injuries were treated successfully in this time period. A limb salvage rate of only 46% was attained in the previous five-year period. There were no operative deaths. No complications attributable to systemic anticoagulation or extra-anatomic bypass graft occurred. These adjuncts are recommended to all who manage vascular injuries.