Vascular Medicine Conference-CVC 2026

Peripheral vascular trauma involves injury to the arteries or veins of the limbs, most commonly resulting from mechanisms such as blunt force, penetrating wounds, fractures, or crush incidents. These injuries can lead to substantial hemorrhage, impaired distal perfusion, or, in severe cases, limb-threatening ischemia. Rapid identification and intervention are essential to minimize morbidity and preserve limb viability.

Clinical evaluation remains the cornerstone of diagnosis, with assessment of distal pulses, limb color, temperature, and neurological status. Adjunctive imaging—such as duplex ultrasonography, CT angiography, or traditional angiography—serves to localize and characterize vascular injury. On occasion, direct surgical exploration may be warranted for definitive assessment.

Management aims to re-establish vascular continuity, control bleeding, and mitigate complications such as compartment syndrome or infection. Surgical options include primary repair with end-to-end anastomosis, interposition vein grafting, or bypass grafting. In select cases, minimally invasive endovascular techniques may offer viable alternatives. With prompt and comprehensive care, outcomes are generally favorable, allowing for recovery of limb function and overall preservation.