Vascular damage control

Traumatic vascular injuries are a rarity under normal circumstances but are unfortunately associated with a high mortality of 33-56%. The situation is different under circumstances of terrorist attacks or catastrophe situations. Here, the proportion of those who suffer a traumatic vascular injury is 13% and requires special attention due to the high mortality. It is for this reason that uncontrolled bleeding remains the most common cause of mortality for polytraumatized patients and injured soldiers. In order to improve the poor outcome of these patients, this article presents nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. An initial complex vascular reconstruction cannot always be prioritized (e.g. situations involving treatment of several injured persons) but more basic surgical procedures and supplementary measures that can be used to prevent exsanguination. Within the context of such medical procedures, the common treatment options follow the principles of damage control surgery (here vascular damage control) and tactical abbreviated surgical care. Overall, the experiences and knowledge drawn from the treatment of vascular injuries sustained within military conflicts also result in improved treatment options within the context of the civil environment. In addition to the aforementioned, theoretical knowledge of these methods is very important but practical training of such procedures is needed in advance to be prepared for such emergencies.