Warfare Vascular Injuries

Vascular injuries as a part of combat injuries have been recorded since times immemorial. Responsible for death due to exsanguination, the management of vascular injuries was ligation or amputation till the landmark Vietnam experience. The present day management has evolved with advances in modern technology and may start at the battlefield with the application of a tourniquet with the definitive treatment continuing beyond the combat operation theatres. A basic understanding of both blunt and penetrating vascular injuries will help minimize mortality and morbidity.