[The effects of extreme cold on major blood vessels. An experimental study (author's transl)].

In 10 beagles cryogenic experiments were performed to study the effects of freezing the iliac artery and vein. The histological tissue reaction after cold exposure in major pelvic vessels was early inflammation and followed by a rapidly progressing reparative process. Long-term microscopic changes were proliferations of the vessel intima and focal splitting on the elastic membrane. No evidence of thrombosis, aneurysm fomation and rupture of the vessel was found. Vascular function as a blood conduit was undisturbed.