[Treatment of injuries of major blood vessels of the extremities].

The article analyzes an experience with operative treatment of 202 patients with penetrating injuries of major vessels of the extremities. It was found that the degree of regional ischemia state of collaterals and soft tissues rather than the time after trauma are determining factors for the reestablishment or arterial blood flow. Reestablishment of the arterial blood flow was reached in 64.6% of the patients operated upon later than the so called critical period (more than 6 hours) after the injury.