Immediate revascularization of the popliteal artery and vein: report of a case.

A case demonstrating the successful use of Silastic shunts for immediate limb revascularization is presented. Temporary limb revascularization may reduce the rate of amputation in combined popliteal vessel injuries. A major cause of limb loss is delay between injury and revascularization, including transport time and time spent dealing with other injuries. Repair of the popliteal vein increases the chance of successful limb salvage. Temporary Silastic shunts can alleviate time loss while others problems are dealt with and allow rapid venous, as well as arterial, revascularization. The technical ease and rapidity of shunt placement converts a catastrophic vascular emergency into a manageable problem.