[Principles of treating polytrauma in vascular surgery (author's transl)].

Diagnosis and treatment of vascular injuries in patients with polytrauma is of primary importance. Restoration of blood flow during the time limit of tolerable ischemia is fundamental for the survival of the patient, and the injured organs or extremities. To achieve this, the first treating physician must have sufficient knowledge of diagnosing and treating vascular injuries in patients suffering from a polytrauma.