[Characteristics of collateral circulation after ligation of the femoral artery under conditions of cold injury].

Studies on 52 dogs have shown that ligation of the femoral artery 12-14 hours following ice cooling of the extremity is accompanied with a great number of severe acute pneumonias frequently resulting in death. The leading mechanism of local disorders is spasm of the collaterals, the development of circulatory hypoxia of the tissues and congestive alterations in the venous system.