Vietnam Vascular Registry: A preliminary report

1. 1. The Vietnam Vascular Registry established at Walter Reed General Hospital in 1966 now contains over 1,300 cases of patients sustaining acute vascular trauma treated in United States Army Hospitals in Vietnam. 2. 2. This preliminary report of a completed follow-up of 500 registered patients with 718 vascular injuries documents some of the results of the management of acute arterial injuries in Vietnam. 3. 3. Statistics presented represent an extended follow-up period until the patient returns to duty or civilian life. 4. 4. Approximately 28 percent of the major arterial repairs in Vietnam were initially inadequate, requiring multiple additional procedures, the majority of which were successful. 5. 5. Complications have developed in practically all of the limited number of cases in which prostheses have been used. 6. 6. Over half of the amputations were for popliteal artery injuries. The over-all amputation rate following major arterial repair from initial injury through the extended follow-up period is 12.7 percent.