Intravascular Shunt in Management of Limb Trauma- A Review

Vascular injuries to the upper or lower limb in the context of significant soft tissue loss, fractures, or other life-threatening injuries are associated with a high amputation rate. Complex extremity vascular injuries in which acute arterial insufficiency combined with severe or prolonged shocks are unacceptable because warm, warm, skeletal muscle time is often exceeded before adequate revascularization, and are associated with extended ischemia periods or fractures or soft tissue wounds. Revascularizing the limb is essential for the success of the limb rescue. Selective intravascular temporary shunting hence allows better overall care of the patient and can therefore be predicted to increase both limb rescue and patient survival rates. The aim of this article was to review and summarize results of previous literature regarding effectiveness on intravascular shunting as management of limb trauma as well as reviewing its potential complications.