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N E FREEMAN

Publications and source records attributed to N E FREEMAN.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Operations on large arteries; application of recent advances.

With the use of anticoagulants to prevent recurrence of thrombosis it is now possible to open a major artery which has been occluded by a thrombus, remove the thickened lining with the clot and restore the continuity of the vessel. Free vein grafts have been used successfully to replace arterial segments in the extremities. Vein inlay grafts are preferred in dealing with aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. The aneurysmal wall can be used to support the venous segments. It has been possible to by-pass aneurysms of the abdominal aorta by anastomosing the splenic artery to the left iliac artery. The use of the left superficial femoral artery as a by-pass to supply blood to the right leg is described.

Aneurysm↗

The preoperative and postoperative care of acute arterial obstruction.

Acute arterial obstruction may result not only from arterial injuries but also from thrombosis or embolism. The fate of the extremity is generally decided in the first few hours following the obstruction of the major artery. It is therefore essential that physicians should be able to recognize acute ischemia of the extremities and institute treatment which will prevent permanent damage and facilitate the reestablishment of normal circulation. Direct application of heat should be scrupulously avoided since the reduced blood flow is unable to supply increased metabolic demand. The extremity should be placed at or just below heart level so as to avoid both the ischemia of elevation and the edema of dependency. Pressure in the form of either encircling plaster or even compression bandages should be avoided and the extremity simply immobilized by a posterior splint. General supportive treatment is essential to maintain adequate pressure and composition of the arterial blood. In selected cases, agents to overcome vascular spasm or to prevent extension of intravascular thrombosis are indicated.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗