Vascular Surgical Repair of Torn Vessels
There are many ways traumatic injuries can occur. The possible causes are wide and varied and include falls, bicycle accidents, auto accidents, physical assaults, and more. Unfortunately, many of these causes are otherwise preventable, and auto accidents are no different. Over the years, a tremendous amount of research has been done into why auto accidents occur. According to information from Driver Knowledge and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Between 2009 and 2011, the number of fatal car accidents increased by about 10 percent.
- Distracted driving and drunk driving contribute to about a third of car accidents (each).
- Another 10 to 15 percent of car accidents and caused by speeding, poor weather, or a combination of the two.
- Annually, thousands of people are killed in car accidents.
These numbers are frightening and demonstrate just how serious car accidents can be. Therefore, it is vital for everyone to understand the breadth and depth of injuries that could occur. One of these involves injuries of the blood vessels, which could quickly become fatal if not addressed immediately.
The Role of Blood Vessels in the Body
The blood vessels play a crucial role in the body because they carry oxygen and nutrients to every cell. Without these nutrients, the cells would starve to death. The arteries carry blood away from the heart toward the rest of the body while the veins carry blood from the body back toward the heart so that it can be pumped again. In between, the blood vessels divide into small capillaries that deliver the oxygen and nutrients to the individual cells. The blood vessels pump blood to the body using a pressure gradient. Like water flowing downhill, blood flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. The arteries are high in pressure while the veins are low in pressure. This keeps the blood moving in one direction, keeping the cells alive.
Causes and Treatment of Blood Vessel Trauma: Emergent Surgery
When someone is involved in an auto accident, penetrating injuries of the blood vessels can lead to quick blood loss. This could come from broken glass, metal shrapnel, or even blunt force trauma. It is essential to address these tears before someone bleeds to death. Therefore, emergent surgery is needed. People with blood vessel injuries are taken to an operating room. There, imaging is used to identify the damaged blood vessel. There are two methods of repair.
- Sometimes, a wire is inserted into the blood vessels and, using imaging, the tip is moved to the location of the tear. A screen is deployed across the tear to stop the bleeding.
- In other cases, a scalpel could be used to open up the damaged body part. Then, the blood vessel is localized. Finally, careful stitching is used to close the tear.
Once this is done, imaging is used to confirm that the repair is holding. Then, the individual is observed closely to ensure that the tear does not return.
Help from an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
When someone suffers a serious injury, such as those involving the blood vessels, it is vital to treat this as quickly as possible. When this involves emergent surgery, it is easy to see why families might be nervous or stressed. Some of the issues that families could have include:
- How is the cost of emergent surgery going to be covered?
- Is there anywhere we can turn to for help?
- What is going to happen if my loved one is unable to return to work?
- Has a thorough investigation of the accident been completed?
These are all common questions, and they need to be answered. Speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can be helpful. Make sure that all of the details have been reviewed because you and your loved ones could be deserving of financial compensation.
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Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. Tears of the blood vessels are serious injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Vascular Surgical Repair of Torn Vessels: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/ Vascular Surgical Repair of Torn Vessels.
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