Operative treatment of peripheral aneurysms.

THE TREATMENT of peripheral arterial aneurysms dates back to the time of Antyllus, over 1,600 years ago. Since that time, and particularly since the recent great war, there have been many important advances in this field of surgery. Again, within one decade, large scale warfare is in progress and the added danger of blasts and burns from atomic missiles hangs over our heads. It is therefore timely to review the management of peripheral arterial aneurysms due to injury or disease. Such a discussion must include preventive as well as definitive treatment. PREVENTION In World War I, Matas 1 reported that 20 to 25% of injuries involved the vascular system but that aneurysms developed in only 1 to 2% of the casualties. This low occurrence rate was due largely to early death from other causes, such as hemorrhage, sepsis, or gangrene. Today, as a result of our improved methods of emergency