Temporary Cavity Effects in Blood Vessel Injury by High Velocity Missiles

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Temporary Cavity Effects in Blood Vessel Injury by High Velocity Missiles

J. J. Amato / N. M. Rich / N. S. Lawson / R. P. Gruber / L. J. Billy

Historically, the effect of the temporary cavity upon arteries has been controversial. Angiographic and photographic documentation is presented of low velocity and high velocity injuries to arteries. The low velocity missile pushes the blood vessel ahead stretching it slightly before penetration and can be pushed aside with little or no formation of the temporary cavity. The high velocity missile neatly cuts the arterial wall at impact but then the explosive effect of the temporary cavity crushes the ends of the artery against its walls. Severity of arterial damage is proportional to the velocity of the wounding missile. The energy transferred from the high velocity missile forms the temporary cavity. Varied tissue destruction by identical missiles at equal velocity can be explained by the shape of the missile, its motion in flight, and most important the angle to the tissue at moment of impact. Knowledge of the ballistic behavior of high velocity missiles in causing arterial damage is necessary for the proper evaluation, and management of missile wounds. (Author)