Anatomic exposures for vascular injuries

The exposure of vascular injuries is contingent on knowledge of anatomy and the limitations and boundaries for proximal and distal control of each artery. In this article, these are conveniently organized into arteries of the neck, of the chest, of the abdomen, and of the extremities. In addition, the interface between the neck and chest, and the chest and the abdomen provide particular challenges because of the need to expose two body regions frequently. The anatomy, the points of proximal and distal control, the details of exposure, and the key maneuvers required to expose particular arteries are reviewed.