Vessel repair is emergency surgery that stitches together a cut or torn artery or vein, usually in the hand or arm, to restore blood flow. When the vessel cannot be joined directly, a vein graft bridges or bypasses the damaged segment. It helps people with injuries from glass, knives, machinery or road accidents.
- AnaesthesiaRegional (arm block) or general
- DurationTypically 1 to 3 hours
- Hospital stayUsually 1 to 3 days
What is blood vessel repair and vein grafting?
Blood vessels carry blood from the heart under high pressure (arteries) and return it under low pressure (veins). Injuries usually come from sharp objects such as knives or broken glass, or from road traffic accidents. A severed artery to a finger, hand or forearm can threaten the survival of the tissue beyond it.
Direct vessel repair reattaches the two ends with fine sutures, often under magnification, and is used for fresh, clean lacerations. When a direct repair is not possible because a segment is damaged or missing, vein grafting restores blood flow by creating a bypass channel using a segment of vein from elsewhere in the body, often the foot; a synthetic graft may occasionally be used.
Because vessel injuries are emergencies, there is often little time to prepare. Nearby tendons, nerves and bones are checked and repaired at the same operation where needed.
Who is blood vessel repair and vein grafting for?
- Severe injuries that cut or rupture a blood vessel in the hand or arm
- Injuries from sharp objects such as glass or knives
- Vessel damage from road traffic or industrial accidents
- Partly severed fingers or hands with poor circulation (revascularisation)
How is it done?
- Anaesthesia (regional or general) and an incision at the injury site
- Direct repair: the vessel ends are trimmed and stitched together with fine sutures
- Vein grafting: a vein segment (often from the foot) is harvested; the damaged vessel is clamped above and below and the graft is sewn in
- Surrounding tendons and muscles are repaired and the wound is closed
- A splint or cast supports the limb after surgery
What is recovery like?
- Wear dressings and splints as directed and keep the wound dry
- Elevation and close monitoring of circulation in the first days
- Once healed, massage the scar gently with a bland cream two to three times a day
- Prescribed hand exercises help restore movement
- Take pain medicines and any blood-thinning medicines exactly as prescribed
What are the risks?
- Blood clots blocking the repair, which may need urgent re-operation
- Infection, bleeding, haematoma or seroma
- Swelling, pain, and tingling or weakness in the arm
- Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
- Failure to improve circulation despite repair
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
Is a cut artery in the hand an emergency?
Yes. Brisk, pulsing bleeding or a pale, cold finger or hand after an injury suggests an artery has been cut. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth, raise the hand, and go to an emergency department at once. Prompt repair gives the best chance of restoring blood flow.
What is a vein graft?
A vein graft is a segment of healthy vein, often taken from the foot or forearm, used to bridge or bypass a damaged section of artery or vein when the ends cannot be stitched together directly. Removing a small superficial vein does not usually affect circulation because other veins take over.
How do I prepare for vessel repair surgery?
Most vessel repairs are emergencies, so preparation is limited. For a planned procedure you would usually eat a light meal the night before, avoid food and drink for about six hours, stop smoking, alcohol and blood thinners such as aspirin if advised, and shower with antibacterial soap.
What are the warning signs after vessel repair?
Contact your surgeon urgently if the finger or hand turns pale, blue or cold, becomes very swollen, loses sensation, or if pain suddenly increases. These may indicate a clot in the repair, which sometimes needs prompt re-operation to save the circulation.
