Vascular injuries can occur during total knee arthroplasty, with the most common being injury to the popliteal artery. Surgeons need to remain calm, communicate effectively, consult a vascular surgeon, and assess the extent of the injury. In case of a vascular injury in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), a plan should be in place for stabilizing the patient and transferring them to a hospital if needed. Having proximal or distal control, applying a tourniquet, and documenting the time it was placed are crucial steps in managing vascular injuries during surgery. Surgeons should be prepared for such rare occurrences and have a plan in place to ensure patient safety.
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‘Remain calm, diligent’ in the face of vascular injuries during TKA
