Effects of Freezing on Major Arteries

Thirty experiments were performed in dogs to assess the effects of freezing on carotid and femoral arteries. These vessels withstood freezing and thawing without rupture. Blood within the vessels did not clot and was lysed during thawing. Histological changes of vessel walls consisted of early degeneration followed by a reparative process. Occasional secondary thrombosis occurred close to bifurcation of ligated branches and was related to extent and frequency of freezing and thawing.