[en] A high-energy approximation to semiclassical scattering by a complex nuclear potential is developed. It is shown that corresponding three-dimensional wave functions, distorted waves, depend on the effective potential that takes the place of the initial potential. The role of the preexponential factor in the wave function is discussed. Deflection of trajectories from straight lines is taken into account. This effect plays an important role in heavy-ion reactions. An analytic method for calculating typical matrix elements of direct-collision processes is developed. 12 refs