Treatment of Acute Upper Limb Ischemia Resulting from Embolism
This protocol addresses acute ischemia of the upper limb caused by arterial embolism — specifically in patients where the ischemia arises from an embolic event rather than underlying atherosclerosis.
Clinical Scenario
Acute ischemia of the upper limb resulting from embolism, not resulting from atherosclerosis. Prompt identification of the embolic etiology is essential to guide the appropriate intervention in this setting.
Treatment Approach
The established treatment of choice in this scenario is a surgical procedure to restore arterial flow by removing the thromboembolic material. The approach involves access at the brachial artery and use of a balloon catheter technique.
The full structured protocol — including procedural details, patient selection considerations, and post-procedural management — is available via the link below.
References
DOI: 10.1111/jth.12181
- Currently, the treatment of choice for acute limb ischemia resulting from embolism is thromboembolectomy, usually with the Fogarty technique: transverse brachial arteriotomy through an S-shaped incision in the fossa cubiti and removal of the thromboembolic material with a balloon catheter.
- Thromboembolectomy is considered to be the treatment of choice in patients who present with acute ischemia of the upper limb resulting from embolism.
- The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia.
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