Treatment of Acute Arterial Thromboembolism

Kim, Do Kyun; Park, Ho Chul; Ko, Young Gwan; Koh, Suck Hwan; Joo, Hoong Zae

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Arterial emboli remain an important cause of acute arterial ischemia. Despite simplification of operative techniques, the substantial morbidity and mortality still associated with an acute embolus remain a challenge to the vascular surgeon. We wanted to know the adequate evaluation and treatment modality for this limb threatened condition, and to evaluate the results according to etiology, location, time interval before starting treatment, clinical conditions, and limb survival rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 91 patients who treated for acute lower leg thromboembolism between Jan. 1992 and Dec. 1997.
RESULTS
There were 73 men and 18 women and most prevalent age group was in the 5th and 6th decades (53.8%). Over all amputation rate was 25.3% and mortality rate was 5.5%. Cardiac problem was the most common etiologic factor. Associated diseases were cardiac problem (37.4%), hypertension (35.2%), cerebrovascular accident (17.6%), and diabetes (15.4%). Interval from attack to definite therapy, within 24 hours in 14 cases (15.4%), 1~3 days in 23 (25.3%), after 4 days in 54 (59.3%) were noted. The locations were aorta and iliac in 25.3%, femoral in 38.5%, popliteal in 19.8%, tibial in 4.4%, and 15.4% in graft site in other of frequency. Clinical categories were grade I in 9.9%, IIa in 40.7%, IIb in 30.8%, and III in 18.7%. According to Eagle's criteria, low risk group were 34 cases (37.4%), moderate risk group were 39 cases (42.9%), and high risk group were 18 cases (19.8%). Of the 91 patients, conservative treatment in 2 (2.2%), thrombolytic therapy in 33 (36.3%), thromboembolectomy in 56 (61.5%), bypass in 16 (17.6%), endarterectomy and vessel ligation were performed. The 1-month and 1-year limb salvage rates were 73.4% and 71.1%, respectively. Especially, salvage rates in the Department of Vascular Surgery were 84.9% and 83.7%, whereas that of Thoracic and Orthopedic Surgery were 44.4% and 33.0% (p=0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
Cardiac problem especially atrial fibrillation was the most common etiologic factor. Prompt balloon catheter embolectomy performed under local anesthesia is a safe, simple, and effective method of treatment and the preferred mode of management in the great majority of patients. Nonoperative management with thrombolytic agents or high-dose heparin therapy alone is occasionally indicated in highly selected patients. The prognosis of acute arterial thromboembolism of lower extremity can be improved by early detection, early adequate treatment, and the involvement of a qualified vascular surgeon.