Delayed arterial embolectomy

ABSTRACT

Studying ninety cases of delayed arterial embolectomy showed that the operation should be done so long as the limb is viable and the color changes are not fixed. Good results were achieved in sixty patients and minor amputation was done in five patients. Fasciotomy to relieve compartment hypertension was done in the proper time. Immediate heparinization is essential in every case. Direct embolectomy over the site of embolism gave better results than the conventional distant embolectomy. Care should be paid also towards the adverse effects of revascularization; namely, acidosis and acute renal failure by inducing brisk diuresis, alkalinization and ECG tracing