Long-term outcome following thrombembolectomy in the upper extremity

To evaluate short- and long-term mortality and morbidity in patients that were treated for acute upper extremity ischemia.

Single center retrospective study.

A consecutive series of 148 patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of acute ischemia of the upper extremity during an 11-year period.

All charts were reviewed retrospectively and 96% of all survivors participated in clinical follow-up.

The median age was 78 years and 64% of patients were females. The 30-day mortality was 8% and the overall 5-year survival 37%. The observed mortality during the follow-up period was significantly higher than expected. Survival was not significantly different in patients who received anticoagulant drugs following discharge from the hospital. The duration of ischemia did not significantly influence long-term arm-function.

Acute embolic episodes in the upper extremity primarily occur in elderly and the peri-operative mortality is high. Mortality following discharge from the hospital remains significantly higher than that of the background population.