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Published on: June 2, 2015
Upper-limb thrombo-embolectomy: national cohort study in Denmark
L V Andersen1, L S Mortensen, J S Lindholt
1Department of Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. ljubica.andersen@farm.au.dk
Summary
Upper-limb thrombo-embolectomy increases risks of amputation, stroke, and death. This study analyzed 1377 cases, revealing higher incidence in females and significantly elevated risks post-procedure compared to the general population.
Area of Science:
- Vascular surgery outcomes
- Epidemiology of vascular interventions
- Patient prognosis after arterial procedures
Background:
- Thrombo-embolectomy is a critical intervention for acute limb ischemia.
- Understanding the long-term prognosis following upper-limb thrombo-embolectomy is essential for patient management.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the risks of amputation, stroke, and death associated with this procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of upper-limb thrombo-embolectomy in Denmark.
- To determine the prognosis concerning upper-limb amputation, stroke, and death after the procedure.
- To compare risks in patients undergoing thrombo-embolectomy with the general population.
Main Methods:
- A national cohort study was conducted in Denmark from 1990 to 2002.
- Data included 1377 individuals aged 40-99 undergoing first-time brachial, ulnar, or radial artery thrombo-embolectomy.
- Patient outcomes (amputation, stroke, death) were tracked using national registries until 2007.
Main Results:
- The incidence of upper-limb thrombo-embolectomy was 3.3 per 100,000 person-years for males and 5.2 for females.
- Upper-limb amputation occurred in 2.2% of males and 3.6% of females post-procedure.
- The risk of stroke and death was significantly higher (2-16 times for stroke, 3-11 times for death) than in the general population.
Conclusions:
- Upper-limb thrombo-embolectomy is associated with a notable risk of subsequent limb amputation.
- Patients undergoing this procedure face significantly elevated risks of stroke and mortality.
- These findings underscore the importance of careful patient selection and post-operative monitoring.
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