Lower limb embolectomy in old age

The results of embolectomy in 56 patients, aged 80 years or more, with acute embolic lower limb ischemia are presented. An overall mortality rate of 32% is found. In patients with a simultaneous myocardial infarction the mortality rate was 100%. Of the surviving 38 patients 29 avoided amputation and were discharged with unchanged social and functional status. Bases on the present findings it is concluded, that embolectomy should always be tried, especially since it has been shown, that an unsuccessful embolectomy does not lead to an increased mortality if an eventual subsequent amputation has to be carried out.