Results of surgical treatment of arterial embolism

A report is given of the results obtained by surgical intervention in 260 patients with arterial embolism involving the extremities, in whom a total of 299 emboli devloped. Excellent results were obtained in 63.5% of the cases. It is emphasized that embolectomy is indicated in all cases, irrespective of the interval between onset of symptoms and surgery, unless gangrene of the limb is manifest. Furthermore, re-operation is is recommended on patients in whom fresh clots develop in the artery after an otherwise successful embolectomy. The mortality rate proved to be relatively high (28%) and the causes thereof are discussed.