[Embolisms of the upper extremities]

6 cases of upper extremity embolism observed over the past three years are reported. Fogarty embolectomy was carried out in all patients, favourable revascularization results being obtained in 5. Forearm amputations was necessary in 1 case owing to the presence of ischaemic lesions that were already advanced at admittance, further proof that results depend above all on the vitality of the extremity rather than on the duration of the arterial occlusion.