[Peripheral arterial embolism. Considerations on 101 cases (121 emboli)]

The treatment of 101 patients with peripheral arterial embolism between 1970 and 1976 is discussed. Embolectomy was performed 98 times in 78 cases, antigoagulant and fibrinolytic management was employed in 19 cases, and primary amputation was necessary in the remaining four subjects. The limb was saved in 70% of those operated, while secondary amputation proved necessary in 14%. Overall mortality (after embolectomy and amputation) was 22%. Lastly, the therapeutic protocol used is discussed, together with the various factors that still prejudice the results of embolectomy.