Analysis of factors affecting limb salvage and mortality after embolectomy

A series of 108 arterial embolectomies in 91 patients performed during 1960-64 and 1970-74 is presented. The Fogarty catheter was introduced in our clinic between these periods. Early mortality was 56 and 29%, respectively. Limb salvage rate according to our definition was 38 and 53%, respectively. We found a significantly higher mortality when embolies were located proximal to the profunda femoral artery compared to more distally located embolies. Amputation frequency was 4% after embolectomies performed within 12 hours, but 27% with longer duration of symptoms. Limb salvage rate was significantly higher in patients treated with anticoagulation. In conclusion it is stressed that local surgical therapy should be combined with adequate measures against cardiac failure and other systemic complications. This therapeutic principle is particularly important in cases with proximal embolies.