Upper-extremity emboli secondary to axillofemoral graft thrombosis

Four episodes of upper-extremity arterial emboli following axillofemoral bypass graft thrombosis are described. The source of the embolus was the blind stump of the proximal portion of the graft limb that remained patent after graft occlusion. With axillofemoral graft thrombosis, management requires treatment of the lower-limb ischemia and an awareness of the embolic potential of the acutely thrombotic graft limb. Patient evaluation and the surgical management of axillofemoral graft thrombosis with and without the complication of upper-extremity ischemia are discussed, as well as the etiology and prevention of this complication.