Early surgical results on acute arterial occlusion of the extremities.

Although the earliest possible embolectomy is still correlated with best rates of limb salvage, we consider, as do most other authors, that the only critical criterion for operability must be the viability of the ischemic limb. Even in the presence of gangrene of the foot relief of arterial occlusion is recommended in order to secure a more distal amputation. Arterial embolectomy seems to be a simple surgical procedure; however, in the presence of atherosclerotic arteries or in the cases of acute arterial thrombosis the operative procedure needs considerable experience in vascular surgical techniques to secure a successful outcome. Finally, the prevention and early treatment of the revascularization syndrome together with appropriate cardiopulmonary management in a strict intensive-care unit can improve the mortality significantly in cases of acute arterial occlusion of the extremities.