Late revascularization of the lower limb following acute arterial occlusion.

Thirty-four patients presenting with signs of grave ischaemia of the lower limb following acute arterial occlusion had revascularization procedures performed. Fifteen of the incidents followed embolism or thrombosis and 19 were due to a traumatic cause. Limb salvage was achieved in 67 per cent of the nontraumatic group and in 56 per cent of the traumatic group. Severe complications such as crush syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation occurred but there were no deaths. No significant adverse factors with regard to limb prognosis could be defined. We feel that late revascularization in the absence of major gangrene is worth while provided that facilities for critical postoperative care exist.