Arterial emboli of the upper extremity: a persisting problem.

From 1969 to 1980, 154 emboli of the upper extremities (UEE) were managed in our institution. They occurred in 151 patients, 66 males (44%) and 85 females (56%) aged ranged from 23 to 87 years (mean 68.9). Obstruction level was in the subclavian artery (12 cases), the axillary artery (46), the brachial artery (74 cases), the radial or ulnar artery (22 cases). Cardiac disease was present in 119 cases. Ischemia was severe in 47 cases (30%), and partial in 104 (67%). Peripheral gangrene was already present in 2 cases. 106 patients were operated on within 10 hours after the occurrence of UEE (69%). Associated systemic emboli was noted in 10 cases. The treatment consisted in 140 primary embolectomies and in 11 cases of conservative therapy (heparin 10, thrombolysis 1). Reoperation was done in 11 patients (7%) because of recurrence of UEE and in 4 cases (2%) for post-operative thrombosis. Results were good in 128 patients with clinical improvement and arterial patency.