A simple technique for thromboembolectomy of the upper limb.
Brachial emboli account for only 18% of arterial emboli and present as an uncommon emergency to surgeons. We have examined the route taken and probable outcome of arterial embolectomy of the upper limb in 31 cadaveric limbs using standard and Coude tipped embolectomy catheters. Using a standard embolectomy catheter, the larger of the two upper limb arteries was cannulated in only 42% of our series. However, using a 30 degree Coude tipped catheter, both radial and ulnar arteries could be cannulated in 87% of limbs, ensuring a more complete embolectomy without the need formally to expose the brachial artery bifurcation.
Beckingham
I J
IJ
Department of Human Morphology, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, U.K.
Roberts
S N
SN
Berridge
D C
DC
Makin
G S
GS
Hopkinson
B R
BR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply*; D001158:Arteries; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D004617:Embolism / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male