The role of popliteal artery embolectomy in the management of acute lower limb ischemia: our experience.
BACKGROUND
The Authors report their experience in the management of acute lower limbs ischemia through distal popliteal artery approach.


METHODS
Five popliteal embolectomy through a medial approach were performed; in one patient a posterior approach was carried out. Patients were included in two groups on the basis of ischemia duration: group A<6 hours (3 patients) and group B>6 hours (3 patients). Colour-duplex scan was performed in all the patients The arteriotomy was closed with interrupted 7/0 monofilament polypropylene sutures.


RESULTS
There were no peri-operative deaths. The primary limb salvage rate was 83.3% (5 patients). In one case (16.7%) a major amputation was performed. In one case (16.7%) a drop foot occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
The popliteal embolectomy is followed by excellent results and should be consider prior to thrombolysis or bypass graft revascularization. An appropriate use of duplex scan and a medial approach can lead to an high successful rates in terms of limb function and limb salvage also in cases with delayed ischemia.
Siani
A
A
Ospedale S. Pietro-Fatebenefratelli, Roma, U.O.C. Chirurgia Vascolare, Italy.
Schioppa
A
A
Flaishman
I
I
Zaccharia
A
A
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017128:Embolectomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000601:surgery*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome