Acute lower limb ischemia associated with use of an immersion suit.
External compression is a rare cause of acute lower limb ischemia. Workers required to wear immersion suits during helicopter simulation training are exposed to external compressive forces which can alter the hemodynamics in arterial bypass conduits. Herein a case of arterial thromboembolization to the lower limb following the wearing of an immersion suit, in a patient who had undergone arterial bypass surgery 13 yr previously is presented. The potential for this episode of acute leg ischemia being a direct result of the compressive forces exerted by the immersion suit and the possible implications for wearers of immersion suits following arterial graft surgery is discussed.
Henderson
Dan J
DJ
Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, UK.
Ridgway
Dan M
DM
Kamath
Sadashiv
S
Harries
Richard
R
Samy
Ahmed K
AK
D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000009:adverse effects*