Vaskulárna medicína 1/2016

Acute upper extremity ischemia

Acute upper extremity ischemia is rare compared with the lower extremity. It accounts for 7–32% of cases of acute ischemia of the limbs. The etiology is embolic in 90% of the patients. Acute embolic episodes predominantly occurs in the elderly. The diagnosis is relatively easy based on patient history and clinical findings. Prompt operative intervention is the most important determinant of successful outcome. Embolectomy with a Fogarty catheter runder local anaesthesia is the most frequent and successful surgical procedure. Compartment syndrome after embolectomy is infrequent. Amputation of the arm is seldom necessary. Postoperative anticoagulant therapy seems to improve the survival rate.

Keywords: upper extremity, acute ischemia, embolectomy, compartment syndrome