A review of 174 patients with arterial embolism

Abstract Experience of 174 patients suffering from arterial embolism is recorded. One hundred and fifty cases occurred in the lower limb and 24 in the upper limb. Embolectomy was performed in 119 patients. The overall limb salvage rate was 62 per cent and the hospital mortality was 27 per cent. Amputation was performed in 13 per cent of the patients in this series. Operative techniques and management are discussed. Delay in diagnosis and effective surgical treatment appears to be a major factor influencing the end-result.