The role of popliteal artery embolectomy in the management of acute lower limb ischemia: our experience.

INTRODUCTION The Authors report their experience in the management of acute lower limbs ischemia through distal popliteal artery approach. PATIENTS AND 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.