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Review
. 2019 Mar;35(1):4-9.
doi: 10.5758/vsi.2019.35.1.4.

Endovascular Strategies in the Management of Acute Limb Ischemia

Affiliations
Review

Endovascular Strategies in the Management of Acute Limb Ischemia

Benjamin Lind et al. Vasc Specialist Int. 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) represents one of the most common emergent scenarios encountered by a vascular specialist. Despite expedient revascularization, high rates of limb loss are reported along with high mortality rates which are second only to ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. Surgical revascularization is standard of care. Endovascular techniques as an alternative have emerged to be appropriate first line therapy when addressing the threatened limb. We review the etiology and classification of ALI and current endovascular techniques and evidence to date in the management of patients acutely presenting with extremity ischemia.

Keywords: Embolism and thrombosis; Endovascular procedures; Peripheral artery disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors have nothing to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Angiographic images of a patient presenting with left lower extremity acute limb ischemia. An acute occlusion at the level of the left adductor canal superficial femoral artery is (A) visualized with (B) absent infrapopliteal runoff vessels. (C) Following successful catheter directed thrombolysis, a causative, irregular atherosclerotic lesion is identified. (D) Furthermore, restoration of preserved outflow tibial vessels is demonstrated following thrombolysis.

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