A Study On Surgery And Non-surgical Therapy For Acute Arterial Embolization Of Upper Extremity

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical outcome of Fogarty catheter embolectomy and non-surgical treatment for acute arterial embolism of upper extremity.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 42 cases with acute upper extremity arterial embolism from January 2004 to December 2009. Grouped according to the wishes of the patients:25 cases of fogarty catheter embolectomy,16 cases of non-surgical treatment,1 case was excluded for acute myocardial infarction. Fisher exact test was performed to analyse and compare the outcomes between the two groups.ResultsThere was no death during the therapeutical period. Non-surgical group:3 cured cases,8 improved cases and 5 non-improved cases. Fogarty catheter embolectomy group:16 cured cases,5 improved cases,4 non-improved cases. The results showed statistics difference in the two groups (P<0.05),indicating better outcomes of Fogarty group.ConclusionFogarty catheter embolectomy ensures effective disruption of acute arterial embolism of upper extremity.