Vascular

Femoral Embolectomy

FEMORAL EMBOLECTOMY

Indication: Acute lower limb ischaemia (ALI) secondary to arterial embolism — typically cardiac source (atrial fibrillation). Classical 6 Ps presentation: Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paraesthesia, Paralysis, Perishing cold. Salvageable limb: limb threatening but viable limb (sensation present, no fixed motor deficit) requires urgent revascularisation within 4–6 hours.

Patient Position: Supine.

Anaesthesia: General or local with sedation (local preferred in critically unwell patients).

Procedure:
1. Bilateral femoral arteries exposed (both groins operated even if unilateral presentation — to allow bilateral Fogarty passage and distal limb inspection).
2. Heparin administered IV (5,000 IU).
3. Longitudinal arteriotomy in the common femoral artery.