Acute Limb Ischemia
Acute limb ischemia is a sudden reduction or loss of blood supply to an arm or leg, usually caused by a clot or an abrupt blockage of an artery. It is a medical emergency.
Symptoms
Sudden severe pain, paleness, coldness, numbness, weakness and reduced or absent pulse. Delayed treatment may cause permanent tissue damage.
How interventional radiology treats it
Catheter-directed thrombolysis delivers clot-dissolving medicine to the blockage. Mechanical thrombectomy uses a device to remove the clot. Angioplasty or stenting may also be required if an underlying narrowing is found. Immediate hospital assessment is essential to improve the chance of saving the limb.
Whether this treatment suits you depends on your scans and overall health. A consultation is the first step.
Your doctors
Talk to an interventional radiologist.
Bring any scans or reports you have. We’ll tell you whether this treatment is an option.