Vascular Surgery - Embolectomy
By Dr. Shanshank Kari - Consultant Vascular, Endovascular & Diabetic Foot Surgeon

Embolectomy:
This is a procedure of removing blood clots. This is done when a patient has sudden obstruction to the blood flow (upper or lower limb), which results in immense pain in the affected limb along with pale looking skin compared to the opposite, blue-black distal extremity discoloration, cold extremity, reduced pulses, reduced sensation, and movements in the affected limb. This procedure is done surgically under local or regional anaesthesia and blood clots are removed using a special embolectomy catheter. If not picked up early, it goes into an advanced stage (dry gangrene) where the leg would be like a hard wooden log. The patient may end up losing his lower limb as well.

Causes of Embolectomy
Embolectomy is typically performed to remove blood clots or other obstructions that are causing a blockage in a blood vessel. These blockages can be caused by a variety of factors, including thromboembolism, where a blood clot from another part of the body travels and becomes lodged in a blood vessel, or atherosclerosis, where plaque build-up in the arteries leads to blockages. Other potential causes include trauma, surgery, or certain medical conditions that increase the risk of blood clots forming. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the risk factors for these conditions and take preventive measures to reduce their likelihood of developing blood clots that may require an embolectomy.

Diagnose for Embolectomy A diagnosis for embolectomy is typically made based on the symptoms a patient presents with, along with imaging studies such as doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to confirm the presence of a blood clot or blockage in a blood vessel. Patients may experience sudden onset of pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected limb or organ, along with skin discoloration, coolness, or lack of pulses in the affected area. Once a blood clot is confirmed, an embolectomy may be recommended to remove the obstruction and restore normal blood flow to prevent further complications. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention are crucial in cases where an embolectomy may be necessary.

Exposing artery for embolectomy

Risk factor of Embolectomy
One potential risk factor of embolectomy is the formation or dislodgment of new blood clots during the procedure, which could potentially block other blood vessels and require further intervention. Other risks may include infection, bleeding, damage to the blood vessel, reaction to anesthesia, or complications related to the underlying condition that necessitated the embolectomy. Pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or a history of blood clotting disorders may also increase the risk of complications during or after the procedure. It is important for healthcare providers to assess each patient's individual risk factors and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure before proceeding.

Precautions post Embolectomy
After undergoing an embolectomy procedure, it is essential to follow certain precautions to promote recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Patients may be advised to avoid smoking, maintain a healthy diet, and engage in regular physical activity to reduce the risk of blood clot formation. It is important to take prescribed medications as directed, such as blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, to prevent clotting. Patients should also closely monitor the surgical site for signs of infection and contact their healthcare provider if any unusual symptoms occur. Rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to improve strength and circulation. Follow-up appointments and regular check-ups with healthcare providers are crucial to monitor progress and address any concerns post-embolectomy.

For more information visit our Clinic - Sou. Mandakini Memorial Clinic, Deshpandenagar, Hubli.