Acute Limb Ischaemia Treatment

Overview

Acute limb ischaemia is a sudden loss of blood supply to a limb, usually from a blood clot. Without fast treatment, the limb can be permanently damaged or lost. Treatment within hours gives the best chance of saving it.

Why it is done

• Sudden pain in an arm or leg
• A pale, cold limb
• Loss of pulses in the limb
• Numbness or weakness

Treatment options

Treatment starts with blood-thinning medicine. Blood flow may then be restored by removing the clot (embolectomy), dissolving it with medicine through a catheter, angioplasty or bypass surgery.

After treatment

You will be monitored closely for swelling and muscle damage. The cause, such as atrial fibrillation or artery disease, is treated to prevent it happening again, often with long-term blood thinners.

Risks

Risks include bleeding, damage to the limb muscles, kidney problems and, in severe cases, amputation.

At KIH

KIH's emergency and vascular surgery teams provide urgent assessment and treatment for a suddenly blocked limb artery.