CLINICAL OUTCOME OF AORTIC SADDLE EMBOLISM – A 10 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

Muhammad Jamil; Rashid Usman; Amna Shahab

Muhammad Jamil Classified General & Vascular Surgeon, Department of Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Cantt.
Rashid Usman Consultant General & Vascular Surgeon, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Cantt.
Amna Shahab Consultant General Surgeon, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Cantt.

Keywords: Embolus, Aorta, Anticoagulation, Embolectomy

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To analyse the outcome of aortic saddle embolism (ASE) in patients reporting late to the vascular surgeon. Study design: Descriptive analytical study Place and Duration of study: Department of Vascular Surgery, Combined Military Hospitals Lahore, Gujranwala, Kharian and Quetta from March 2006 to March 2016. Methodology: Data of all the patients with aortic saddle embolism were analyzed for demographic characteristics, co morbidity, surgical intervention performed and outcome in terms of limb salvage and revision procedures. Results: A total of 36 patients were managed during the study period. Thirty (83.3%) patients reported to us six days after the onset of symptoms. Of the total 36, thirty (83.3%) patients had paralysis at the time of presentation. Bilateral femoral embolectomy under local anaesthesia was performed in thirty (83.3%) patients. Three (8.3%) patients underwent open exploration of distal aorta. Amputation rate was 58.3% while 8.3% patients died. Conclusion: Successful management of ASE include high index of suspicion for an early diagnosis, timely referral to and surgical intervention with adequate perioperative anticoagulation.