A successful case of late revascularization of the lower limb following acute occlusion of the abdominal aorta is reported.
A 73-year-old woman admitted to other hospital for an examination for arrythmia. While getting up she felt a severe pain in the right lower limb and numbness in the left lower limb and has been unable to stand up. After 9 days she was admitted to the hospital for further examination and treatment. aortogram showed occlusion of the abdominal aorta. On the 13th day after the onset of the disease we tried embolectomy with a Fogarty baloon catheter at first under preparation for replacement with an artificial vessel. Embolectomy was successful and she made good postoperative progress.
After rehabilitation she has been able to walk alone and was discharged from the hospital five weeks after the operation. Now she is doing well.
Acute occlusion of the abdominal aorta can be managed even by late operation in some cases like ours. Embolectomy with Fogarty baloon catheter is recommended at first for such case.