Objective: To study the methods of surgical treatment and the prognosis of acute embolism of the upper extremity.
Methods: Balloon catheter embolectomy through the brachial artery was performed in 18 patients with acute embolism of the upper extremity.
Results: Both the pulse of the radial and ulnar artery could be palpated in 8 patients, either the pulse of the radial or ulner artery could be palpated in 9 patients. The temperature of the upper extremity was increased in the patient whose embolectomy was performed in the 6th day after onset of the illness. Three patients died postoperatively.
Conclusions: Embolectomy through the brachial artery is an effective method to treat acute embolism of the upper extremity. Elderly and heart and pulmonary diseases are the high risk factors for postoperative death.