Adverse events after treatment of patients with acute limb ischemia

Abstract

Background: To assess the outcome and the occurrence and consequences of adverse events (AEs) after treatment of acute limb ischemia (ALI).

Methods: Retrospective analysis on intra-arterial thrombolysis (group I) and thromboembolectomy (group II). Outcome measures were primary patency and limb salvage rates. AEs and consequences were registered during admission and 30 days after discharge.

Results: A total of 238 procedures were included (group I, 173 vs. group II, 65). The primary patency (P = 0.144) and limb salvage rates (P = 0.166) were not significantly different between both groups. A total of 195 AEs were registered. Most AEs were procedure related and resulted in surgical reintervention (77% vs. 76%). Some AEs resulted in irreversible physical damage (15% vs. 25%) and death (6% vs. 12%).

Conclusions: Both, intra-arterial thrombolysis and thromboembolectomies are adequate therapies; however, they result in a wide variety of AEs resulting in serious morbidity and even death.