Background

Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of acute limb ischemia is essential to preserve limb viability and prevent irreversible damage.

Objective

A brief review of treatment options, patient selection, and management in acute limb ischemia is provided for residents in interventional radiology.

Methods

The most commonly used interventional treatment options in acute limb ischemia including case studies and recommendations are provided.

Results

In acute limb ischemia, the decision between therapeutic procedures (interventional or surgical) depends on the clinical stage. There are three main interventional procedures: catheter-directed thrombolysis, thromboaspiration, and mechanical thrombectomy using specialized catheters; a combination of these procedures is also possible. The decision depends on various factors, some of which are center-specific, and should therefore always be made by interdisciplinary consensus. After near-complete revascularization, the cause should be sought and eliminated.

Conclusions

In a case of suspected acute limb ischemia, patients should ideally be taken to an interdisciplinary center with interventional radiology and vascular surgery. After clinical evaluation and noninvasive imaging, a decision regarding possible therapeutic options can be made.