Arterial thrombosis (Blood clot) or acute limb ischemia is a blood clot formed in an artery. As a result, it could be very serious as it can stop blood from reaching important organs. This sudden loss of blood flow may result in organ death, such as a kidney or a limb.
Arterial Thrombosis can occur in your legs (peripheral arteries). Sometimes, they happen in your brain, which can lead to stroke. They could also form in your heart, where they can cause a heart attack.
Time is cruicial in this condition, as cells start to die within 6 hours of mal-perfusion and so the patient should seek emergent medical attention to save the affected organs. Contact your nearest emergency department or contact us if you suspect this condition.
Symptoms:
Sudden Cold arm or leg
Muscle pain or spasm in the affected area
Numbness in your arm or leg might be due to a blood clot in the brain or the limb
Weakness of the affected limb
Loss of color in the affected limb
Sudden abdominal pain
Risk factors
Smoking, hypertension, hypercoagulable status, heart diseases, previous thrombosis, elicit drugs or drug abuse
Treatment
Surgical Thrombectomy; where the thrombus is removed through a small opening in the artery. As a result, the blood flow returns immediately. This method is good for very acute cases, it has the lowest cost but needs a longer recovery time.
Endovascular thrombolysis; is where a clot-busting drug is delivered inside the thrombus via a catheter. This is used for sub-acute thrombosis as it takes longer duration and higher cost.
Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy; where a device is inserted into the artery through a needle hole and the thrombus is broken and removed. Angio-jet Device is one of the most commonly used methods. This allows quick removal of the thrombus, lower cost, and faster recovery.
