Arterial thrombosis 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 reaching important organs.

Blood clots form when platelets (blood components) and plasma proteins thicken, forming a semisolid mass. Arterial clots block blood and oxygen from reaching your vital organs. They can lead to tissue damage.

Arterial Thrombosis can occur in your legs (peripheral arteries). Sometimes, they happen in your brain, where they can lead to stroke. They could also form in your heart, where they can cause a heart attack.
Arterial clots can also take root in your kidneys, intestines, or eyes, though this is rare.

Time is very important in this condition, as cells start to die within 6 hours of malperfusion 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:

• Cold arm or leg

• Muscle pain or spasm in the affected area

• Numbness or tingling in your arm or leg

• Weakness of the affected limb

• Loss of color in the affected limb

Risk factors

• Smoking

• Hypertension

• Hypercoagulable status

• Heart diseases

• Previous thrombosis

Treatment

• Surgical Thrombectomy; where the thrombus is removed by a small opening in the artery. As a result the blood flow returns immediately it is good for very acute cases, it has the lowest cost but needs longer recovery time.

• Endovascular thrombolysis; 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 allow a quick removal of the thrombus, lower cost and faster recovery.