ABSTRACT
Indications Indications for a lower extremity embolectomy or thrombectomy are acute occlu
sions of the lower extremity necessitating immediate revascularization.
Preop Most patients who require this procedure have an acute occlusive event; there
fore, they require systemic heparinization prior to their procedure and adequate resuscitation. Additional preoperative workup includes an assessment of their basic serum chemistry profile, including CBC, platelets, coagulation, and a chemistry panel. The patient should also be consented for a thrombectomy/embolectomy and possible revascularization. These procedures are typically done under general anesthesia. However, they also may be done under spinal or epidural anesthesia or local anesthesia.
