Objective: Benefits of the local thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of acute peripheral arterial ischemia have been proved (13), but the place of thrombo-aspiration in this percutaneous treatment is not well defined. This study evaluates the results of thromboaspiration with or without local thrombolysis for the treatment of arterial embolism associated with a lower limb arteriopathy.

Methods: From May 1991 to May 1992, ten arterial embolisms (below the common femoral artery) associated with a lower limb arteriopathy have been treated by thromboaspiration with or without local thrombolysis.

Results: Nine immediate successes have been obtained. One failure has been operated on with success. On the third day, an occlusion of the popliteal artery occured and a femoroperoneal bypass was performed. But the occlusion of the bypass obligated to an amputation above the knee. This patient died one month later (hospital mortality 10%). During the follow-up (2 months), other procedures were patent.

Conclusions: Thromboaspiration with or without thrombolysis is efficient for the treatment of arterial embolism associated with a lower limb arteriopathy.