THROMBOSIS & EMBOLUS, ARTERIAL

 Basic information

description

Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in an artery. An embolism is a blood clot (embolus) that travels from the site where it formed to another location in the body. A clot can become stuck in an artery and reduce blood flow (called ischemia) or block blood flow completely (called infarct). This blockage starves tissues of blood and oxygen and can result in damage or tissue death (necrosis). An arterial embolus often occurs in the legs and feet. It may occur in the brain and cause a stroke, or in the heart and cause a heart attack. Less often it occurs in the kidneys, intestines, or eyes.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Symptoms depend on where the embolus lodges.
• Legs or feet: pain in the calf with exercise; weakness, numbness, burning and tingling sensations; or weak or absent pulse beyond the blocked blood flow. Symptoms ease up with rest.
• Body organs: pain in the part of the body that is involved and temporarily decreased organ function.

causes

Clots may form with any condition that damages the smooth lining of the heart or a blood vessel. As the clot grows, small or large portions break away and are carried by the bloodstream to other areas of the body.

risk increases with

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• Injury to a blood vessel from an accident or from surgery.
• Heart valve disease.
• Heart attack or family history of heart attack or stroke.
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Adults over 60.
• Smoking.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Abnormal blood clotting disorders.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Seek medical care for any treatable risk factors.
• Anticoagulant (blood thinner) drugs may be prescribed for people at risk for blood clots.
• Exercise regularly to help keep blood vessels healthy.

expected outcomes

Depends on the location of the clot, size of the affected blood vessel, and size of the clot. Prompt treatment improves outcome.

possible complications

When blood flow is blocked in an artery, it can cause damage and death to the body tissues involved.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your activities and symptoms. Medical tests may include x-rays of the blood vessels (after injection of a special substance), ultrasound, echocardiogram, or MRI.
• Early treatment is needed and usually requires drugs or surgery or other procedure.
• The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and to improve the interrupted blood flow to the affected area. Any underlying condition that caused the clot will be treated to prevent further problems.
• Surgery or other procedures may be done:
  • A bypass of the artery to create a second source of blood supply.
  • Clot aspiration (thromboaspiration).
  • Clot removal with use of a balloon catheter placed into the affected artery.
  • Clot removal with open surgery on the artery (embolectomy).
  • Opening of the artery with a balloon catheter (angioplasty) with or without a stent being implanted.

medications

• Drugs to break up the clot may be given through a catheter (tube) directly into the artery involved.
• Anticoagulants or antiplatelets to reduce the risk of clots forming may be prescribed.
• Drugs to widen blood vessels may be prescribed.
• Pain relievers will be prescribed as needed.

activity

Complete rest is necessary until blood flow is re-established by treatment.

diet

No special diet during recovery.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of arterial thrombosis or embolus. This is an emergency! Get medical help immediately.
• Symptoms recur after treatment.

Special Notes: