Repeated aortic saddle embolectomy with success.

Abstract

S ADDLE aortic embolism represents from 5 to 10 per cent of all peripheral emboli in patients subjected to single or repeated embolization and constitutes a serious problem in surgical therapy because of the poor prognosis of the basic cardiovascular disease present. That one individual with rheumatic heart disease, mitral stenosis, atria1 fibriliation, and mild congestive failure should occlude her aortic bifurcation twice and have repeated major vessel surgery with resultant success is unusual and is also illustrative of certain technical aspects in the maintenance of peripheral circulation to the legs. Review of the current literature did not revcal a report of rcpcatcd aortic embolectomy either of successful or unsuccessful outcome. Schmitz and Harkin@ (1953), in reporting a case of repeated successful femoral embolect,omy, mentioned the merits of diligent efforts to re-establish peripheral circulation by embolectomy when repeated embolization to the same vessel occurs. They also reviewed the literature on the subject of repeated ernbolectomy.