Mechanical thrombectomy of embolic occlusion in both the profunda femoris and superficial femoral arteries in critical limb ischaemia.

We report our preliminary experience using the Amplatz device for percutaneous thromboembolectomy in acute occlusion in both the profunda femoris artery (PFA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA) in four patients (mean age 78.5 years). All patients suffered from acute lower limb ischaemia, Fontaine Grade 3, due to cardiac embolization. Estimated occlusion times range from 3 h to 3 days. All four patients were treated successfully. Device activation time for both the PFA and the SFA was 85 s +/- 15 s. Total procedure time was 25 min +/- 10 min. There was no need for adjunctive procedures or intensive care monitoring. We conclude that the Amplatz device is a very effective and safe procedure for the quick restoration of vascular patency in cases of simultaneous embolically occluded PFA and SFA.