Acute limb ischaemia Flashcards
What is Acute limb ischaemia?
- Sudden decrease in limb perfusion
- <14 day onset
- Threatens viability of the ilmb
- Associated with the 6 P’s
Causes of Acute limb ischaemia?
- Thrombosis
- Embolisation
- Trauma
- (including compartment syndrome)
What are the symptoms and signs of Acute limb ischaemia?
- 6Ps
- Pale, pulseless, painful
- Paralysed, paraesthetic, perishing with cold
- Emboli tend to originate from the heart:
- AF, mural thrombosis
Describe how a potential acute limb ischaemia might be investigated?
- Bloods
- Serum lactate:
- assesses level of ischaemia
- Thrombophilia screen
- Serum lactate:
- ABPI
- =<0.9
- Doppler US
- CT arteriogram
- Can provide location information for operative approach
Differentials for Acute limb ischaemia?
- Acute DVT
- Critical chronic limb ischaemia
- Spinal cord/ peripheral nerve compression
Describe the management of acute limb ischaemia?
- Revascularisation within 6hr
- Heparin bolus then infusion
- Analgesia with paracetamol and opioid
- Assess revascularisation vs amputation
- Revascularisation options:
- Bypass surgery
- Local thrombolysis with tPA
- Embolectomy via Fogarty catheter
- Angioplasty for thrombosis
What are the possible complications after surgery to fix acute limb ischaemia?
- Compartment syndrome
- Reperfusion injury
- Release of substances from damaged cells:
- K+ => hyperkalaemia
- H+ => acidosis
- Myoglobin => AKI
- Release of substances from damaged cells:
Outcomes of Acute limb ischaemia?
Describe irreversible limb ischaemia?
- Mottled, non-blanching appearance
- Hard, woody muscles
Gold standard investigation for acute limb ischaemia?
CT angiography
What level does the aorta pass through the diaphragm?
T12
What level does the aorta bifurcate?
L4
Signs of a non-viable limb?
- Tissue loss
- Nerve damage
- Sensory loss
Complications of Peripheral arterial disease?
- Leg/foot ulcers
- Gangrene
- Permanent limb weakness/numbness
Describe the differences between acute, acute-on-chronic and chronic limb ischaemia?
- Acute
- Ischaemia <14 days
- Acute-on-chronic
- Worsening symptoms <14 days
- Chronic
- Ischaemia stable for >14 days