Embolectomy Health Dictionary

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Embolectomy: From 3 Different Sources

Surgical removal of an embolus that has blocked an artery (see embolism).

There are two methods: either an incision is made in the affected artery and the embolus is removed by suction, or it is removed by passing a balloon catheter into the affected vessel.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
Surgical removal of a clot or EMBOLUS to clear an obstruction in an artery (see ARTERIES, DISEASES OF). The obstruction may be cleared by inserting a balloon (Fogarty) catheter (see CATHETERS) into the blood vessel or by surgical incision through the arterial wall. Embolectomy may be a life-saving operation when a patient has a PULMONARY EMBOLISM.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. surgical removal of an *embolus in order to relieve arterial obstruction. The embolus may be removed by cutting directly into the affected artery (arteriotomy). In some instances it is removed by a balloon *catheter, which is manipulated beyond the embolus from a small arteriotomy in an accessible artery. The catheter is then withdrawn carrying the embolus with it. In some cases of pulmonary embolism, embolectomy may be life saving. It may also prevent gangrene in cases of a limb artery embolus.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Embolism

Blockage of an artery by an embolus. Blood clots that have broken off from a larger clot located elsewhere in the circulation are the most common type of embolus. Pulmonary embolism is usually the result of a fragment breaking off from a deep vein thrombosis and being carried via the heart to block an artery supplying the lungs; this is a common cause of sudden death. Blood clots may form on the heart lining after a myocardial infarction, or in the atria in atrial fibrillation, and then travel to the brain, resulting in a cerebral embolism, which is an important cause of stroke. Air embolism, in which a small artery is blocked by an air bubble, is rare. Fat embolism, in which vessels are blocked by fat globules, is a possible complication of a major fracture of a limb.

Symptoms of an embolism depend on the site of the embolus. Pulmonary embolism can lead to breathlessness and chest pains. If the embolus lodges in the brain, a stroke may occur, affecting speech, vision, or movement. If an embolism blocks an artery to the leg, the limb will become painful and turn white or blue. Untreated, gangrene may develop. In serious cases of fat embolism, heart and breathing rates rise dramatically, and there is restlessness, confusion, and drowsiness.

Embolectomy (surgery to remove the blockage) may be possible. If surgery is not possible, thrombolytic and anticoagulant drugs may be given.... embolism

Arteriotomy

n. an incision into, or a needle puncture of, the wall of an artery. This is most often performed as a diagnostic procedure in the course of *arteriography or cardiac *catheterization. It may also be required to remove an embolus (see embolectomy).... arteriotomy

Pulmonary Embolism

obstruction of the *pulmonary artery or one of its branches by an *embolus, usually a blood clot derived from *phlebothrombosis of the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis). Large pulmonary emboli result in acute heart failure or sudden death. Smaller emboli cause death of sections of lung tissue, pleurisy, and haemoptysis (coughing of blood). Minor pulmonary emboli respond to the *anticoagulant drugs heparin and warfarin. Major pulmonary embolism is treated by *embolectomy or by dissolution of the blood clot with an infusion of *streptokinase. Recurrent pulmonary embolism may result in *pulmonary hypertension.... pulmonary embolism

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