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Femoral Embolectomy

What Is Femoral Embolectomy?

Femoral embolectomy is the critical removal of a blood clot from the femoral artery.  Such clots can cause pain and infection.  If the artery remains clotted for too long, one can actually lose the limb.   

Patients may have general anesthesia or an epidural injection before the procedure.  Then, the surgeon makes an incision in the groin or thigh to gain access to the affected artery.  After cutting open the artery, the surgeon inserts a small balloon to push the clot and remove it.  Depending on how long the clot has been in place, the surgeon may combine the femoral embolectomy with a fasciotomy to relieve the pressure and swelling that builds up from the blockage.  Just after the surgery, patients may receive blood thinners to keep the artery from clotting again.   

Typically, femoral embolectomy patients can leave the hospital after 5 to7 days, pending no complications.  If a fasciotomy was performed, they will stay longer.  A radiologist can insert blood thinners into the artery as an alternative to the embolectomy, but this may not be effective for everyone.  Exercise (gentle walking for short periods of time), after the first couple of days helps many patients recuperate.  Patients should expect bruising and swelling at or around the incision in the first few days.  Both should subside within the first week after surgery.Â