Objective To explore the clinical experience on treatment of thromboangitis obliterans (TAO) by embolectomy. Methods Fourteen of 121 patients with TAO treated in our hospital from March 2000 to March 2010 were included in this study. Total 14 limbs consisted of 2 upper extremities and 12 lower extremities. Among these cases, 8 cases underwent embolectomy and 6 cases received embolectomy combined the stem cell transplantation. Results Of 14 cases of TAO patients, 11 cases were successfully treated by surgery and 3 cases failed. After successful operation, patient’s pain disappeared and anklebrachial index improved obviously. Seven patients treated successfully by surgery were followed up from 5 months to 8.5 years (mean 4 years), in whom the intermittent claudication and rest pain disappeared in 4 cases, and disease deteriorated in 2 cases who always smoked, and one case had intermittent claudication who stopped smoking. For 3 cases patients failed to operation, one lost followup, one had to receive a below knee amputation due to keep smoking after operation, and one case who stopped smoking underwent alleviative symptoms for 3 years. Conclusion Embolectomy is a safe and effective technique for treating TAO.
Objective To explore the treatment of thromboangitis obliterans (TAO) of lower extremities. Methods From March 1994 to February 2009, 24 cases (26 limbs) affected by chronic ischemia were diagnosed as TAO by Doppler ultrasound and DSA, CTA or MRA. According to the different levels of the extensive and diffuse arterial occlusion, the revascularization was performed in the ways: 19 cases (21 limbs) underwent venous arterialization, 3 cases (3 limbs) underwent endovascular therapy, and 2 cases (2 limbs) underwent thrombectomy. Results After the venous arterialization, 19 cases (21 limbs) were followed up for 1 to 14.5 years. Apart from the 5 limbs amputation (23.8%), the postoperative results of the most limbs were satisfactory (61.9%). The ABI before therapy (0.38±0.11) was significantly lower than that 6 months after therapy (0.79±0.08), Plt;0.05. In 3 cases (3 limbs) underwent endovascular therapy, one case failed and then received the venous arterialization. Two cases (2 limbs) finished thrombectomy successfully. After endovascular therapy and thrombectomy, these 4 cases were followed up for 1 to 4 years without the amputation. ConclusionIn order to improve the curative effect, it is important to choose the suitable therapeutic strategy according to the different levels of the extensive and diffuse arterial occlusion. The venous arterialization is an effective treatment for TAO of lower extremities.