ED treatment is heparin (as arterial emboli or thrombosis is often the cause) and vascular consult.
Definitive treatment of salvagable limb including intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy, angioplasty or surgical revascularization will be based on:
- presumed etiology (embolus vs thrombus)
- location and length of lesion
- duration of symptoms
- availability of autologous vein for bypass grafting
- suitability of the patient for surgery
Source
Mitchell, M. et al "Acute arterial occlusion of the lower extremities." Up to date. May 2008. <http://www.uptodate.com>
