Arterial embolism/thrombosis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
A 59-year-old male with a history of hypertension, tobacco abuse, and osteoarthritis presents to the ER due to acute, severe left leg pain and numbness x 5 days. He is tachycardic upon arrival (HR 102 bpm, irregularly irregular). On exam, you notice that his left leg is cool, without palpable dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial pulses. Imaging demonstrates occlusion of the left common femoral artery. You put in an order to start IV heparin. Which of the following is the best treatment for this patient?
A. IV heparin alone
B. Limb amputation
C. Balloon catheter embolectomy
D. Bypass surgery
E. None of the above
Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Cardiology ⇒ Vascular Disease ⇒ Arterial embolism/thrombosis
Also covered as part of the General Surgery EOR topic lists