Acute Limb Ischaemia

6 Ps — revascularise ≤6 h

Red flags
  • Sensory + motor loss (Rutherford III → irreversible)
  • Rigid muscle compartments
  • Anaesthetic cool limb

First steps

  • ABCDE + analgesia
  • Anticoagulate heparin 5000 U IV bolus then infusion aPTT 1.5-2×
  • Immediate vascular surgery referral

Key investigations

  • CT angio or duplex USS
  • Rutherford classification
  • CK, K+, myoglobin

Differentials

  • Chronic critical limb ischaemia acute-on-chronic
  • Compartment syndrome
  • Necrotising fasciitis

Initial management

  • Embolectomy / bypass / catheter-directed thrombolysis
  • Fasciotomy for reperfusion
  • Amputation if Rutherford III

Referral

  • Vascular surgery immediately
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