Protocolo diagnóstico y terapéutico de la isquemia arterial aguda de los miembros inferiores

Acute ischemia of the lower limb is a serious medical-surgical emergency characterized by the sudden interruption of blood flow to a limb with symptoms that have been ongoing for less than two weeks that rapidly compromise tissue viability and endanger the patient's life. Its diagnosis requires an early multidisciplinary approach that also includes studies such as Doppler ultrasound to classify severity, identify etiology, and guide treatment. The initial therapeutic intervention includes systemic heparinization to prevent secondary thrombosis followed by therapeutic options such as embolectomy, bypass, or catheter-directed fibrinolysis, depending on the cause. However, in extreme cases, amputation may be unavoidable.