Vascular Medicine Conference-CVC 2026

Acute arterial occlusion happens when a blood clot or an embolus suddenly blocks an artery, causing a quick onset of limb ischemia. Patients typically show up with what’s known as the “6 Ps”: pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis, and poikilothermia. The usual culprits include embolism from the heart, thrombosis in arteries that already have atherosclerosis, or injuries to the artery from trauma. It’s vital to recognize this condition quickly because if treatment is delayed, it can lead to tissue death or even loss of the limb.

To diagnose it, healthcare providers will conduct a clinical assessment and may use tools like Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography to pinpoint where the blockage is and how severe it is. Treatment needs to be swift and can involve thrombolysis, endovascular procedures, or surgical revascularization, depending on where the blockage is and what caused it. Acting quickly can restore blood flow, ease symptoms, and significantly improve the chances of saving the limb, which underscores how crucial it is to evaluate and manage acute arterial emergencies without delay