Endovascular thrombectomy devices for acute limb ischemia management

Acute limb ischemia still represents a challenge for the contemporary vascular surgeon, representing an immediate threat for patients' limb but potentially also for the proper patient life in some settings. Technology recently evolved and focused on the treatment of such complex situation. Several devices are available as of today allowing a complete acute limb ischemia endovascular management, aiming to remove intraluminal material while leaving the possibility for treating the underlying pathology when needed. In this review, proper specific device characteristics, indications and advantages are reported and discussed. Despite the broad spectrum of different available devices could appear as potentially confounding, each device has its own features, indications, weak and strength point. Ideally the modern endovascular surgeon should master every single tool, tailoring revascularization strategy and timing for the proper patient and arterial segment to be treated, maximizing the benefits coming from technological improvements.

Automated summary

Acute limb ischemia remains a challenge for vascular surgeons, posing immediate threat to patients' limbs and, in some cases, their overall quality of life. Recent technological advancements have focused on the endovascular management of this complex condition, with various devices available to remove intraluminal material and treat the underlying pathology. This review discusses the specific characteristics, indications, and advantages of these devices. It emphasizes the importance for modern endovascular surgeons to be proficient in utilizing different tools to tailor their revascularization strategy and timing for optimal patient outcomes.