Occlusion of the Great Arteries

Occlusion of the main arteries can be acute or chronic and leads to disruption of the blood supply to anatomical areas or organs.

Acute occlusion is most often caused by embolism (from the heart with valve defects, atrial fibrillation, heart attack) or thrombosis (due to atherosclerosis, trauma).

Signs of acute occlusion: sudden pain, pallor, cyanosis, paresthesia, paralysis, absence of pulse. The critical ischemia time is 4-6 hours.

Treatment: anti-shock measures, heparin, surgical - thrombectomy, bypass surgery. The prognosis depends on the timeliness of the operation.

Chronic occlusion leads to a gradual decrease in blood flow. Causes: atherosclerosis, endarteritis, thromboangiitis, external compression. Symptoms depend on location. Treatment: conservative and surgical - bypass surgery, endarterectomy, sympathectomy.

Special forms of occlusion: Takayasu's syndrome, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease. The prognosis for chronic occlusion varies depending on the location and extent.