Background:
Since its introduction, percutaneous aspiration embolectomy (PAE) has become a well-known, widely accepted and frequently applied technique for the treatment of acute arterial embolic infrainguinal vascular occlusion in lower limb ischemia.

Purpose:
To evaluate the technical and clinical success of sole percutaneous aspiration embolectomy (PAE) for the treatment of acute arterial embolic infrainguinal vascular occlusion.

Material and Methods:
During a period of 7 years, 50 patients (24 fermale, 48%) with a mean age of 73 (range 53–95) years were identified in whom 54 cases of PAE were performed for the treatment of arterial embolic infrainguinal vascular occlusion. Primary technical success was defined as residual stenosis of <50% in diameter after sole PAE, secondary technical success was defined as residual stenosis of <50% in diameter after PAE and additional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and/or stenting. Clinical outcome parameters (e.g. need for further intervention and/or amputation) were evaluated for the 30-day postinterventional period.

Results:
The primary technical success rate was 85% (46 of 54 cases). The secondary technical success rate was 96% (52 of 54 cases). Clinical outcome data were achievable in 50 of the 54 cases (93%). In 43 of the 50 patients (86%) there was no need for further intervention within the 30-day postinterventional period. In summary, during this 30-day postinterventional period after PAE amputation was carried out or death occurred in 5 of 50 patients (10%).

Conclusion:
Minimally invasive PAE is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of acute arterial embolic infrainguinal vascular occlusion.