1. Seek Immediate Hospitalization
Getting yourself to the closest hospital or emergency room is the first thing you need to do when you suspect you may have an arterial embolism. When an embolus blocks the flow of blood to one of your vital organs, the function of the organ function and your life are both in danger. Putting yourself in the hands of qualified medical professionals as soon as possible can minimize the damage done to your organs and tissues, and can prevent serious complications like stroke, gangrene, septic shock and kidney failure.
2. Use Medication as a Management Tool
You will most likely be put on a regimen of several different medications to manage your arterial embolism and restore blood flow throughout your body. Some medicines, such as warfarin and heparin, are blood thinners that can dissolve existing blood clots and prevent new ones from forming. If your condition includes infection and tissue death, antibiotics will play a key role in managing your embolism. Your doctor may also prescribe intravenous pain medication to make you more comfortable as your body heals.
3. Consider Surgery
Some people with arterial embolism respond well to non-invasive drug therapy. Others may need surgery to remove clots that are not dissolving on their own. There are several surgical options available, depending on the location and size of your blockage. Your doctor will discuss which method will be most effective in your individual case. Thromboaspiration can be used to aspirate your clot with a catheter. An embloectomy can be performed using a catheter, or as an open surgery to remove the blood clot. Angioplasty is another surgical method used to manage arterial embolism. Angioplasty dilates the affected artery with a balloon catheter. Depending on your individual situation, your doctor may or may not keep the artery open with a stent.
