How are arterial emboli removed?

How are arterial emboli removed?

The blood vessel is opened and a Fogarty catheter (a small tube with a balloon at its tip) is inserted. The balloon end is pushed past the emboli and the balloon inflated. The whole assembly is pulled out, bringing with it, the emboli. This procedure is known as embolectomy. The procedure can be done under local anaesthesia and is a limb saving procedure if done within appropriate time, usually within six hours of onset. Sometimes small fragments may still migrate beyond and block smaller vessels, causing ischemia.