In a significant medical intervention, surgeons at a city hospital near Moscow successfully saved a 36-year-old man from the need for leg amputation by removing a giant blood clot. This outcome was reported by the hospital’s press service, highlighting a rapid response to a life-threatening circulatory blockage.
The patient arrived with numbness and severe pain in the right leg. Diagnostic tests revealed thrombosis extending from the iliac arteries down to the popliteal artery, a problem that can rapidly compromise limb viability if not treated promptly.
The medical team chose an emergency surgical approach. A thrombectomy was performed using a specialized catheter system to extract a large clot measuring about 20 centimeters from the popliteal artery. This decisive step was critical in reestablishing blood flow and preventing tissue death in the leg.
The procedure encountered complications, primarily because the patient had previously undergone arterial surgery. To restore adequate perfusion to the leg, surgeons also reconstructed portions of the iliac arteries, a procedure that required meticulous planning and coordination among the vascular specialists. The operation extended well beyond standard durations, taking more than six hours to complete, reflecting the complexity and careful execution needed in such cases.
Following the operation, the patient showed favorable signs of recovery. He remains under close medical observation and is progressing toward discharge as his condition stabilizes and limb perfusion improves. The care team continues to monitor limb function, wound healing, and overall cardiovascular status to ensure ongoing recovery and prevent recurrence.
This case joins a growing body of evidence demonstrating the lifesaving potential of rapid endovascular and open surgical interventions in severe limb-threatening thrombosis. In similar settings, teams emphasize timely recognition of symptoms, rapid imaging to map the extent of the blockage, and the swift deployment of calibrated instruments designed to remove clots with minimal collateral damage. The combination of early diagnosis, decisive intervention, and postoperative management is essential to preserve limb function and reduce long-term disability.
Earlier reports from medical centers in other cities highlighted successful treatment of similarly challenging conditions. In those instances, clinicians highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, advanced imaging techniques, and tailored rehabilitative plans to restore mobility and confidence after such emergencies. The shared objective across institutions remains clear: to deliver prompt, effective care that minimizes tissue loss and supports full recovery whenever possible.