A Retrospective Analysis on the Influence of Gender in the Presentation and Outcomes of Surgical Thromboembolectomy for Treatment of Acute Lower Limb Ischemia

Background/Objectives: We aim to quantify the effect of sex upon the presentation of acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) and the outcomes after surgical thromboembolectomy with a Fogarty catheter. Methods: This was a monocentric retrospective observational study of ALI treated by a Fogarty catheter. Demographics, comorbidities, and clinical characteristics were analyzed. The logistic regressions were used to estimate mortality and secondary outcomes. Results: Over 8 years, 193 patients (79 males and 114 females) underwent Fogarty catheter thromboembolectomy to treat acute lower limb ischemia. Females were older (74.5 for females vs. 82.5 for males) and more affected by congestive heart failure (27% vs. 8%; p = 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (68% vs. 37%; p = <0.001) than the male counterparts. Regarding etiology (p < 0.001), a cardiac embolism (males: 35%; females: 67%) and aortic thrombosis (males: 1%; females: 8%) were more associated with the female gender in the development of acute lower limb ischemia, while vascular bypass/endograft failure (males: 20%; females: 7%) and iatrogenic complications (males: 13%; females: 1%) were more associated with the male gender. After 30 days from surgery, 19% of men and 32% of women had died. Males had higher rates of loss of vascular patency (males: 25%; females: 9%; p = 0.002) and vascular reintervention (males: 20%; females: 8%; p = 0.012). After 90 days from surgery, 23% of men and 41% of women had died. If women had higher mortality (males: 23%; females: 41%; p = 0.008), men had higher rates of loss of vascular patency (males: 27%; females: 12%; p = 0.011) and vascular reintervention (males: 23%; females: 9%; p = 0.007). Conclusions: Older females with atrial fibrillation and/or chronic heart failure are at high risk for ALI. Regarding the thromboembolectomy with a Fogarty catheter, male sex appears to be a risk factor (OR: 2.2, CI: 1.08–4.56) for loss of primary patency, major amputation, and new vascular surgery. A further prospective analysis is warranted to understand the impact of sex in the presentation of acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) and the outcome after surgical thromboembolectomy.