Abstract:Objective：To summarize our experience in treating abdominal aorta saddle embolism (ASE). Methods：The clinical data of 21 cases of abdominal ASE were treated with Fogarty catheter and other methods during January 2000 to July 2006 were retrospectively assessed. Results：After the blood flow was restored by operation, 4 died in the postoperative early stage because of sudden cardiac asystole due to hyperkalemia; in the late stage, 6 died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome socondary from acute renal failure(ARF). Eleven patients were cured. Of them, bilateral lower extremites were salvaged in 5 patients; and 6 patients received amputation. Ten patients were followed up, and the blood supply of the salvaged legs was good. Conclusions：Early diagnosis and embotism removal are the key points to decrease the mortality and amputation rate of ASE. The intra-operative and post-operative prevention and management of hyperkalemia and ARF are important for reduction of mortality.