Diagnosis and surgical treatment of acute arterial embolism of upper extremities LI Song-qi, YE Cai-sheng, HU Zuo-jun, et al. Department of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080,China Corresponding author:WANG Shen-ming, E-mail: shenmingwang@vip.sohu.com Abstract Objective To summary the experience of brachial arteriotomy with embolectomy to treat acute embolism of the upper extremities retrospectively and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of it. Methods From 1995 to 2007, 28 cases were performed brachial arteriotomy and were given sequential anticoagulants. Results After operation the upper extremities were salvaged in 27 cases，1 case accepted amputation, 1 case Re-embolism 2 times. 3 cases Re-embolism in other vessels and 3 cases died of cerebral embolism and acut myocardial infarction. Conclusion Brachial arteriotomy with embolectomy is an approach to treat acute embolism of upper extremities and how to prevent re-embolism and treat primary heart disease is the key to decrease mortality and amputation rate.