Over a period of about 17 years 251 thrombembolectomies using the Fogartycatheter on the upper extremities were performed on 220 patients. In 9.5% of the cases reoperation and in 1.8% amputation were necessary; perioperative lethality was 5.5% and 19.5% developed local complications. Due to multimorbidity and the age of patients at the time of examination 46% had already died, while of the 101 surviving patients 94.1% showed good long-term results.