Endovascular treatment of a superior mesenteric artery embolism in a high-risk Jehovah's Witness.

Despite recent advances, emergent treatment of acute mesenteric ischemia carries a mortality of 40%-60%. Endovascular therapy provides a reasonable option for high-risk patients with acute mesenteric ischemia who may not tolerate a laparotomy. We present a case of successful endovascular embolectomy of the superior mesenteric artery, visceral aorta, and right iliac artery in a high-risk octogenarian who refused the transfusion of blood products. As older patients present with more comorbidities, endovascular techniques will play an increasingly large role in the treatment of acute mesenteric ischemia.