Which of the following statements about acute arterial occlusion today is/are not true?

D. Surgical treatment can usually be avoided if the lesion is diagnosed early.

DISCUSSION: The majority of arterial emboli originate in the heart as a result of atherosclerotic disease manifested by myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, or ventricular aneurysm. The incidence of embolization from rheumatic mitral stenosis has decreased significantly. Elderly and debilitated patients who are poor risks for general anesthesia can be treated with the balloon embolectomy catheter technique, which can be performed under local anesthesia via groin incisions. Atherosclerotic disease in the peripheral vessels can cause thrombosis at the site of atheroma. Acute arterial occlusion represents an emergency that is best treated promptly via heparinization and balloon catheter embolectomy.