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.