Saddle embolus of abdominal aorta

Saddle embolus of the abdominal aorta is a life-threatening emergency where a large blood clot lodges at the fork where the main artery of the abdomen splits into two branches supplying both legs. This suddenly blocks blood flow to both legs, causing severe pain, coldness, numbness and paralysis. Immediate surgery is required to remove the clot and restore blood flow to prevent limb loss.