Successful aspiration and rheolytic thrombectomy of a renal artery infarct and review of the current literature.

The use of revascularization techniques including angioplasty, thrombectomy, and stenting in the coronary, cerebral, and peripheral arteries has revolutionized the entire field of endovascular therapeutics. In renal thromboembolism, the classic treatment has been anticoagulation with possible thrombolysis and surgical thrombectomy. The role of endovascular therapy in renal thromboembolism remains controversial. There are a few anecdotal reports about the use of aspiration and rheolytic thrombectomy in the renal arteries. We present a case of acute renal infarction resulting from systemic embolism secondary to atrial fibrillation. This was treated with revascularization, including aspiration and rheolytic thrombectomy, with excellent results.