[Mechanical thrombolysis with the Amplatz thrombectomy catheter].

PURPOSE: To determine the efficiency of the Amplatz thrombectomy device (ATD) in thromboembolic occlusions of lower limb arteries and haemodialysis shunts.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

9 patients (mean age 61 years) with either occluded native leg arteries (n = 7) or haemodialysis graft access (n = 2) were treated with the ATD. Mean length of occlusion was 10 +/- 4.47 cm.

RESULTS

The occlusions were primarily successfully recanalized by ATD within 44 +/- 17 seconds. Remaining stenoses were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA, n = 6) and an additional implantation of a vascular stent (n = 3). The ankle-brachial-index (ABI) increased from 0.46 +/- 0.37 to 0.81 +/- 0.2 within 24 hours after intervention. In the first month ABI measured 0.9 +/- 0.15 and decreased from 0.7 +/- 0.23 after three months to 0.72 +/- 0.26 within 6 months. After 5 months, a shunt occlusion and a native leq artery occlusion appeared.

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombolysis by ATD is a safe, feasible and simple procedure. There are no contraindications. No complications were seen.