[Thrombectomy using a high-speed rotatable catheter--initial results].

Evaluation of the Amplatz rotational catheter for the recanalisation of acute thrombotic occlusions in various vascular regions. The Amplatz air-driven rotational catheter was used in 5 patients with acute vessel occlusion in various vascular regions: superficial and profundal femoral artery respectively and popliteal artery with tibiofibular trunk (case 1 and 2), a Collier-Shunt (case 3), the left main pulmonary artery (case 4) and the portal vein after TIPS procedure (case 5). A complete or partial recanalisation was achieved in all cases. Time accounted for recanalisation was between 40 and 90 seconds. No adjunctive intervention was necessary. No complications occurred. The Amplatz thrombectomy device allows a fast, safe and effective mechanical thrombectomy of peripheral arteries and haemodialysis shunts. Partial recanalisation of large caliber vessels is also possible.