Mechanical thrombectomy: results of early experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical application of a mechanical thrombectomy device in occluded lower extremity arteries and bypass grafts.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A mechanical thrombectomy device was used in five patients with acutely occluded lower extremity bypass grafts (n = 2) or superficial femoral arteries (n = 3).

RESULTS

The thrombus was completely removed in three cases (two bypass grafts and one native superficial femoral artery). In two of the patients with occlusions in the native superficial femoral artery, the thrombus was partially removed. In these two patients, the aspirate demonstrated a more fibrous thrombus that was not easily fragmented. In one of these two patients, the coagulum was thought to be embolic from the heart.

CONCLUSION

The thrombectomy device works well in recent thromboses, particularly in polytetrafluoroethylene grafts in which organization does not occur. Its efficacy in chronically occluded vessels is not certain.