Thrombectomy Devices

This channel includes news and new technology innovations for catheter-based thrombectomy systems used to remove blood clots from vessels in the body. Thrombus removal a decade ago was a standard of care for acute coronary revascularization in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). But, its use declined rapidly after several large trials showed no benefit. However today, thrombectomy is seeing increasing usage in new therapeutic areas to treat acute stoke, pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Thrombectomy is also referred to as embolectomy.

The types of thrombectomy systems include: 

   ● Ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis – Catheter-directed, high-frequency ultrasound helps thrombolytic agents penetrate clots to speed the action of fibrinolytic pharmacological therapy. 

   ● Rheolytic embolectomy – These devices inject pressurized saline through the catheter's distal tip and the macerated thrombus is aspirated through a catheter port. 

   ● Rotational embolectomy – A rotating device at the catheter tip is used to fragment the clot and fragments are aspirated by the catheter. 

   ● Aspiration thrombectomy – This includes manual clot aspiration or use of dedicated aspiration catheter devices that basically vacuum the clot out of the vessel. 

   ● Thrombus fragmentation – Thrombus can be mechanically disrupted by manually rotating a pigtail catheter or using balloon angioplasty, but this causes small fragments of emboli to flow distally. Dedicated devices also are available.