Know the Facts About Mechanical Thrombectomy
A Mechanical Thrombectomy is a minimally invasive endovascular technique that uses image guidance to remove a thrombus (blood clot) from the pulmonary artery. Through a small puncture site, a highly trained Interventional Radiologist maneuvers a catheter (small tube) equipped with a specialized device to precisely locate and remove the blood clot. The procedure can restore blood flow to vital organs and prevent further clinical instability.
Who should not have a Mechanical Thrombectomy or Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis?
You might not be a candidate for a thrombectomy if you have:
- A blood clot that can be treated with medication
- A blood clot in a very small vessel and difficult to reach
- Any bleeding in the brain
- A chronic clot that has been present for more than 30 days
The Procedure
In the operating room, you will receive medication to keep you comfortable and help you stay still during the procedure. Numbing medication will be administered to the skin at the catheter insertion site (usually in your neck or groin). The surgeon uses a continuous X-ray to safely navigate the catheter to the site of the clot. The device located inside of the catheter can then capture the clot and remove it from your body. The faster you get treatment the better the outcome.
After the procedure, the catheter is removed and, to prevent bleeding, manual pressure is applied or a special plug is put in place. As long as there are no other medical issues to address, most patients go home the next day.
Barring any condition that would make it unsafe, anticoagulants (blood thinners) are given after the procedure. You may be on these for three-to-six months or longer, if necessary.
Risk Factors & Complications
- Bleeding
- Blood clot moving to another area of your body
- Allergic reaction to the medication or dye
- Kidney damage from the dye
- Damage to the blood vessel
Your practitioner will review possible risk factors and complications with you before you have the procedure. You will then be asked to sign a consent form that states you understand the procedure, the risks and complications.
When to call your provider after the procedure
- Chest pain
- Warmth or drainage from the catheter site or worsening pain
- Swelling at the catheter site
- Nausea or vomiting that continues to worsen
- Recurrence of the initial symptoms you had prior to this procedure