Thrombectomy

Under a thrombectomy refers to surgical removal of a blood clot (thrombus ) in a blood vessel. It is a relatively gentle process for the re-opening of blood vessels that appear closed over long sections in the x-ray illustration of the vessels (angiography ), but do not have the length corresponding constrictions.

This is often the case with total occlusion of the femoral artery by an embolism at a usually quite short, high-grade narrowing (stenosis ); while the blood is coagulated by the stoppage of blood flow in the upstream section of the vessel.

Method

Thrombectomy catheter to a ( so-called a Fogarty catheter usually ) incorporated terminated, unfilled balloon in a thrombosed vessel which previously exposed and opened by means of a longitudinal section. The balloon, once the thrombus has happened, filled with water and withdrawn. Thus, the thrombus can be removed from the vessel.

Applications of this treatment in vascular surgery, neuroradiology and cardiology, especially in the supply embolisierter and secondary thrombosed peripheral arteries (see above). Without treating the cause of thrombosis, however, there is a significant risk of a repeated occlusion of the vessel. At the same time it is also necessary to provide for the targeted treatment of the constriction by means of thrombectomy that when reinstalling the flow of blood clots are not torn to further current path and cause re- embolism there.

• Therapeutic procedures in vascular surgery
• Invasive therapeutic procedures