Mechanical thrombectomy devices to treat thrombosed hemodialysis grafts

Abstract

Treatment of a thrombosed hemodialysis graft is an ideal application for a mechanical thrombectomy device. The soft, acute thrombus contained within the graft can be quickly macerated and removed with minimal risk of damaging native vascular endothelium. There are no universally accepted techniques for using mechanical thrombectomy devices to treat a thrombosed vascular access. To the contrary, there are a variety of thrombectomy methods that are currently utilized by interventional radiologists. Each device has its own niche and is best utilized for certain specific situations. A busy interventionalist should be familiar with several of these thrombectomy devices to most effectively treat the variety of clinical problems that may be encountered. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.