Abstract
Background and Aim: AngioVac system is a vacuum-assisted venous drainage device recently introduced into clinical practice for the removal of fresh and/or soft emboli/thrombi from vessels and right atrium. The aim of this study was presenting our center experience. Methods: From July 2016 to July 2017, 6 patients (mean age 58 ± 15 years) were treated with AngioVac system for right atrial masses (=4, 66.7%, 2 of these were electrode lead vegetations) and thrombosis of inferior vena cava (=2, 33.3%). We used both femoral and jugular vein percutaneous accesses and echo- or fluoroscopy guiding. Results: Therapeutic success (defined as a complete aspiration of the mass or return to an anterograde caval flow) was achieved in 5 cases (83.3%). One percutaneous approach was converted in open-chest because of pericardial tamponade and the mass suction was performed directly through the right atrium. Median intensive care unit stay was 1 day and all patients were discharged in good clinical conditions. At 1-year follow-up, all patients were alive. Conclusions: In our experience, AngioVac is a safe and reliable device that allows good results and patient's fast recovery. Because the procedure requires patient monitoring and the use of venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, we suggest performing it in cardiac or hybrid operating room.
Published Version
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