Complete Thrombus Removal Research Articles

Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy Using the AcoStream Thrombus Aspiration System for Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Embolism

BackgroundThis study was performed to summarize our experience in treating acute superior mesenteric artery embolism (SMAE) by percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT). MethodsBetween January 2023 and October 2023, 18 patients presenting with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) were admitted to our center, including 11 cases of superior mesenteric artery embolism (SAME), 3 cases of superior mesenteric artery thrombosis (SMAT) and 4 cases of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMVT). We retrospectively reviewed 8 patients (4 males and 4 females; range, 51–79 years; mean, 62.50 ± 9.67 years) who underwent treatment of acute SMAE using the AcoStream system. The patients had no obvious evidence of intestinal necrosis as shown by peritoneal puncture or computed tomography (CT). Thrombectomy was performed on the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) using an 8F AcoStream thrombus aspiration system (Acotec, China). The demographics, risk factors, therapeutic effect, complications, mortality, and follow-up of the study population were assessed. ResultsThe technical success rate was 100%. After 1-3 passes (2.38 ± 0.92) and aspiration thrombectomy, complete thrombus removal was achieved in 7 (87.50%) patients. 1 patient received an adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) due to partial thrombus removal. Thrombolysis was conducted for 2 days, resulting in complete resolution of the thrombus. The other 7 patients did not receive adjunctive endovascular intervention due to complete thrombus removal and no residual stenosis. No distal embolization or device-related complications were noted during the procedure. After the procedure, sufficient clinical improvement was seen in 6 patients within 1-2 days. 2 patients showed no significant improvement of their symptoms. Laparotomy was performed on day 1 and day 2 after thrombectomy in patients 3 and 7, respectively. Intestinal necrosis was diagnosed operatively and intestinal resection was performed. All patients were discharged 6–15 days (9.50 ± 3.07) after admission without perioperative complication or death. The mean follow-up period was 5.00 ± 3.30 months (range, 1-10 months), and the follow-up rate was 100%. During the follow-up, all patients remained symptom-free. CTA images showed good flow in the trunk and branches of the SMA in all patients. ConclusionsPMT using the AcoStream system is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective technique for acute SMAE. Early application of PMT can achieve immediate revascularization of the SMA and have the potential advantage of avoiding laparotomy or reducing the extension of enterectomy, as it could theoretically restore intestinal perfusion in less time than open revascularization. If the symptoms do not improve after PMT, exploratory laparotomy should be scheduled as soon as possible. Further studies are necessary on this field to confirm these findings.

Single-session mechanical thrombectomy for iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis using a dual mechanism of action device combining basket and rotational thrombectomy

ObjectiveInterventional treatments for acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remain controversial after publication of the Acute Venous Thrombosis: Thrombus Removal with Adjunctive Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (ATTRACT) study. Interventions have been shown to reduce post-thrombotic syndrome severity and improve quality of life in DVT patients, but have been accompanied by risk of major bleeding from thrombolytics. We describe thrombus removal using a novel combined basket-rotational thrombectomy device that minimizes the need for thrombolytics or repeat procedures. MethodsThe aim of this prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter, first-in-human study of 19 patients with acute iliofemoral DVT was to evaluate the safety and performance of the Pounce venous thrombectomy system ≤12 months after treatment. The primary performance end point was defined as procedural success through achievement of Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) grade II lysis in treated vessels with freedom from procedural adverse events. Secondary end points included venous disease severity assessments using the Villalta scale and the Venous Clinical Severity Score, patient quality-of-life measurement using the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life questionnaire, and calf circumference measurements taken at baseline, 24 hours, and 1 month. ResultsThe primary end point of complete or near-complete thrombus removal (Society of Interventional Radiology grade II or III) was achieved in all patients. All study device-related safety end points were met, with no major bleeding or device-related adverse events. Of the 19 patients treated, 16 (84.2%) did not receive thrombolytics during the procedure. Post-thrombotic syndrome (Villalta scale >4) was identified in 17 of 19 patients (89.5%) at baseline, 4 of 13 patients (30.8%) available for follow-up at 6 months, and 2 of 11 patients (18.2%) at 12 months. The median Venous Clinical Severity Score decreased (P < .001) from 8.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 7-10) at baseline to 4 (IQR, 2-4) at 1 month after the procedure and was similar at 6 months (2; IQR, 2-5) and 12 months (2; IQR, 1.5-3) after the procedure. The median Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life questionnaire score improved (P < .001) by 62.7 from baseline (19.3; IQR, 10.8-34.5) to 1 month (82.0; IQR, 65.8-89.0) after the procedure, and remained high at 6 months (88.4; IQR, 61.9-93.3) and 12 months (93.7; IQR, 81.0-96.6). Median Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life questionnaire score improved (P < .001) by 60.0 from baseline (27.5; IQR, 11.0-50.5) to 1 month (87.5; IQR, 80.5-93.0) after the procedure, and remained high at 6 months (88.0; IQR, 58.8-95.0) and 12 months (90.0; IQR, 84.0-97.0). The median calf circumference decreased (P = .089) from 39 cm (IQR, 35-47.8 cm) at baseline to 36 cm (IQR, 32.5-40.5 cm) at 24 hours after the procedure and was 34.5 cm (IQR, 33.2-38.5 cm) at 1 month. ConclusionsThe Pounce device is safe and effective for removal the of thrombus in patients with acute iliofemoral DVT. Initial results demonstrate improvements in venous disease severity and patient quality of life.

Six-Month Deep Vein Thrombosis Outcomes by Chronicity: Analysis of the Real-World ClotTriever Outcomes Registry

PurposeTo analyze the first 250 patients from the prospective, multicenter, industry-sponsored ClotTriever Outcomes (CLOUT) registry, assessing the safety and effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy for acute, subacute, and chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Materials and MethodsReal-world patients with lower extremity DVT were treated with the ClotTriever System (Inari Medical, Irvine, California). Adjuvant venoplasty, stent placement, or both were performed at the physician’s discretion. Thrombus chronicity was determined by visual inspection of removed thrombus, categorizing patients into acute, subacute, and chronic subgroups. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were assessed through 30 days. Clinical and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes are reported through 6 months. ResultsThrombus chronicity was designated for 244 of the 250 patients (acute, 32.8%; subacute, 34.8%; chronic, 32.4%) encompassing 254 treated limbs. Complete or near-complete (≥75%) thrombus removal was achieved in 90.8%, 81.9%, and 83.8% of the limbs with acute, subacute, and chronic thrombus, respectively. No fibrinolytics were administered, and 243 (99.6%) procedures were single sessions. One (0.4%) patient in the subacute group experienced a device-related SAE, a fatal pulmonary embolism. On comparing baseline and 6-month data, improvements were demonstrated in median Villalta scores (acute, from 10 to 1; subacute, from 9 to 1; chronic, from 10 to 3; for all, P < .0001) and mean EuroQol group 5-dimension (EQ-5D) self-report questionnaire scores (acute, 0.58 to 0.89; subacute, 0.65 to 0.87; chronic, 0.58 to 0.88; for all, P < .0001). There were no significant differences in outcomes across the subgroups. ConclusionsMechanical thrombectomy using the ClotTriever System with adjunctive venoplasty and stent placement is safe and similarly effective for acute, subacute, and chronic DVT.

Abstract Number ‐ 92: Successful thrombectomy with Indigo Aspiration System on diffuse cerebral sinus thrombosis

Introduction Endovascular treatment for venous sinus thrombosis is challenging. Commonly utilized aspiration catheters in neuro‐interventional procedures have diameters ranging from 2–3 mm and are much smaller than the average diameter of the major cerebral venous sinuses. Penumbra’s Indigo Aspiration System (Penumbra Inc., Place Alameda, CA) is a trackable, large‐lumen (Indigo System CAT7, 7F) catheter and aspiration system that is used for aspiration of thrombi and emboli involving the peripheral venous and arterial systems, as well as pulmonary emboli. Here, we show that this large‐lumen system may safely retrieve and successfully recanalize cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), addressing the problem of available tools for complete thrombus removal. Methods Case report. I wanted to submit this abstract for: ‐Young Investigator Award ‐Best Scientific Abstract Award Results Here, we present the first reported case of successful endovascular thrombectomy of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis utilizing Penumbra’s Indigo System (Penumbra Inc., Place Alameda, CA), a minimally‐invasive system with a large‐lumen (Indigo System CAT7, 7F) catheter predominantly used for the removal of thrombi and emboli involving the peripheral arterial and venous systems and for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. A 30‐year‐old female presented with a hemorrhagic infarct of the left posterior temporal lobe secondary to an extensive cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) extending from the left transverse sinus to the ipsilateral internal jugular bulb. In addition to a continuous heparin infusion, we performed an endovascular thrombectomy with the device mentioned above, resulting in a technically successful radiographic recanalization of the involved sinuses. The patient was discharged home in a stable condition. This case demonstrates that this trackable, atraumatic, large‐bore system can be safe and efficacious, permitting near complete thrombus removal. Conclusions Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) recanalization is an important outcome measure in trials investigating endovascular therapies for dural venous sinus clots.Most endovascular tools used for aspiration of CVT are designed for arterial, not venous, vasculature.Penumbra’s Indigo Aspiration System, a large‐lumen catheter can be considered as a valid, safe, and effective alternative for the treatment of diffuse CVT.

Unexpected find of native aortic leaflet thrombus during surgical myocardial revascularization.

A 47-year-old woman was referred from a regional hospital for surgical myocardial revascularization after non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Medical history reported dyslipidaemia, hypothyroidism, endometriosis surgery, and a family history of thromboembolism. Coronary angiogram and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) performed 13 days earlier showed two-vessel coronary disease with severe stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD), diagonal and marginal arteries, and preserved left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF = 55%) without significant valve disease. Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography (iTEE) showed a large mass attached to the aortic non-coronary leaflet and sinus of Valsalva (Panel A, white star), with reduced leaflet motion but no valvular hemodynamic dysfunction (Panel A). The mass was closely attached to and moving with the leaflet, but clear cleavage planes with the leaflet and the aortic root were observable (Panel A, white triangles). An organized thrombus secondary to an initial lesion by the catheter during coronary angiogram was suspected, and confirmed by the macroscopic and histological examination (Panel B). The thrombus was completely removed, and myocardial revascularization by sequential left internal thoracic graft to the diagonal and LAD as well as radial Y-graft to the marginal artery was performed. Post-bypass iTEE examination showed complete thrombus removal and normal motion of the leaflet (Panel C). On the basis of familial history of thrombus, our consultant haematologist recommended oral anticoagulation therapy with warfarin until results of blood coagulation disorder tests are obtained. The patient was discharged 6 days after surgery without significant post-operative complication.

Thrombectomy using aspiration catheter- An effective first line approach for resistant thrombi in patient of acute myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction is caused by the rupture or erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque, initiating intra-luminal thrombosis resulting in partial or complete occlusion of a coronary artery. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred treatment and is effective in opening the infarct-related artery. These results can be further improved with thrombus aspiration which reduces stent thrombosis and improves myocardial blush. In acute presentation, there is a high load of thrombus in the infarct-related artery and stent placement in such a case increases the chances of the thrombus shifting both proximally and distally in the microvasculature. In such patient, deferred stenting along with the attempt of thrombus aspiration has the potential for complete thrombus removal with improvement in TIMI flow which eliminates the need of stenting. Here, we present an interesting case report pertaining to the feasibility of multiple thrombus aspiration attempts (&amp;#62;25) as first approach in young patient (Male/32 years/no co-morbidities) with late presentation of STEMI and a large resistant thrombus load on an angiogram. We also re-assessed the need of stenting after 5 days of thrombus aspiration attempt along with continued anticoagulation from the first contact with patient.

Outcomes from the ClotTriever Outcomes Registry show symptom duration may underestimate deep vein thrombus chronicity

ObjectiveThe all-comer ClotTriever Outcomes registry assessed indicators of thrombus chronicity in patients with acute, subacute, and chronic lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The effectiveness of the ClotTriever System (Inari Medical, Irvine, CA) by chronicity subgroup was also assessed and reported here in this subanalysis. MethodsAll-comer patients with lower extremity DVT were enrolled, with no limitation based on the patients’ symptom duration. Chronicity was assessed three times and compared: before the procedure based on symptom duration, during the procedure based on available pre-thrombectomy imaging, and visual inspection of the extracted thrombus morphology after thrombectomy. Patients were grouped into acute, subacute, and chronic subgroups according to their post-thrombectomy thrombus chronicity based on thrombus morphology. Analyses on baseline and procedural characteristics along with thrombus removal were performed across subgroups. The effectiveness of thrombus removal was determined by Marder scores adjudicated by an independent core laboratory, with a prespecified primary effectiveness end point of complete or near-complete (≥75%) thrombus removal. ResultsOf the 260 treated limbs from 250 patients, using symptom duration alone, 70.7% were considered acute, 20.9% subacute, and 8.4% chronic. Upon visual inspection, the extracted thrombus chronicity was approximately one-third in each subgroup: 32.7% had acute thrombus, 35.4% subacute thrombus, and 31.9% chronic thrombus. Chronicity assessed using symptom duration alone mismatched the post-thrombectomy chronicity in 55.1% of limbs (P < .0001) with 49.0% being more chronic than suggested by the patients’ duration of symptoms. Chronicity assessed using pre-thrombectomy imaging mismatched the post-thrombectomy chronicity in 17.5% of limbs (P < .0001). No patients received thrombolytics and 99.6% were treated in a single session. Complete or near-complete thrombus removal was achieved in a high percentage of limbs regardless of thrombus chronicity: 90.8%, 81.9%, and 83.8% in limbs with acute, subacute, and chronic thrombus, respectively. ConclusionsThis subanalysis from the all-comer ClotTriever Outcomes registry demonstrates that extracted thrombus in DVT may be more chronic than suggested by the patients’ duration of symptoms. The addition of imaging is helpful to determine the ability of thrombus to respond to therapy. Irrespective of thrombus chronicity, the ClotTriever system can be effective at removing acute, subacute, and chronic thrombus in a single-session procedure without the need for thrombolytics.

Percutaneous Thrombectomy for the Treatment of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis: Medium-Term Follow-up Results and Analysis of 112 Cases.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to analyze percutaneous thrombectomy (PT) outcomes for the management of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with medium-term follow-up.MethodsThe study included charts of patients who underwent PT due to lower extremity DVT between August 2017 and March 2021. Patient characteristics and procedure outcomes were recorded in the electronic information system on the same day as the procedure. The procedures with complete removal of thrombus following PT without requiring additional procedure or additional thrombectomy apparatus were considered successful. Also, duration of follow-up was noted.ResultsIn total, 112 patients were enrolled in the study. The femoropopliteal (40.2%) and iliofemoral (25.0%) veins were the most common sites with thrombus detected. The duration of PT procedure and fluoroscopy were 123.1 minutes and 21.9 minutes, respectively. Estimated blood loss was 255.1 milliliters. The hospital stay and intensive care unit stay following PT were 3.7 and 1.4 days, respectively. Major hemorrhage did not occur in any patient, but we encountered bradycardia in six (5.4%) patients, acute renal failure in one (0.9%) patient, hemoglobinuria in 11 (9.8%) patients, leg pain in 15 (13.4%) patients, and pulmonary embolism in 2 (1.8) patients, respectively. Success of the present study was 94.6% in the first month, and re-operation was required only in one patient. The mean follow-up period was 21.1 months with 90.2% venous patency rates.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that PT was an effective and reliable treatment modality with acceptable complication rates for the treatment of lower extremity DVT. Additionally, the efficacy of PT was proven by mid-term follow-up results.

Interim outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for deep vein thrombosis from the All-Comer CLOUT Registry

ObjectivesThe multicenter, prospective, single arm CLOUT registry assesses the safety and effectiveness of the ClotTriever System (Inari Medical, Irvine, CA) for the treatment of acute and nonacute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in all-comer patients. Reported here are the outcomes of the first 250 patients. MethodsAll-comer patients with lower extremity DVT were enrolled, including those with bilateral DVT, those with previously failed DVT treatment, and regardless of symptom duration. The primary effectiveness end point is complete or near-complete (≥75%) thrombus removal determined by independent core laboratory-adjudicated Marder scores. Safety outcomes include serious adverse events through 30 days and clinical outcomes include post-thrombotic syndrome severity, symptoms, pain, and quality of life through 6 months. ResultsThe median age was 62 years and 40% of patients had contraindications to thrombolytics. A range of thrombus chronicity (33% acute, 35% subacute, 32% chronic) was observed. No patients received thrombolytics and 99.6% were treated in a single session. The median thrombectomy time was 28 minutes. The primary effectiveness end point was achieved in 86% of limbs. Through 30 days, one device-related serious adverse event occurred. At 6 months, 24% of patients had post-thrombotic syndrome. Significant and sustained improvements were observed in all clinical outcomes, including the Revised Venous Clinical Severity Score, the numeric pain rating scale, and the EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire. ConclusionsThe 6-month outcomes from the all-comer CLOUT registry with a range of thrombus chronicities demonstrate favorable effectiveness, safety, and sustained clinical improvements.

Thrombus Chronicity Subanalysis of Mechanical Thrombectomy For Deep Vein Thrombosis in Real-World Patients: Six-Month Outcomes from the CLOUT Registry

The prospective, multicenter, real-world CLOUT registry assesses the safety and effectiveness of the ClotTriever System (Inari Medical, Irvine, Calif) for the treatment of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The goal of this subanalysis is to evaluate the outcomes of the CLOUT registry based on thrombus chronicity. The CLOUT registry is actively enrolling patients with proximal DVT. Thrombus chronicity was assessed by the treating physician, taking into account patient medical history, intraprocedural imaging, and visual inspection of the extracted thrombus. Patients were classified as having acute (<2 weeks), subacute (2-6 weeks), and/or chronic (>6 weeks) thrombus, using the oldest chronicity extracted per treated limb. The primary effectiveness end point is complete or near-complete (≥75%) thrombus removal as determined by Marder scores adjudicated by an independent core laboratory. Ultrasound and clinical outcomes are reported to 6 months. Of the first 250 patients enrolled in CLOUT, 33% were classified with acute, 35% with subacute, and 32% with chronic thrombus. Median age was 62 years, 52% were male, 23% had prior history of DVT, and 40% were at a high bleeding risk with thrombolytics. All procedures but one were single session (99.6%) with a median of four ClotTriever passes for all chronicity subgroups. No patients required adjunctive thrombolytics. Adjuvant angioplasty was used in 73% (acute: 70%; subacute: 68%; chronic: 84%) and stents in 47% (acute: 46%; subacute: 42%; chronic: 50%) of cases. Median blood loss was 50 mL for all chronicity subgroups. Complete or near-complete thrombus removal was achieved in 85% (acute: 90%; subacute 81%; chronic: 84%) of limbs, including 51% (acute: 54%; subacute: 49%; chronic: 49%) with 100% thrombus removal (Figure ). The post-thrombectomy median hospital stay was 1 day for all chronicity subgroups. At 6 months (Table I), 90% (acute: 88%; subacute: 86%; chronic: 95%) of limbs had flow present and 90% (acute: 86%; subacute: 91%; chronic: 92%) were compressible. Post-thrombotic syndrome was present in 25% (acute: 16%; subacute: 29%; chronic: 29%) of patients and moderate or severe post-thrombotic syndrome in 8% (acute: 2%; subacute: 11%; chronic: 10%) of patients. Outcomes from the real-world CLOUT registry indicate that the ClotTriever System can effectively remove acute, subacute, and chronic thrombus. At six months, significant ultrasound and clinical improvements were observed in all chronicity subgroups. Enrollment to 500 patients and follow-up to 2 years is ongoing (NCT03575364).TableImprovement in ultrasound and clinical outcomes at 6 monthsAcuteSubacuteChronicFlow present888695Compressibility869192PTS rate162929 Moderate or severe PTS rate21110Median decrease in numeric pain rating scale10010090Median decrease in rVCSS715050Median increase in EuroQol group 5-D352235PTS, Post-thrombotic syndrome; rVCSS, Revised Venous Clinical Severity Score.P values are derived from Wilcoxon sign rank or McNemar’s tests. All P values are < .001.Improvements in outcomes at 6 months. Values are percent. Open table in a new tab

2-1-2 Stroke microsurgical thrombectomy technique as a tertiary/salvage treatment option.

Microsurgical thrombectomy (MST) has been used for many years in few stroke cases without any prospective randomized study, nor detailed systemized technique description. As many centers worldwide are recruited for stroke thrombectomy availability, MST might increase in the near future either as a tertiary or salvage treatment option. A straightforward surgical plan is mandatory empowering a safe, efficient, and rapid neurosurgical operation, so our aim is to describe the 2-1-2 microsurgical technique. Three patients presented at emergency department with large stroke not suitable to venous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy due to late arrival time and endovascular suite technical problems. They were referred to 2-1-2 MST after imaging showed brain collaterals on head angio-CT scan and ASPECTS greater than 6 points. The procedure comprised 2 insulin needle punctures in the target artery, 1mm micro-scissor transverse arteriotomy, milk thrombus removal and 2 simple sutures micro stitches. Sixty days clinical follow-up and brain imaging control provided data results. All patients treated with 2-1-2 MST technique had complete thrombus removal by precise surgical maneuvers avoiding surgeons unplanned and insecure movements to reduced operation time. Head angio-CT scan evidenced complete cerebrovascular circulation re-flow with clinical improvements in 60 days follow-up without complications or hospital readmissions. 2-1-2 MST technique can be rapidly and efficaciously performed in a systemized manner offering a tertiary or salvage technique for acute stroke treatment. Specific microsurgical training is mandatory to accomplish this treatment and larger studies are necessary to confirm our hypothesis.

Upside-down positioning of a peri-interventional cava filter during endovascular thrombectomy of a septic superior vena cava thrombosis

A 43-year-old male patient with advanced colon carcinoma presented with disseminated staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and central venous catheter associated septic thrombosis of the superior vena cava. Despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy and surgical debridement of distant foci, bacteremia persisted, so an endovascular thrombectomy was performed. Contrary to the usual application, the Capturex® peri-interventional cava filter was positioned upside down, in the direction of the blood flow, in the superior vena cava to prevent septic embolism during mechanical thrombectomy. The wall-adherent septic thrombus was mechanically detached using a RAT fragmentation basket® followed by Aspirex® rotational thrombectomy. Final phlebography showed complete thrombus removal. Small thrombus fragments could be demonstrated in the filter after retrieval. The adapted technique of a reverse positioning of the Capturex® filter in the superior vena cava seems feasible and effective.

3D Turbo Spin-echo MRI-based Mechanical Thrombectomy at Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcations.

We describe three cases with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. From the pre-operative MRI, including three-dimensional turbo spin-echo sequences using T1WI and T2WI, we assessed both thrombus configuration and arterial anatomy at the MCA bifurcations. For efficient endovascular thrombectomy, we identified the applied MCA segment 2 (M2) branch, in which the main thrombus was buried. Sufficient recanalization after a single pass was achieved and the patients made a marked recovery. Although mechanical thrombectomy for M2 occlusion has not been of proven benefit, the endovascular procedure based on three-dimensional turbo spin-echo imaging is useful for more complete thrombus removal at MCA bifurcations.

Thrombus Removal With ClotTriever in the ClotTriever Outcomes Registry: The Effect of Thrombus Chronicity

In deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the composition of the thrombus transforms over time, becoming more resistant to anticoagulation and thrombolytic treatment. A patient's clinical symptoms are often used to estimate the thrombus composition to help determine effective treatment. However, DVT can be asymptomatic for days to weeks. Using data from the CLOUT (ClotTriever Outcomes) Registry, a study evaluating real-world patient outcomes after treatment of lower extremity (LE) DVT with the ClotTriever System (Inari Medical, Irvine, Calif), we compared the indicators of thrombus chronicity and examined their effects on thrombus removal. The CLOUT Registry is actively enrolling ≤500 proximal LE DVT patients. Thrombus chronicity was assessed before the procedure according to symptom duration, during the procedure from the pretreatment imaging findings (venography, intravascular ultrasound, duplex ultrasound) and clinical history, and after thrombectomy by visual inspection of the thrombus morphology. Thrombus chronicity was classified as acute (<2 weeks), subacute (2-6 weeks), or chronic (>6 weeks). Complete or near-complete thrombus removal was defined as ≥75%, calculated via core laboratory-adjudicated Marder scores. A total of 225 patients (age, 58.7 ± 15.3 years; 52.9% male) with 240 treated limbs were included in our interim analysis. Overall, 93 patients (41.5%) had contraindications for thrombolytic agents and 53 (23.6%) had had a prior DVT. The median ClotTriever thrombectomy time was 28.0 minutes (range, 20.0-45.0 minutes). Classified by symptom duration, 69.1% of the limbs had acute thrombus, 22.2% had subacute thrombus, and 8.7% had chronic thrombus. After pretreatment imaging, the limbs were reclassified as 38.1% acute, 37.7% subacute, and 24.2% chronic. After thrombectomy, the limbs were reclassified further as 30.5% acute, 36.1% subacute, and 33.5% chronic. Comparing the initial and final post-thrombectomy assessment, 55.6% of the limbs had been misclassified, with most having thrombus more chronic than expected (Fig). With the addition of pretreatment imaging, the classification of chronicity has improved. However, still 16.5% of the limbs had thrombus more chronic than expected. Complete or near-complete thrombus removal was similar across the chronicity classifications: 86.2% in acute, 78.1% in subacute, 81.7% in chronic thrombus. In an all-comer DVT patient population, thrombus that had been first assessed using symptom duration was found to be more chronic than expected in nearly one half of the treated limbs. The use of the ClotTriever device was effective in removing thrombus in each chronicity category. This finding has implications in the treatment choice for patients presenting with DVT.

Application of manual aspiration thrombectomy in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis in cancer patients: Descriptive retrospective cohort study.

ObjectivesTo determine the outcomes and feasibility of endovascular treatment, mainly based on manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT) with adjunctive percutaneous balloon angioplasty with or without stent deployment, for treatment of symptomatic ilio-femoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT) in cancer patients.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective cohort study, 135 consecutive patients (56 men; mean age, 63 years; 149 limbs) with acute (n = 113; 83.7%) and subacute to chronic (n = 22; 16.3%) symptomatic IFDVT underwent MAT-based endovascular treatment. Among them, adjunctive balloon angioplasty and stent placement was performed in 94 patients. Technical and clinical success regarding stage and cause of DVT was assessed.ResultsTechnical success (complete thrombus removal without residual thrombus or stenosis) was achieved in 89.6%, and subjective symptom improvement was stated by 71.5% of treated patients. The primary patency rates were 88.1%, 81.6%, 76.0%, 74.1% and 69.1% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 30 months, respectively. Recurrent IFDVT occurred in 19.3% (26/135) of patients, 0.79 cases per patients-years of follow up. According to the analysis by causes of IFDVT, recurrence rate was 19.3% (11/57), 21.2% (12/57), and 14.3% (3/21) in unknown, compression/invasion of the vein by cancerous mass, and May-Thurner syndrome groups, respectively (p = 0.798). No procedure-related complication developed.ConclusionsEndovascular treatment based on MAT is a feasible treatment option with favorable outcomes and minimal risk of complication in cancer patients with symptomatic IFDVT.

Concomitant AngioVac thrombectomy and patent foramen ovale closure in a patient with a large right atrial thrombus and recent paradoxical embolic stroke

A 59-year-old male with a history of gallbladder adenocarcinoma receiving chemotherapy and on therapeutic anticoagulation for portal vein thrombosis presented to the emergency department via ambulance after being found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Initial workup upon return of spontaneous circulation revealed a large right atrial mass, patent foramen ovale (PFO), and bilateral acute cortical infarctions. This constellation of findings were concerning for PFO-related paradoxical embolic strokes. Given the risk of recurrent paradoxical embolic events and the absolute contraindication to thrombolysis due to recent cerebral infarction, the decision was made to proceed with percutaneous vacuum-assisted thrombectomy using the AngioVac device. To prevent intraoperative thrombus propagation, PFO-closure was performed immediately prior to thrombectomy. Aspiration thrombectomy and PFO-closure were successful with complete thrombus removal and no intraoperative thrombus propagation. This case presents a minimally invasive and rapid treatment for a complex problem. An efficient and effective interdisciplinary team-based approach allowed the patient to resume cancer treatment relatively unabated.

Clinical efficacy of one-stage thrombus removal via contralateral femoral and ipsilateral tibial venous access for pharmacomechanical thrombectomy in entire-limb acute deep vein thrombosis

ObjectiveIn the present study, we compared the early results between different approaches for pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT) in the treatment of entire-limb acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MethodsThe present retrospective cohort study included patients with entire-limb acute DVT who had undergone PMT from January 2016 to March 2019 at two independent vascular centers. At the first center (Renji Hospital), the vascular surgeons used contralateral femoral venous access or ipsilateral tibial venous access (CFVA/ITVA). All consecutive patients with entire-limb acute DVT had undergone PMT through CFVA/ITVA at the first center. At the second center (Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital), the vascular surgeons had conducted PMT using the traditional approach via ipsilateral popliteal venous access (IPVA). All consecutive patients had undergone PMT through IPVA at the second center. The primary endpoint was the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The secondary endpoints included thrombus removal grade, venous primary patency rate, and the incidence of moderate-to-severe PTS. ResultsA total of 73 patients were enrolled in the present study, including 37 patients with CFVA/ITVA at the first center and 36 patients with IPVA at the second center. No significant difference was detected between the two groups in age, gender, onset time, affected limb, or risk factors. The proportion of patients who had undergone catheter-directed thrombolysis was significantly lower in the CFVA/ITVA group than in the IPVA group (P = .010). Thrombus removal grade III was achieved more often in the CFVA/ITVA group than in the IPVA group (P = .007). The PTS incidence was significantly lower in the CFVA/ITVA group than in the IPVA group (P = .043). The thrombus removal grade and access type were independent factors associated with the development of PTS. Patients with complete thrombus removal (grade III) and CFVA/ITVA had a significantly lower incidence of PTS. ConclusionsPMT can increase the thrombus clearance rate, reduce the requirement for subsequent catheter-directed thrombolysis, and, potentially, decrease the incidence of PTS using CFVA/ITVA instead of traditional IPVA in the treatment of entire-limb acute DVT.

Stroke Microsurgical Thrombectomy Human Placenta Simulator

Stroke microsurgical cerebrovascular thrombectomy reports are limited, although this technique could be used in many centers as a primary treatment or a salvage intervention option. It requires great ability, so our aim is to describe and validate a stroke microsurgical thrombectomy exvivo simulator with operative nuances analysis. Human placenta (HP) models simulated middle cerebral artery vessels with intraluminal thrombus to be microsurgically excised. Six neurosurgeons performed 1-mm and 2-mm longitudinal and transverse arteriotomy in different arteries to remove a 1.5-cm length thrombus. Validation through construct validity compared time to complete the task, complete vessel cleaning, vessel manipulation, vessel stenosis, and leakage in both techniques. All 6 HP models reproduced with fidelity stroke microsurgical thrombectomy, so participants completed 24 sessions, 4 for each neurosurgeon on the same model in different arteries. Construct validity highlighted microsurgical technical difficulties with positive results obtained by parameters variation during performance. Transverse arteriotomy with 1-mm length had best results (P < 0.05) allowing complete thrombus removal, less stenosis, and minor leakage in abbreviated time. A HP simulator can reproduce with high fidelity all stroke microsurgical thrombectomy part tasks. Transverse 1-mm arteriotomy followed by thrombectomy and 2 simple sutures can fulfill all quality assurance aspects in such intervention accordingly to training model, due to easier vessel opening, complete thrombus removal, no stenosis, and faster microsuture.

The effectiveness of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of acute thromboembolic occlusions of lower extremity.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy as the initial thrombus removal method in the treatment of acute lower extremity ischemia. The patients with acute lower limb ischemia who underwent percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy between August 2016 and February 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were diagnosed by clinical examination and computed tomography angiography. The percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy was performed as the initial thrombus removal method, followed by anticoagulation therapy. The patients were followed up by clinical examination, imaging, and ankle brachial index (ABI) examination. Thirty-two patients (21 males, 11 females; average age of 68.53 ± 8.05; three cases of grade III, 29 cases of grade IIB) were reviewed. Recanalization of the thromboembolic occlusions were achieved in all patients. ABI significantly (p < 0.01) increased postoperatively (preoperative ABI: 0.51 ± 0.13; postoperative ABI: 0.85 ± 0.65, ABI at three months postoperatively: 0.84 ± 0.66). Eleven patients underwent balloon dilation and three patients had stent placement. Complete thrombus removal was achieved in all patients. The primary patency at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively was 90%, 85%, and 56%, respectively. The secondary patency at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively was 93%, 87%, and 65%, respectively. The immediate result appeared to be effective to use percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy as the first thrombus removal method in the treatment of acute thromboembolic occlusions in the lower extremity, while the midterm result needs to be further improved.

Complete removal of massive thrombus trapped in the common carotid artery in stages

With recent innovative aspiration catheters, even a large thrombus in the internal carotid artery can be removed at a high rate. Though, we still sometimes have difficulty absorbing hard and large thrombus. Here, we report a case in which we eliminated a massive thrombus stuck in the common carotid artery in multi-steps. Tremendously large thrombus trapped in the common carotid artery is extremely rare. The thrombus was first loosened and deformed with balloon compression and removed with several attempts with an aspiration catheter and a stent retriever to finish it off. The thrombus was much larger than the thickest balloon-guide catheter and we had to pull it out and introduce it again for each time. It required a lot of work but was less-invasive and effective.