Thrombectomy - Oren Zarif - Thrombectomy

A thrombectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove a blood clot from an artery. It is usually combined with other treatments, such as thrombolysis, which breaks down the blood clot and requires 24 to 48 hours of observation. This procedure may be needed to treat an underlying condition, such as a heart rhythm disorder. This procedure is not without risks, however. Minor risks include bruising at the site of the puncture, but the major risk involves the blood clot travelling further into the artery or injuring the surrounding area.

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The use of mechanical thrombectomy is still under investigation, but pivotal clinical trials have demonstrated its safety and effectiveness in some patients. One such study, FLARE, concluded that the mechanism of mechanical thrombectomy is safe and effective. Current recommendations recommend mechanical thrombectomy only for patients who have an absolute contraindication to systemic thrombolytics. The procedure involves the insertion of various devices, including guide catheters, stent-retrievers, microcatheters, and aspiration catheters.

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Thrombectomy may also be used to treat conditions involving organs. A thrombus in the lungs can be fatal. When blood clots travel to the lungs, they can cause heart failure. Therefore, thrombectomy is often reserved for patients with severe clotting problems. A patient may also undergo thrombolysis to reduce their risk of developing another clot. This procedure is known as an "endovascular thrombectomy" and may require an overnight stay in a hospital.

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In some cases, mechanical thrombectomy is performed immediately after a stroke. This procedure is often faster and easier than tPAs, which are more effective for preventing brain damage. As a result, mechanical thrombectomy improves quality of life for stroke patients. Compared to thrombectomy with clot-busting drugs, mechanical thrombectomy does not need to be a major surgery.