Thrombectomy

Overview
A thrombectomy is the excision of an abnormal or dangerous thrombus (blood clot). It is performed intraluminally (meaning directly in the cavity of a vessel) using a balloon catheter. The thrombus is then either pressed against the walls in order to restore at least part of the natural lumen; or the balloon is 'opened' after the thrombus and then carefully moved retrogradely so that the clot can be drawn out of the vessel.

Thrombectomies usually occur as a result of thrombosis or a blood clot in a vein or artery. Thrombectomies can be used to clear a blockage in a fistula (AV fistulas used for dialysis kidney treatment).

Indications

 * An unsuccessful treatment with fibrinolysis.
 * The occurrence of a mobile thrombosis
 * Phlegmasia coerulea dolens

Types
Catheter Thrombectomy: which is of further divided into
 * 1) Balloon Thrombectomy
 * 2) Aspiration Thrombectomy.

Surgical Thrombectomy

Related Chapters

 * Phlegmasia cerulea dolens
 * Deep vein thrombosis

Thrombektomie