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What Is Endovascular Thrombectomy?
Endovascular thrombectomy is a procedure performed to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). It is performed to quickly break up a blood clot, restore blood flow within the vein, and potentially preserve valve function to minimize the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome.
Who is a Candidate for Endovascular Thrombectomy?
Individuals who may need an endovascular thrombectomy include those who have a blood clot that cannot be treated with medications such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) or thrombolytics (clot-busting medications). This procedure may be needed if the blood clot blocks blood flow to any part of the body, which can increase the risk of permanent tissue or organ damage, embolus, or, in some cases, death. To learn if this procedure is right for you, please consult with your vascular physician.
The Endovascular Thrombectomy Procedure
During an endovascular thrombectomy, you will receive general anesthesia or sedation to help you relax and fall asleep. Your physician will use image guidance to insert a catheter into the popliteal (located behind the knee) or another leg vein and thread it into the vein that contains the clot. The catheter tip is then placed into the clot and a clot-busting medication is infused into the clot. The fresher, or newer the clot, the faster it will dissolve (usually in 1-2 days).
Any narrowing in the vein that may lead to future clot formation can be identified by an imaging study of the veins known as venography. This can be treated with balloon angioplasty or stent placement.
For individuals who are not ideal candidates for thrombectomy and for whom blood thinners are not medically appropriate, your physician can insert a small device called a vena cava filter, which functions like a catcher’s mitt to capture blood clots but allows normal liquid blood to pass.
For the treatment of DVT and to prevent a blood clot from traveling to the lungs, vascular physicians can perform a minimally invasive procedure to break apart the clot. This is one of the many procedures conveniently performed in our office.
Endovascular Thrombectomy Aftercare
Following endovascular thrombectomy, some people may be able to return home the same day, while others may need to stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring; this ultimately depends on the location of the clot and the surgery that was performed. Be sure to follow your physician’s aftercare instructions regarding how to care for your incision, how to take medications, and when you can return to regular activities.
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Schedule a Consultation
To learn if endovascular thrombectomy is right for you, please contact South Florida Vascular Associates by giving us a call or filling out our online form. We serve the greater Southeast Florida areas with locations in Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach, and Plantation, FL.