Rotational thrombectomy of acute peripheral vascular occlusions using the ThromCat XT device: techniques, indications and initial results.

PURPOSE

To gather initial procedural experiences with the ThromCat XT, a new rotational thrombectomy catheter primarily developed for coronary interventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ThromCat XT is a 150-cm rapid exchange thrombectomy device consisting of an atraumatic tip and a steel helix with a kink-resistant covering. It was employed in native arteries, veins, grafts and stents in ten patients presenting with acute and subacute thrombembolic occlusions.

RESULTS

Technical success with a restoration of flow was achieved in 70% of patients. The mean thrombectomy time was 8.0±2.33 min, and the aspirated blood volume ranged from 120 mL to 280 mL. Peripheral thrombembolism was detected in two cases, and embolic protection was applied in four cases. Vessel injuries and catheter failures were not observed in any of the cases.

CONCLUSION

The ThromCat XT is an easy-to-handle, reliable and atraumatic device for the removal of fresh thrombi in native and artificial vessels. In our series, the thrombus age-especially if greater than five days-had a major impact on technical success.