Percutaneous aspiration embolectomy of superior mesenteric artery using a 5MAX ACE reperfusion catheter.

Acute mesenteric ischaemia is a rare abdominal emergency that commonly results in bowel infarction and has a very high mortality rate. Therefore, prompt recognition and treatment are crucial for a successful outcome. A thrombectomy for embolism in the mid portion of the main trunk of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is proposed. A near-complete thrombi removal from the main trunk of the SMA was achieved by using a 5MAX ACE reperfusion catheter, which was designed for treating cerebral embolism. This is the first report describing the treatment of acute mesenteric ischaemia using this catheter. Percutaneous aspiration embolectomy with this catheter is a useful modality for recanalization of embolic occlusion of not only the cerebral artery but also the SMA.