Percutaneous thrombectomy of mural aortic thrombus using intravascular ultrasound guidance.

Mural aortic thrombus is a challenging clinical problem with significant potential complications. Particularly precarious are situations with involvement of the visceral segment of the aorta. We describe a technique for percutaneous thrombectomy of mural aortic thrombus using intravascular ultrasound to guide an angled mechanical thrombectomy catheter in conjunction with a continuous aspiration system (Indigo mechanical thrombectomy system; Penumbra, Alameda, Calif). Use of this technique in three patients with challenging cases of mural aortic thrombus is discussed. All patients were treated successfully and without complication using this technique.