[Mechanical high speed analysis of acute thromboembolic occlusions of t he popliteal artery. Initial experiences with the Amplatz thrombectomy catheter].

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy and the benefits of the Amplatz Thrombectomy Device (ATD) in acute thromboembolic occlusions of the popliteal artery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

15 Patients (mean age 66 years) presenting with acute thromboembolic occlusions of the popliteal artery underwent mechanical thrombolysis with the ATD. The duration of symptoms was 1-22 days, mean length of occlusion was 7 cm (5-10 cm).

RESULTS

Mechanical thrombolysis was successfully performed in 14/15 patients. The mean running time of the ATD was 4 minutes. The ATD failed in one patient with a 22-day history of popliteal artery occlusion. Remaining stenoses after ATD-thrombolysis were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (n = 3): pulse spray thrombolysis with urokinase was performed in two patients, in one patient aspiration thromboembolectomy with a 5F-catheter was performed to remove a small embolus from the anterior tibial artery. The ankle-brachial-index increased from 0.62 +/- 0.25 to 0.9 +/- 0.15.

CONCLUSIONS

The ATD seems to be a safe, simple, and fast-acting mechanical device from mechanical thrombectomy in the lower limbs. No complications were seen.