Mechanical Thrombectomy

Mechanical thrombectomy is a type of minimally-invasive procedure in which an interventional radiologist uses specialized equipment to remove a clot from a patient’s artery. Using fluoroscopy, or continuous x-ray, the doctor guides instruments through the patient’s arteries to the clot, extracting the clot all at once.

The radiologist starts the procedure by making a small incision in either the wrist or the abdomen, giving them access to an artery.

This procedure is used to treat arterial blockages caused by blood clots. The following conditions are treatable by a mechanical thrombectomy:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Ischemic Stroke

Like all medical procedures, though, mechanical thrombectomies aren’t a perfect fit for everyone. In an emergency, know that if a tPA isn’t enough to take care of a clot, a mechanical thrombectomy is an available option.