Percutaneous transluminal hydrodynamic thrombectomy

Purpose: First clinical applications in the femoro-popliteal vessels of a new system for percutaneous, transluminal hydrodynamic thrombectomy are presented. Material and method: Three patients suffering from femoro-popliteal thromboembolic obstruction were treated. A new hydrodynamic 8-F catheter with two lumina was used. The jet leaving at the tip of the catheter shredded the thrombotic material. Using the Venturi effect the thrombus was collected. The shredded material was transported outside through the second channel of the catheter. Results: All obstructions could be removed. Underlying degenerative vessel disease and older thromboemboli needed additional therapy like PTA or aspiration thrombectomy (PAT). Conclusions: The new catheter is helpful in removing arterial femoro-popliteal thromboembolic obstructions. Additional interventions may be necessary. More clinical experience is needed.