Arterial thrombosis below the inguinal ligament: Percutaneous treatment with a thrombosuction catheter

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and clinical efficacy of using a thrombosuction catheter for treatment of arterial thrombosis below the inguinal ligament. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The catheter was used in a consecutive group of 28 patients (10 women, 18 men; age range, 38-87 years; mean age, 66.7 years; with 11 native vessels and 17 grafts) with acute infrainguinal thrombosis. Initial local success, clinical success, and 30-day outcome were studied. RESULTS: The initial local success rate was 82%. The clinical success rate was 73% for native vessels and 53% for grafts. The 30-day success rate was 73% for native vessels and 35% for grafts. Displacement of thrombotic material during the procedure resulted in a clinical complication in one patient. There were no bleeding complications. In 58% of all patients (n = 26), no lytic drug was used. CONCLUSION: The thrombosuction catheter seems to be a safe, fast-acting alternative or supplement to local lysis therapy for infrainguinal arterial thrombosis.