PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL HYDRODYNAMIC TH ROMBECTOMY

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