Overview

Thrombectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove a blood clot from a blood vessel, often when it is causing serious complications. This procedure is performed to restore normal blood flow to affected areas and prevent further damage to tissues and organs. Thrombectomy is typically used for patients with severe cases of thrombosis, such as a clot in the brain (stroke) or the legs (deep vein thrombosis).

Why Thrombectomy is Required?

1. Emergency Treatment for Stroke: If a blood clot blocks a major artery in the brain, it can lead to a stroke. Thrombectomy is crucial to remove the clot and restore blood flow.

2. Severe Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): In cases where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs, thrombectomy is used to prevent serious complications like pulmonary embolism.

3. Abdominal Blood Clots: For blood clots in the abdomen, thrombectomy helps to reduce the risk of organ failure and other life-threatening conditions.

4. Heart-Related Conditions: If a clot forms in the heart, such as a left ventricular clot, thrombectomy may be necessary to prevent heart attack or stroke.

Key Advantages of Thrombectomy Treatment

• Faster Recovery: The procedure can help reduce the damage caused by the clot, leading to quicker recovery times compared to medical treatment alone.
• Prevention of Serious Complications: Thrombectomy can help prevent further health complications like tissue damage, gangrene, stroke, or organ failure.
• Minimally Invasive Options: Mechanical thrombectomy methods allow for minimally invasive clot removal with smaller incisions, reducing recovery time.
• Restores Blood Flow: By removing the clot, the procedure restores blood circulation, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to affected areas.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Thrombectomy Treatment

• Consultation with a Specialist: Before the procedure, your doctor will assess your condition and recommend whether thrombectomy is the right treatment for you.
• Medical History: Provide your doctor with a complete medical history, including any previous surgeries or conditions, to ensure the best possible outcome.
• Blood Tests: You may undergo blood tests to check your clotting factors and other health indicators before the procedure.
• Fasting and Medication: You may be advised to avoid eating or drinking before the procedure. Your doctor will also guide you on adjusting any current medications.
• Preoperative Imaging: An imaging study, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may be conducted to locate the clot precisely.

How Thrombectomy Treatment is Performed?

• Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably, and the area where the clot is located is cleaned and sterilized.
• Insertion of Catheter: A catheter (a small tube) is inserted into a blood vessel through a small incision, typically in the groin area or arm.
• Clot Removal: Using special instruments or suction, the clot is removed from the blood vessel. In some cases, a mechanical thrombectomy device is used to break the clot into smaller pieces for easier removal.
• Post-Procedure Monitoring: After the clot is removed, the incision site is closed, and the patient is monitored to ensure there are no complications.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

1. Before the Process:

You may experience some anxiety, but the medical team will help you feel comfortable and explain each step. You’ll be asked to stay still and avoid eating or drinking before the procedure.

2. During the Process:

The procedure itself is generally quick. While local anesthesia is administered to numb the area, you may remain awake or under light sedation.

3. After the Process:

You may need to stay in the hospital for monitoring. Pain and discomfort are usually managed with medications. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to weeks, depending on the clot's location.

Risk and Potential Complications

• Bleeding: As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding at the site of the incision or within the blood vessel.
• Infection: Though rare, infection at the catheter insertion site is possible.
• Re-occlusion: In some cases, the clot may re-form or new clots may develop after the procedure.
• Damage to Blood Vessels: The procedure may cause damage to the blood vessel or surrounding tissues in rare cases.
• Stroke: If a clot breaks apart during removal, there’s a small risk of pieces traveling to other areas, potentially causing another stroke.

Results/Outcomes

• Improved Blood Flow: The main outcome of thrombectomy is the restoration of normal blood flow, preventing further damage.
• Reduction of Symptoms: Many patients experience a reduction in symptoms like swelling, pain, or difficulty breathing after clot removal.
• Long-Term Benefits: If performed successfully, thrombectomy can reduce the risk of further complications such as gangrene, stroke, or permanent organ damage.