Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy: advantages and limitations

Abstract

Acute and subacute ischemia of the lower limb are still a common reason for amputation. Surgical thrombectomy according to Fogarty has declined in importance, due to the increased incidence of perioperative complications, while local intraarterial lysis is also associated with an increased rate of hemorrhagic complications, beside the prolonged time up to revascularisation, which additionally results in the need for intensive care monitoring. As an endovascular therapeutic option, various mechanical thrombectomy systems have been available over the past few years that studies have shown to have a low rate of complications, accompanied by a high technical success rate and low amputation rate. This review article will present the mechanism of action of the various mechanical thrombectomy systems that are currently in use and analyze the study results available on the respective systems.