FlowTriever System for mechanical thromboembolectomy

Abstract

The systemic or catheter-directed infusion of thrombolytics benefits patients with massive and probably submassive pulmonary embolism. However, the risk of bleeding may offset benefits in a substantial number of patients. Percutaneous mechanical thromboembolectomy is an alternative to thrombolysis in those patients with contraindications to the lytic therapy, also potentially a way to avoid systemic or catheter-directed infusion of the thrombolytic all together. The Inari FlowTriever System (Inari Medical Inc, CA, USA) is the first US FDA-cleared large-bore aspiration thrombectomy device with pulmonary embolism thrombectomy indication. This article is a review of the FlowTriever System, its clinical use, current supportive literates and future research directions.

Keywords: FlowTriever; catheter directed therapy; pulmonary embolism; residual pulmonary vascular obstruction; thromboembolectomy; thrombolysis; venous thromboembolism.