Thrombectomy using suction filtration and veno‐venous bypass: Single center experience with a novel device

OBJECTIVES: To describe the first single center experience with a novel aspiration thrombectomy device. BACKGROUND: The appearance of inferior vena cava or right-sided intracardiac thrombus may prompt consideration of percutaneous thrombectomy as a method to prevent new or worsening pulmonary embolism (PE). The AngioVac is a novel thrombectomy device composed of a cannula and extracorporeal circuit with filter for pump-assisted removal of intravascular debris which is coupled with a reinfusion catheter for return of blood to the patient. The device has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration since 2009. This report represents the first significant case series describing its use, feasibility and outcomes in evacuating large caval thrombi or intracardiac masses in PE. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patient and case characteristics and in-hospital clinical outcomes of AngioVac thrombectomy in 14 consecutive patients treated between April 2010 and July 2013 at our institution. RESULTS: Fourteen consecutive patients (mean age 50, 64% female) underwent 15 AngioVac procedures over 40 months. Indications included intracardiac mass (73%), acute PE (33%), and caval thrombus (73%). Four patients (27%) were in shock at the start of the procedure. Peri-procedure mortality was 0% and in-hospital mortality was 13% at a mean follow-up of 23 days. There were no pulmonary hemorrhages, strokes or myocardial infarctions. Though 73% had a post procedural drop in hematocrit, only two bleeding events were related to access site and required a transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: AngioVac thrombectomy is feasible in critically ill patients with acute DVT or PE and large caval thrombi or intracardiac masses.