Percutaneous aspiration thromboembolectomy to manage the embolic complications of angioplasty and as an adjunct to thrombolysis.

Percutaneous aspiration thromboembolectomy (PAT) can be used to treat the embolic complications of angioplasty. The same technique is of value during thrombolysis to remove large pieces of thrombus. We report on our experience with PAT in 21 patients. Fourteen of these patients had embolization complicating peripheral angioplasty and in one case embolus complicated directional atherectomy. PAT was successful in 87% of these patients (13/15). In six patients undergoing thrombolysis of acute peripheral occlusions, all had successful PAT to shorten their treatment episode immediately prior to angioplasty of any underlying stenosis. PAT can be performed with a simple, inexpensive catheter under fluoroscopic control and therefore offers significant advantages over a surgical embolectomy using the Fogarty balloon catheter. PAT is a useful treatment option for the vascular radiologist.