Mechanical thrombectomy device AngioJet™ is effective for the treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis

Purpose: To explore the efficacy and safety of the mechanical thrombectomy device AngioJet (TM) for the treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods: A total of 14 patients with DVT undergoing percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) between January 2016 and September 2016 were included. PMT was performed after a temporary inferior vena cava filter was implanted. Thrombus clearance was assessed by angiography. Patients with severe residual vascular stenosis underwent angioplasty, and urokinase was administered post-angioplasty for thrombolysis. Follow-up visits were at the first, third and sixth months after surgery. Results: Complete recanalization (grade III) was achieved in 12 patients and near-complete recanalization (grade II) in two patients. Three patients underwent iliac vein stenosis balloon dilatation, and five patients underwent stent implantation. Hemoglobinuria was present in eight patients and subsided within 24 h after surgery. Oliguria was not present. No serious complications were reported. During follow-up, one patient had recurrent swelling of the lower extremity, which was resolved after an iliac vein stent was implanted. No thrombus recurrences of previously affected vessels were reported in other patients. Conclusion: AngioJet (TM) can quickly reduce thrombus burden and improve vascular recanalization rate. The application of this device is safe and effective for the treatment of acute DVT in clinical practice.