AngioJet catheter-based thrombectomy in a neonate with postoperative pulmonary embolism

A 2-day-old male with pulmonary atresia and an intact ventricular septum underwent central aortopulmonary shunt placement and right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. Postoperatively, the patient had difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation and was found to have a large thrombus occluding the entire right lower pulmonary artery. The patient underwent successful percutaneous catheter-based thrombectomy in the early postoperative period with the Possis AngioJet catheter. The patient had immediate improvement in gas exchange and was able to be weaned from the ventilator shortly thereafter. This represents the first published use of mechanical thrombectomy in a postoperative neonate. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.