Safety, Efficacy and Outcome of Rotational Thrombectomy assisted Endovascular Revascularisation of the Superior Mesenteric Artery in Acute Thromboembolic Mesenteric Ischaemia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous rotational thrombectomy-assisted endovascular revascularization of acute thromboembolic superior mesenteric artery occlusions in acute mesenteric ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen cases of percutaneous rotational thrombectomy- assisted (Rotarex S, BD, USA) revascularization were retrospectively analyzed. The etiology was embolic in 40 % of cases and thrombotic in 60 %. A "Thrombectomy in Visceral Ischemia" (TIVI) 5-point score determined vessel patency at presentation, after percutaneous rotational thrombectomy, and after adjunctive technologies. TIVI 3 indicated nearly complete revascularization (minimal residual side branch thrombus). TIVI 4 indicated complete revascularization. Technical success was defined as successful device application and a final TIVI score of 3/4 after adjunctive technologies. Safety and outcome were also analyzed. RESULTS: Device application via femoral access was feasible in 100 % of cases and improved flow in 86.7 % of cases (1â€Š× TIVI 0→1, 11â€Š× TIVI 0→2, 1â€Š× TIVI 1→2). There was no change in 13.3 % of cases (2â€Š× TIVI 2→2). Additional devices resulted in further flow improvement in 93.3 % of cases (8â€Š× TIVI 3, 6â€Š× TIVI 4). One recanalization failed (TIVI 2→2→2). After adjunctive technologies (10â€Š× manual aspiration, 11â€Š× angioplasty, 9â€Š× stenting), the technical success rate was 93.3 %. The mean procedure time was 40.5(±â€Š14) minutes for embolism and 72.1(±â€Š20) minutes for thrombosis. There was one device-related major complication (catheter tip fracture) resulting in a device-related safety rate of 93.3 %. The overall major complication rate was 20 %. Surgical exploration (13 ×), bowel resection (9 ×) and Fogarty embolectomy/bypass (3 ×) were also performed. The 30-day mortality rate was 40 %. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous rotational thrombectomy is an effective adjunct for rapid endovascular recanalization of acute thromboembolic superior mesenteric artery occlusions with an acceptable rate of major procedural complications. KEY POINTS: · Percutaneous rotational thrombectomy-assisted superior mesenteric artery revascularization in acute occlusive mesenteric ischemia is feasible and effective.. · Percutaneous rotational thrombectomy facilitates rapid flow restoration in native and stented superior mesenteric artery segments.. · Brachial access should be considered in the case of steep take-off angles of the superior mesenteric artery..