Microsurgical thrombectomy: where the ancient art meets the new era.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the leading treatment for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, surgical thrombectomy (ST) may have a role in well selected LVO patients where MT failed to re-establish flow, the endovascular route is inaccessible, or where MT is a financially prohibitive or absent option (developing and poor countries). We compared the efficacy and efficiency between ST and MT, and described our operative experience and its potential application in the developing world. Clinical outcomes, procedural times, and efficacy of treatment were compared between the MT and ST of acute LVO between 2012 and 2022. Propensity score-matched analysis was also conducted to compare MT and ST. One-hundred nine patients fulfilled the study criteria (77 MTs vs 32 STs). Factors driving outcome were age (aOR: 0.95, 95%CI, 0.91-0.98), hemisphere side (aOR: 0.38, 95%CI, 0.15-0.96), and DWI-ASPECT (aOR: 1.39, 95%CI, 1.09-1.77) at presentation by the multivariate analysis. Times from door-start of procedure (P = 0.45) and start of procedure-recanalization (P = 0.13) were similar between treatment options. Propensity score-matched analysis found no significant difference for 2 treatment methods about time of door to recanalization (P = 0.155) and outcome (P = 0.221). The prognosticators of thrombectomy for acute LVO in patients with successful recanalization were age, affected hemisphere side, and DWI-ASPECT score. Our evidence shows that the efficacy of ST is similar to that of MT. There should be a place of ST for cases of mechanical failure or tandem cervical ICA and MCA occlusion. ST may be a temporizing LVO treatment option in healthcare systems where MT is inexistent or financially prohibitive to patients.

Challenges and Insights in Managing Device-Related Thrombosis Post-WATCHMAN Implantation: A Case Report of Surgical Thrombectomy in an Elderly Jehovah's Witness Patient With Atrial Fibrillation.

The WATCHMAN device offers a viable alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, particularly for high-risk patients. Despite its success, device-related thrombosis (DRT) remains a concern, potentially restricting its wider use. We present an 83-year-old female Jehovah's Witness with atrial fibrillation who, after successful WATCHMAN device implantation, suffered multiple transient ischemic attacks six months later. Initial investigation revealed a thrombus on a slightly exposed strut of the almost completely endothelialized device. Despite treatment with warfarin and rivaroxaban, urgent surgical intervention was ultimately required to remove the thrombus completely. This case illustrates the risk of thrombus formation even with minimal strut exposure and the challenges in managing DRT. It also highlights the necessity for diligent monitoring and potential reassessment of post-implantation anticoagulation protocols. Our report adds to the limited literature regarding surgical thrombectomy following WATCHMAN implantation and provides valuable insights for clinicians managing similar scenarios.

Acute Lymphocytic Myocarditis With Mobile Left Ventricular Thrombus.

A left ventricular thrombus (LVT) in cardiac disease is associated with various adverse events. To understand the risk of thromboembolism, it is necessary to recognize when LVT is most likely to occur. We present a case of acute lymphocytic myocarditis in a young patient, where the LVT manifestation occurred within 48 hours after the beginning of the disease and was treated by thrombectomy. We have not found any reports of LVT formation earlier than in this case. Patients with acute myocarditis are younger, at a median age of 34 years, and the social impact of embolic complications is considerable. Echocardiography is effective in detecting LVT noninvasively in low- and high-risk patients. Patients with myocarditis can benefit from careful observation by echocardiography.

Management of a Right Heart Intracavitary Thrombus in Transit in a Patient With Gastric Cancer in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Case Report.

A right atrial thrombus is an unusual source of imminent massive saddle pulmonary embolism (PE) . A hypercoagulable state secondary to gastric cancer (GC) can result in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with a resultant right-sided heart thrombus in transit. Here, we present a case of a young male patient from Honduras with DVT and multiple venous thrombi extending from the external iliac veins to the suprahepatic left vein, inferior vena cava, and right atrium of the heart, secondary to a hypercoagulable state from GC, adenocarcinoma type. We describe the approach of treating a right heart intracavitary thrombus with imminent risk for saddle PE and sudden cardiac death with thrombolysis through a central venous catheter (CVC) in a resource-limited setting.

Inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: clinical outcomes at a canadian tertiary center.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the surgical management and outcomes of patients with malignancies affecting the IVC. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that considered patients undergoing surgery for IVC thrombectomy in Calgary, Canada, from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2021. Parameters of interest included primary malignancy, the extent of IVC involvement, surgical strategy, and medium-term outcomes. RESULTS: Six patients underwent surgical intervention for malignancies that affected the IVC. One patient had a retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma, 1 had hepatocellular carcinoma with thrombus extending into the IVC and right atrium, 1 had adrenocortical carcinoma with IVC thrombus extending into the right atrium, and 3 had clear cell renal cell carcinoma with thrombus extending into the IVC. Surgical strategy for the IVC thrombectomy varied where 5 patients required the institution of cardiopulmonary bypass and underwent deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. No patient died perioperatively. One patient died 15-months post-operatively from aggressive malignancy. CONCLUSION: Different types of malignancy can affect the IVC and surgical intervention is usually indicated for these patients. Herein, we have reported the outcomes of IVC thrombectomy at our center.

Massive DVT from the proximal IVC to the pedal vein: Our approach using aspiration mechanical thrombectomy and open surgery thrombectomy.

Deep venous thrombosis might present in an acute condition requiring early thrombus removal. Several endovascular and surgical approaches are available with a short treatment time and minimal complications compared to pharmacotherapies. However, due to a lack of evidence, these are not the first treatment choice for deep vein thrombosis. Our case report showed a successful multimodality treatment for an acute-on-chronic massive deep vein thrombosis from the inferior vena cava to the pedal vein. A 47-year-old with chief complaints of cold, significant swelling, and severe pain in her left leg was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis through Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The patient received aspiration mechanical thrombectomy with the "kissing catheter" technique, adjunctive stent, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and open surgical thrombectomy by Fogarty catheter without recurrence and complication.

Surgical Thrombectomy for Extensive Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis after COVID-19 Vaccination : A Novel Surgical Technique and Literature Review.

Surgical treatment of refractory and extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has limited applications. Here, we describe an open, direct sinus thrombectomy in the early phase of extensive CVST. A 49-year-old man with extensive CVST that occurred after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and affected the drainage of the Labbé vein presented with clinical deterioration and left temporal hemorrhagic infarction. Since the patient had extensive CVST, we determined that systemic anticoagulation and endovascular treatment were not suitable treatment options. Therefore, we decided on an emergency surgical treatment and performed direct surgical thrombectomy. We followed extended suboccipital approach and made multiple incisions on the sinuses, exposing the posterior superior sagittal sinus to the transverse sigmoid junction. Consequently, the clinical condition of the patient dramatically improved, resulting in a favorable outcome with a modified Rankin Scale score of 0. Performing emergency open surgical thrombectomy was a technically feasible treatment option that recanalized obstructed sinuses. Importantly, the patient recovered with a good clinical outcome. Early maximal surgical thrombectomy is an effective and lifesaving method to treat extensive CVST with hemorrhagic infarction.

Cardiogenic shock due to pulmonary thromboembolism: the role of surgical thrombectomy / Shock cardiogénico debido a tromboembolismo pulmonar: el papel de trombectomía quirúrgica

Abstract A 53-year-old male patient with history of repaired hernia, who is admitted for 5 days of progressive dyspnea with diagnosis of abdominal sepsis, a computed tomography angiography was made, revealing pulmonary embolism in bilateral main pulmonary artery, and cardiac thrombectomy was performed.

Resumen Paciente masculino de 53 años de edad con historial de reparación de hernia, quien fue ingresado por presentar 5 días de disnea progresiva con diagnóstico de sepsis abdominal, se le realizó una angiografía por tomografía computada, revelando embolismo bilateral arteria pulmonar principal, se realizó una trombectomía cardíaca.

Cardiogenic shock due to pulmonary thromboembolism: the role of surgical thrombectomy.

A 53-year-old male patient with history of repaired hernia, who is admitted for 5 days of progressive dyspnea with diagnosis of abdominal sepsis, a computed tomography angiography was made, revealing pulmonary embolism in bilateral main pulmonary artery, and cardiac thrombectomy was performed.

Paciente masculino de 53 años de edad con historial de reparación de hernia, quien fue ingresado por presentar 5 días de disnea progresiva con diagnóstico de sepsis abdominal, se le realizó una angiografía por tomografía computada, revelando embolismo bilateral arteria pulmonar principal, se realizó una trombectomía cardíaca.

Outcomes of Surgical and Mechanical Thrombectomy in Massive Saddle Pulmonary Embolism: A National Perspective.

Introduction Saddle pulmonary embolism (PE) is a type of central PE that involves the bifurcation of the pulmonary arteries. First-line treatment is usually systemic thrombolytics, but surgical and mechanical thrombectomy (ST and MT) are used for patients with contraindications to thrombolytics or right heart strain. This study compares surgical and mechanical thrombectomy trends and outcomes in patients with saddle PE. Methods The data was extracted from the National In-Patient Sample (NIS) from 2016-2018 using the International Classification of Diseases-10-Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnosis codes. We used the Cochrane-Armitage trend test to analyze the trends of ST and MT and the chi-square test for statistical analyses. A two-tailed p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The overall trend of MT in saddle PE rose from 2016 to 2018, while ST remained stable. Around 95% of patients undergoing ST/MT were emergent admissions, with 82.5% occurring in teaching hospitals. Patients of age >65 years and more with comorbidity burdens were more likely to undergo MT over ST. In-hospital mortality after ST was 15.1%, and after MT was 11.1% (p:<0.001). The most common complications after ST were congestive heart failure (CHF) and atrial fibrillation (AF), and after MT were vascular events and CHF. Conclusion The use of mechanical thrombectomy has steadily increased during the study period. ST is more common in large/teaching hospitals, weekend admissions, and patients transferred from other facilities. MT is more common in elderly patients with a higher comorbidity burden. Patients who underwent MT had lower mortality, length of hospital stay, and post-procedural complications.

A Proposed Approach for the Management of Clot-in-Transit.

Clot-in-transit (CIT) is defined as a mobile echogenic material in the right atrium or ventricle as observed on ultrasound. A right heart free-floating thrombus is unusual when there is no structural disease of the heart or atrial fibrillation. Cardiopulmonary collapse and quick death can come from CIT, which occurs when a blood clot moves from the heart to the lungs. There are some clinical case reports of a large volume thrombus that was freely floating in the right heart in an asymptomatic patient, and the best therapeutic options are uncertain. Although several trials have been conducted on the treatment of CIT, clinical judgment is still used to determine the best treatment for right heart thrombus (RHT), especially when associated with pulmonary embolism (PE). In this review article, we discuss various diagnostic modalities and treatment options for this rare malady. We studied in detail their clinical impact on patients according to past research studies.

Management of Mesenteric Venous Ischaemia: A Case Series With Newer Approaches.

Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare condition that can result in morbid and sometimes fatal consequences. Conventional approaches have been to either resect and raise a stoma and/or anticoagulate. The disadvantage is that the conventional approaches do not address the underlying thrombus. This sometimes can lead to a downward spiral of worsening ischaemia culminating in further resections leading to loss of bowel length and subsequent short bowel syndrome. In this article, we present a case series that describes four possible approaches: (1) expectant management with anticoagulation, (2) resect, anti-coagulate, and reanastamose, (3) surgical thrombectomy (using Fogarty catheter), and (4) radiological thrombectomy. The technique along with criteria for different approaches are described.

Prevalence, Trends, and Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolism Treated with Mechanical and Surgical Thrombectomy from a Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common vascular disease in the US, a frequently underdiagnosed and potentially fatal condition where embolic material blocks one or more pulmonary arteries impairing blood flow. In this study, we aim to describe the prevalence, outcomes, and predictors of mortality of PE patients treated with mechanical (MT) and surgical thrombectomy (ST). This is a retrospective study using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's HCUP NIS data from 2010−2018. We used the ninth and tenth revisions of the International Classification of Diseases clinical modification codes (ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM) to identify patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of PE (ICD-10-CM codes I26.02, I26.09, I26.92, I26.93, I26.94, and I26.99; ICD-9-CM codes 415.11, 415.13, and 415.19). We extracted demographics, hospital-level, and patient-level characteristics, and defined the severity of comorbid conditions using Deyo modification of the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. The primary outcomes of interest were the utilization trends of PE (treated with MT and ST); the secondary outcomes were mortality, discharge to facility, peri-procedural complications, and length of hospital (LOS) stay; the tertiary outcome was to identify the predictors of in-hospital mortality. From 2010−2018, there were 1,627,718 hospitalizations for PE, of which 6531 (0.39%) underwent MT and 3465 (0.21%) underwent ST. The utilization trend of MT increased from 336 (0.20%) in 2010 to 1655 (0.87%) in 2018; the utilization trend of ST was 260 (0.15%) in 2010 and 430 (0.23%) in 2018. The unadjusted in-hospital mortality for MT was 9.1% with the mean LOS being 7(±0.3) days; for ST, mortality was 13.9% with a mean LOS of 13(±0.4) days. The occurrences of periprocedural complications for MT and ST were as follows: invasive mechanical ventilation was 13.8% and 32%; cardiopulmonary bypass was 3.3% and 68.3%; pulmonary embolectomy surgery was 1.7%; and bleeding complications were 1.4% and 3.4%. Predictors associated with in-hospital mortality for MT were: increasing age (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0−1.3, p < 0.026), female sex (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2−2.8, p < 0.004), large hospitals (OR 2.2, 95% 1.4−3.5, p < 0.001), and teaching hospitals (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1−3.1, p < 0.023). The predictor of in-hospital mortality for ST was increasing age (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0−1.4, p < 0.046). The number of MT procedures performed has rapidly increased over the past decade. Further studies are warranted to determine their rise and therapeutic use.

Effective treatment for massive neonatal catheter-related right atrial thrombosis.

Catheter-related thrombosis is a common complication caused by central venous catheters. Although right atrial thrombosis is uncommon, it may lead to life-threatening situations. Here, we report 2 cases of neonates with massive catheter-related right atrial thrombosis after congenital heart disease surgery. During therapeutic management, we attempted different treatments but failed to clear the mass. Finally, we found thrombectomy to be the most effective method for treating massive catheter-related right atrial thrombosis with favourable results.

A Large Ascending Aorta Thrombus in a Patient with Acute Myocardial Infarction-Case Report.

We present the case of a 50-year-old male, with no cardiovascular risk factors other than smoking, that presented with acute chest pain, revealed to be an acute myocardial infarction with a large thrombus located in the ascending aorta. Such findings are rare in a patient with no other afflictions, such as atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, or aortic wall injury (surgical or traumatic). There is no specific pathway regarding the management of ascending aorta thrombus in such a patient; therapeutic options include surgical, interventional, or medical methods. Surgical thrombectomy was performed in this case, considering the high risk of systemic embolism and stroke and the hemodynamic stability of the patient.

[Phlegmasia cerulea dolens. Treatment with systemic fibrinolysis]. / Flegmasía cerulea dolens. Tratamiento con fibrinolisis sistémica.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (FCD) is a rare complication of deep vein thrombosis. Its cause is unknown. The main predisposing factors for the disease are neoformative processes, hypercoagulable states, congestive heart failure, pregnancy, prolonged immobilization, and surgeries on the affected limb. FCD is characterized by massive edema, severe pain, and cyanosis. The diagnosis is clinical. It is associated in most cases with pulmonary embolism and can lead to loss of the compromised limb if not treated in time. So far there is no consensus on its treatment. In clinical practice the use of anticoagulation with heparin, local thrombolysis, systemic fibrinolysis, surgical thrombectomy, fasciotomy, and inferior vena cava filter are described. In irreversible cases amputation is required. We present the case of a patient with FCD, the treatment performed and the evolution.

La flegmasia cerulea dolens es una complicación rara y poco frecuente de la trombosis venos a profunda. Los principales factores predisponentes son los procesos neoformativos, estados de hipercoagulabilidad, insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva, embarazo, inmovilización prolongada y cirugías. Se caracteriza por edema masivo, dolor intenso y cianosis. Sin tratamiento evoluciona con isquemia, necrosis y amputación del miembro comprometido. No existe consenso en su tratamiento, pero éste debe ser rápido, multidisciplinario y agresivo. La anticoagulación con heparina, la fibrinólisis sistémica, la trombectomía percutánea con fibrinólisis local, la trombectomía quirúrgica, la fasciotomía, la colocación de filtro de vena cava inferior y la amputación son algunos de los tratamientos propuestos.

Free-floating thrombus of the aorta: 3 case reports.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic free-floating thrombus (FFT) of the aorta is a rare occurrence, but it can lead to catastrophic consequences. The initial symptoms are typically cerebral or peripheral embolisms. Surgical thrombectomy and thrombolysis are two primary treatments for FFT. Here, we report three cases of patients with idiopathic FFT in the absence of coagulopathy who were treated successfully by surgery with no recurrent thrombi or relapse of symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1 involved a 72-year-old male patient with a pedunculated thrombus in the distal aortic arch. Case 2 involved a 62-year-old female patient with a cylinder thrombus in the aortic arch and left common carotid artery. Case 3 involved a 65-year-old male patient with three pedunculated thrombi in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and left subclavian artery. None of the patients had clinical signs of coagulopathy. Pedunculated or cylinder thrombi have a greater risk of breaking off, which can produce severe peripheral embolism in contrast with intramural thrombi (73% vs. 12%). Due to the high embolism risk for each patient, conservative medical treatment by heparinization was deemed inappropriate, so each patient underwent emergency surgical thrombus removal. After surgery, each of the three patients was treated with warfarin for secondary prevention of thromboembolism. At 7-month follow-up in outpatient practice, a computed tomography (CT) scan indicated that Patient 1 had no recurrent thrombus, and the patient has been symptom-free for 11 months. At 1-month follow-up in outpatient practice, a CT scan indicated that Patient 2 had no recurrent thrombus, and the patient has been symptom-free for 8 years. At 3-week follow-up in hospital, a CT scan indicated that Patient 3 had no recurrent thrombus, but he failed to follow-up after discharge, so his follow-up status is unknown. CONCLUSIONS: For a large pedunculated or cylinder thrombus located in the thoracic aorta, surgical thrombectomy should be performed. And, in surgical thrombectomy, the location of the cannulas and cross-clamp should be selected carefully according to the location of the thrombus. After surgery, anticoagulant is important to prevent recurrent idiopathic thrombi.

Flegmasía cerulea dolens. tratamiento con fibrinolisis sistémica / Phlegmasia cerulea dolens. Treatment with systemic fibrinolysis

Resumen La flegmasia cerulea dolens es una complicación rara y poco frecuente de la trombosis venos a profunda. Los principales factores predisponentes son los procesos neoformativos, estados de hiper coagulabilidad, insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva, embarazo, inmovilización prolongada y cirugías. Se caracteriza por edema masivo, dolor intenso y cianosis. Sin tratamiento evoluciona con isquemia, necrosis y amputación del miembro comprometido. No existe consenso en su tratamiento, pero éste debe ser rápido, multidisciplinario y agresivo. La anticoagulación con heparina, la fibrinólisis sistémica, la trombectomía percutánea con fibrinólisis local, la trombectomía quirúrgica, la fasciotomía, la colocación de filtro de vena cava inferior y la amputación son algunos de los tratamientos propuestos.

Abstract Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (FCD) is a rare complication of deep vein thrombosis. Its cause is unknown. The main predisposing factors for the disease are neoformative processes, hypercoagulable states, congestive heart failure, pregnancy, prolonged immobilization, and surgeries on the affected limb. FCD is characterized by massive edema, severe pain, and cyanosis. The diagnosis is clinical. It is associated in most cases with pulmonary embolism and can lead to loss of the compromised limb if not treated in time. So far there is no consensus on its treatment. In clinical practice the use of anticoagulation with heparin, local thrombolysis, systemic fibrinolysis, surgical thrombectomy, fasciotomy, and inferior vena cava filter are described. In irreversible cases amputation is required. We present the case of a patient with FCD, the treatment performed and the evolution.

Neonatal ascending aorta thrombosis: A rare and lethal entity.

Ascending aorta thrombosis (AAT) in a neonate is a rare and lethal event. To date, AAT has been reported in around 25 patients, out of whom only eight patients had concomitant arch involvement. We report a case of one such patient with ascending aorta and arch thrombosis and present a brief review of the available literature.

Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes between Angiojet Pharmacomechanical Thrombectomy and Hybrid Surgical Thrombectomy for Thrombotic Occlusion of Hemodialysis Access.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between hybrid surgical thrombectomy (ST) and AngioJet pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT) for thrombotic occlusion of arteriovenous graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled patients who underwent either hybrid ST or AngioJet PMT in Presbyterian Medical Center from July 2018 to December 2018. We primarily compared the technical and clinical success rates between the two groups immediately after the procedures. Subsequently, the postprocedure clinical outcomes, including the primary and secondary patency rates and complications, were also compared. RESULTS: The hybrid ST group had a significantly higher bleeding amount than the AngioJet PMT group (P=0.02). The technical and clinical success rates were 96.7% and 93.3% in the AngioJet PMT group and 100% and 100% in the hybrid ST group, respectively. There was no significant difference in complications between the groups. The primary and secondary patencies at 12 months were not statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Comparable clinical outcomes were observed between the AngioJet PMT and hybrid ST groups, highlighting an equivalent efficacy of these two methods. Although the cost is more expensive, AngioJet PMT lowered the bleeding amount. Therefore, it can be considered in selected patients who are at risk of bleeding or reluctant to surgery.