Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy in the management of deep vein thrombosis using the cleaner device: an initial single-center experience.
BACKGROUND
Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT) has appeared as an effective treatment modality for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Cleaner™ thrombectomy device for acute DVT.


METHODS
Sixteen consecutive patients presenting with extensive iliofemoral and/or femoropopliteal acute DVT and managed at our institution between February 2013 and May 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients underwent PMT with the Cleaner device after insertion of vena caval filters. For underlying stenotic lesions, balloon angioplasty and/or stent placement was performed.


RESULTS
PMT with the Cleaner device was successful in 14 patients with complete restoration of flow. No clinical signs of pulmonary thromboembolism was recorded after the procedure. Thrombectomy failed in 2 patients. For the rest of the patients, balloon angioplasty was performed to relieve underlying stenotic lesions. Nine of them underwent additional stenting.


CONCLUSIONS
Our initial experience suggests that the Cleaner device can be used in acute DVT. However, further studies involving larger patient populations are warranted to determine long-term results.
Radiology Department, Turgut Özal University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Electronic address: bozkurtalper@yahoo.com.
Alper
A
Bozkurt
Radiology Department, Turgut Özal University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
İsmail
İ
Kırbaş
Radiology Department, Turgut Özal University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Dilek
D
Kösehan
Cardiology Department, Turgut Özal University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Bora
B
Demirçelik
Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Turgut Özal University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Yunus
Y
Nazlı
D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007084:Iliac Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D061185:Mechanical Thrombolysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010690:Phlebography; D011152:Popliteal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey; D062666:Vascular Access Devices; D014654:Vascular Patency; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator