Robert A. Lookstein MD, Presenter: Consultant, Possis Medical, Inc Consultant, Bayer AG Speaker, Medtronic, Inc Research grant, Cook Group Incorporated

Eugene Simoni, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Lawrence Blitz, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

 To report registry data in which deep vein thrombosis in lower and upper extremities were treated with rheolytic thrombectomy using the Angiojet System (Possis Medical).  

A voluntary registry of the Possis Angiojet catheter used in the treatment of 150 patients with upper and lower extremity DVT was examined. An electronic data capture case report form was filled out by physician and staff tabulating patient DVT history, procedural information, post-case device performance assessment and acute adverse events. Three month clinical follow up was obtained to document continued symptomatic improvement. Cases were performed over 30 months at 31 U.S. clinical sites.  

A total of 150 patients were treated including 93male and 57 female (mean age 52; range 21 to 86). 22 upper extremity and 128 lower extremity DVT cases were included.  117 patients (78%) reported symptoms of less than 14 days. Combination therapy using Power Pulse Spray or Rapid Lysis techniques were used in 82% of cases (123/150). 86% of cases were completed in less than 24 hours, and 96% in less than 48 hours. Substantial or complete lysis was achieved in 92% of all venous segments treated. Adjunctive procedures including angioplasty and/or stent placement were performed in 93 patients (62%). Three month follow up was available for 102/150 (68%) of patients and 80 patients (79%) report continued symptomatic improvement.

Rheolytic thrombectomy combined with adjunctive measures form an effective and safe strategy for comprehensive vascular treatment of lower and upper extremity DVT. Combination techniques allow for the completion of most cases in less than 24 hours.

This data supports the feasibilty and safety of rheolytic thrombectomy for the endovascular treatment of deep vein thrombosis.

Lookstein, R, Simoni, E, Blitz, L, Midterm Results of the PEARL (Peripheral Use of Angiojet Rheolytic Thrombectomy with Midlength Catheters) Registry for Deep Vein Thrombosis.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8016662.html