TREATMENT

Mechanical Thrombectomy

VASCULAR & CLOT REMOVAL PROCEDURE

Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove or break up blood clots that are blocking blood flow. For selected vascular patients, this treatment may help restore circulation while limiting the need for open surgery.
  • Removes clot material
  • May restore blood flow
  • Uses catheter-based tools
  • Often image-guided
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Evaluation & Next Steps

  • Clear severity assessment and next steps
  • Supportive care and recovery guidance
  • Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
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Quick Summary

Key takeaway: Mechanical thrombectomy uses specialized catheter-based tools to remove or break up clot material from a blocked blood vessel.

It may be considered when a clot is limiting important blood flow and rapid restoration of circulation is needed. Treatment planning depends on clot location, symptom timing, imaging findings, and overall risk.

WHAT IS MECHANICAL THROMBECTOMY?

Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses specialized devices to remove, capture, aspirate, or break up a blood clot inside an artery or vein. The goal is to restore blood flow through the blocked vessel and reduce the risk of tissue or organ damage.

The procedure is usually performed through a small access point in the blood vessel. Using imaging guidance, a catheter is advanced to the clot so a device can remove or reduce the blockage.

Mechanical thrombectomy is not appropriate for every clot. The decision depends on where the clot is located, how long symptoms have been present, whether medication-based treatment is appropriate, and the patient’s overall condition.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • Acute vascular clot
  • Blood flow at risk
  • Severe limb symptoms
  • Selected DVT cases
  • Clot not responding
A full evaluation helps determine whether mechanical thrombectomy is appropriate based on clot location, symptom timing, imaging findings, bleeding risk, and overall health.

Conditions Treated

Mechanical thrombectomy may be considered for selected vascular conditions where clot material is blocking blood flow and device-based clot removal may be helpful.

Acute Arterial Clots

A sudden clot in an artery can reduce blood flow and may require urgent vascular evaluation.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Selected extensive vein clots may be evaluated for catheter-based clot removal as part of a DVT plan.

Pulmonary Embolism

Some lung clots may require advanced clot treatment depending on severity and overall risk.

Vascular Access Clotting

Clotted access pathways may need treatment to help restore flow and preserve function.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Removes clot material
  • May restore circulation
  • Can reduce symptoms
  • May protect tissue
  • May avoid open surgery
Benefits depend on clot location, timing, vessel health, and whether additional treatment is needed.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

Mechanical thrombectomy is performed with imaging guidance. The goal is to reach the clot with a catheter-based device and remove or reduce clot material so blood flow can improve.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Imaging is reviewed
  • Bleeding risk is checked
  • Medications are reviewed

During the Procedure

  • A catheter is placed
  • The clot is targeted
  • Blood flow is checked

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Monitoring may continue
  • Activity limits may apply
  • Follow-up care is needed

Risks / Considerations

  • Bleeding can occur
  • Vessel injury is possible
  • More treatment may be needed

Related Treatments / Alternatives

Depending on clot location, timing, and treatment goals, mechanical thrombectomy may be considered alongside clot-dissolving medication or other vascular procedures.

Thrombolysis

A clot-dissolving treatment approach that may use medication to help break down a clot.

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis

A targeted approach that delivers clot-dissolving medication near the blockage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mechanical thrombectomy is a procedure that uses catheter-based tools to remove, capture, aspirate, or break up clot material from a blocked blood vessel.
No. Thrombectomy removes or breaks up clot material with a device, while thrombolysis uses medication to dissolve a clot. In some cases, both approaches may be considered.
It may be used when a clot is blocking important blood flow and device-based removal is appropriate based on symptoms, timing, imaging findings, and risk.
Many mechanical thrombectomy procedures are minimally invasive and are performed through a small catheter access point using imaging guidance.
Risks may include bleeding, bruising, vessel injury, clot movement, incomplete clot removal, or the need for additional treatment.
Some patients may need additional treatment depending on clot response, vessel narrowing, circulation needs, and the underlying cause of the clot.

Locations

LVVIS offers vascular evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.

LVVIS West Side Consultation Office

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Consultations and vascular evaluations

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LV2 Limb & Vascular Division

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care

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LVVIS East Procedure Office

2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care

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LVVIS West Side Surgical Center

6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Advanced vascular and interventional procedures

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