DVT Mechanical Thrombectomy
A specialized catheter procedure that physically extracts blood clots from deep veins, rapidly restoring blood flow and preventing long-term damage.
Mechanical thrombectomy is a catheter-based procedure that physically removes acute DVT clot from the iliofemoral veins — restoring venous patency rapidly and reducing the risk of long-term post-thrombotic syndrome compared to anticoagulation alone.
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Catheter-based mechanical extraction effectively removes fresh thrombus from the deep veins, rapidly restoring normal venous flow.
When It Is Indicated
- Acute iliofemoral DVT with clot less than 14 days old
- Severe symptoms: significant limb swelling, pain, and functional impairment
- Phlegmasia cerulea dolens — a vascular emergency with threatened limb viability
- Reducing risk of post-thrombotic syndrome in young, active patients
The Procedure
Under fluoroscopic guidance, a venogram confirms clot extent. The ClotTriever or similar mechanical device extracts thrombus from the iliac and femoral veins. May-Thurner syndrome (iliac vein compression) is identified and treated with iliac vein stenting if present. The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours.
Mechanical vs. Thrombolytic Approaches
- Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) — delivers clot-dissolving medication directly into the thrombus over 12–24 hours
- Pharmacomechanical CDT (PCDT) — combines catheter-directed thrombolysis with mechanical fragmentation
- Single-session mechanical thrombectomy — avoids thrombolytic drug use, reducing bleeding risk
Results & Evidence
The CLOUT Registry demonstrates greater than 90% thrombus removal with mechanical thrombectomy, with rapid symptom relief and low major complication rates. Post-thrombotic syndrome develops in up to 40% of patients managed with anticoagulation alone — early clot removal significantly reduces this burden.
After the Procedure
- Anticoagulation continued for a minimum of 3–6 months
- Compression stockings worn for at least 2 years
- Thrombophilia screening for unprovoked DVT
- Follow-up duplex ultrasound to assess venous patency
Considering DVT Mechanical Thrombectomy?
Dr. Peter Chang will assess your suitability and discuss all treatment options during a specialist consultation at Paragon Medical Centre, Singapore.