What is a Thrombectomy, and How Can It Potentially Save One’s Life?

close up view of red blood cells

Here at Coastal Vascular Interventional, we are committed to educating our current and new patients and answering all your questions and worries. Could a thrombectomy be the answer for you or a family member?

What is a Thrombectomy?

A thrombectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove blood clots from within arteries or veins. This specialized technique helps restore blood flow, often preventing severe consequences associated with clot obstructions. It’s commonly used in treating stroke or heart-related issues caused by blood clots.

Under normal conditions, blood flows freely through the intricate network of blood vessels, which includes arteries and veins. Arteries transport oxygenated blood laden with vital nutrients to nourish the body, while veins serve to return waste products to the heart. However, on occasion, blood can coagulate and form a clot within these vessels, impeding the smooth flow of blood. Such clotting disrupts the natural circulation and poses a risk of tissue damage.

Why Would a Thrombectomy Be Necessary?

A thrombectomy may be necessary when a blood clot lodges in an artery or vein, commonly occurring in the arms or legs, but can occur anywhere along the arterial or venous system. This procedure might also be necessary for some blood clots affecting organs or other body parts.

The presence of a blood clot can result in various complications, such as:

  • Swelling, pain, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg
  • The sensation of cold in the affected area
  • Muscle discomfort in the region
  • Deep venous thrombosis leading to postthrombotic syndrome
  • Tissue death
  • Impaired function of an organ
  • Risk of a blood clot traveling to the lung, causing breathing difficulties and potential fatality (pulmonary embolism)

Your healthcare provider might suggest surgical thrombectomy if dealing with a substantial clot or when the clot is causing severe tissue damage. It’s important to note that surgery is not the sole treatment for a blood clot. Individuals with blood clots often receive medications known as blood thinners, administered via injection or IV. These medications aim to prevent the clot from enlarging.

Each treatment method for blood clots carries its risks and advantages. Seeking guidance from one of our vascular specialists, a doctor specializing in blood vessel issues, can offer valuable insights and assistance in making an informed decision.

Conditions That Thrombectomy Treats

A thrombectomy can address various medical conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Acute upper or lower extremity arterial limb ischemia
  • Acute mesenteric ischemia
  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Stroke
person massaging swollen leg

What Are the Risks and Benefits of a Thrombectomy?

Risks

As with any medical procedure, a thrombectomy does come with potential risks, which may include:

  • Blood vessel damage or stenosis (narrowing)
  • Bleeding
  • Hematomas (severe bruises)
  • Infection
  • Pulmonary embolism (a clot shifting from its original location and migrating to the lungs)
  • Compartment syndrome
  • Rhabdomyolysis 
  • Reoccurrence of the blood clot

Benefits

The benefits of a thrombectomy can include:

  • Reduced risk of severe disability or permanent damage caused by blood clots.
  • Restoration of normal blood flow to vital organs, preventing tissue damage.
  • Minimization of long-term complications associated with severe strokes
  • Potentially preventing limb loss or death in acute cases.
senior coupl enjoying life after thrombectomy

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Thrombectomy

Before Procedure

  • Before your surgery, you’ll sign consent forms, allowing your surgeon and anesthesiologist to proceed. 
  • Your doctor will advise on prep, including medication adjustments and smoking cessation. 
  • Inform the medical team about allergies, recent health changes, and pregnancy concerns. 
  • Tests like ultrasounds or scans might be required, and fasting is typically necessary until midnight before the surgery.

During Procedure

You should discuss the surgery details with your doctor, as the specifics vary based on the surgery type and treated body area. 

  • Typical surgical thrombectomy involves initial preparation, such as placing an IV in your arm for medication delivery, including blood thinners to prevent new clots. 
  • Anesthesia will be administered through the IV to induce sleep or relaxation during the surgery. 
  • Local numbing and hair removal in the surgical area may occur. 
  • Continuous X-ray imaging might guide the surgery.
  • The intervention can be open surgery, endovascular (minimally invasive), or a combination of both techniques. 

During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision above the clot, open the blood vessel, and extract the clot. 

Sometimes, a balloon or catheter may clear any remaining clot material. To maintain vessel openness, a stent might be inserted. The surgeon will close and repair the blood vessel, ensuring restored blood flow, and then close and bandage the incision.

After Procedure

After your thrombectomy, you’ll spend time in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) while your vital signs are closely monitored. Depending on your condition, your hospital stay may vary. You might receive medications and advice on resuming activity, including using compression stockings to prevent clot recurrence.

How to Lower Clotting Risks After Surgery 

There are some risks for surgery, including clotting. You should always talk to your doctor about these risks before surgery. 

Quitting smoking is advised to lower clotting risks, and your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate help if you notice worsening pain, incision issues, fever, bleeding, or weakness in the surgical area. Following your doctor’s medication, exercise, and wound care instructions will ensure a smooth recovery. 

Are You At Risk for Blood Clotting? 

Understanding the risks associated with blood clotting can safeguard your health and prompt you to get help from a doctor before it’s too late. Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing blood clots, potentially leading to severe health complications. Here’s what you should consider:

  • Health Conditions: Conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or a history of heart attacks can heighten the risk.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged periods of inactivity or immobility, like sitting for extended periods during travel or bed rest after surgery, can increase clotting risk.
  • Smoking and Obesity: Both smoking and being overweight contribute significantly to clot formation.
  • Genetic Factors: Inherited disorders like Factor V Leiden mutation or other clotting disorders can raise susceptibility.
  • Certain Medications: Hormone-based medications, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy may increase clotting risks for some individuals.

There are many risk factors for strokes, but if you suspect you’re at risk, then talk to your doctor and discuss thrombectomy. 

Next Steps to Prevent Blood Clots 

When it comes to blood clots, many people wait until few options are left. Fortunately, thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove blood clots from arteries or veins. 

 If you or a loved one face symptoms of deep vein thrombosis or blood clotting, you should ask about a thrombectomy. Schedule an appointment with Coastal Vascular Interventional today to discuss a personalized treatment. We want to help patients before blood clotting becomes dangerous.