New Device for Removing Blood Clots

This is very similar to a Fogarty catheter, which is used in embolectomy surgery. Similar versions are used in interventional radiology, which is where angiography procedures are performed (including clot retrievals).

Fogarty catheters have been around for decades, and I have only used them in open vascular surgery personally. For embolectomies the Fogarty catheter is pushed up through the vessel, and once past a certain point a syringe with saline in it is used to blow up a small baloon at the distal end of the catheter. This balloon is kept distended as the catheter is slowly pulled out of the vessel, with the intent of pulling the clot along with it. It is done by feel and anatomical knowledge by a vascular surgeon.

The advertised device is similar but obviously different. I would need to ask a vascular surgeon, neurosurgeon or interventional radiologist next time I see one if the device in this video is being used here (Australia).

Clot retrievals using this sort of technology are done in the angiography suite under x-ray, and can take hours. I typically assist with "open" surgery, not endovascular surgery.

I imagine that this is an improved version of what is currently used, or it may not be used yet as it may not have passed TGA approval here.

As far as I know the current technique involves using a "basket" - a wire as in the video, but instead of a suction and baloon it opens up like a net, and then closes around the clot, which is then slowly dragged out. In what I have described it is obvious with a little imagination how accidentally breaking up clots may occur.

The invention in this video.could very well be a game changer for some stroke victims.

/r/interestingasfuck Thread Link - gfycat.com