Explained
The new thrombectomy catheter system is meant to treat pulmonary embolisms, or a sudden blockage in the pulmonary arteries. It utilizes a flexible tube that a doctor can insert through the leg, into the femoral vein and through the heart into the pulmonary arteries.
The catheter system is able to remove the clot by breaking it up and suctioning it out. It also is fixed with a funnel to help capture and remove the clot.
This procedure is an alternative to medications like blood thinners to remove a clot.
Dr. Joshua McKay, an interventional cardiologist at the hospital, performed the first procedure in a phased trial to gain clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Quote of note
“Typically, pulmonary embolism is treated with anticoagulation medication, or blood thinners that help the body break down the clots over time,” McKay told Community Impact. “However, this treatment can take weeks, in some cases. The new thrombectomy system removes clots in an hour or less with a much quicker recovery time.”
Zooming out
Pulmonary embolism occurs when a part of a blood clot in a vein breaks and travels to the lungs. It affects as many as 900,000 people in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Although most people could develop pulmonary embolism, those with vein injuries, slow blood flow, increased estrogen and genetic dispositions are especially at risk.
Although this is the first instance of this specific catheter system in Texas, other trials have seen success with catheter-directed pulmonary embolism treatment. One of which, a mechanical aspiration thrombectomy system, received FDA clearance in April.
What else?
This is another step Heart Hospital of Austin at St. David’s Round Rock has taken recently to treat complex heart surgery procedures in Williamson County. The hospital opened a heart valve clinic last summer to offer specialized treatment for heart disease patients.
The hospital performs procedures like coronary artery stenting, and can repair heart defects and replace heart valves without open-heart surgery, according to McKay. St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center was recently recognized as one of America’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals by Fortune and PINC AI.
