thrombus aspiration
A mechanical technique using specialized catheters to remove thrombus from coronary arteries during primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Full Definition
Thrombus aspiration involves the use of dedicated aspiration catheters to mechanically extract thrombus material from coronary arteries, typically during primary PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The technique employs manual or mechanical suction to remove thrombotic material before balloon angioplasty and stent placement, theoretically reducing distal embolization and improving myocardial reperfusion. While initial studies suggested benefits in surrogate endpoints like ST-segment resolution and myocardial blush grade, large randomized trials have failed to demonstrate consistent clinical outcome improvements. Current guidelines provide limited recommendations for thrombus aspiration, emphasizing the importance of timely reperfusion over adjunctive thrombectomy.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between manual and mechanical aspiration systems. Note that evidence for routine use is limited per current guidelines.
In Context
- "Manual thrombus aspiration was performed prior to stent deployment, yielding significant thrombotic material." — STEMI intervention report
- "The operator elected to proceed directly to stenting without thrombus aspiration given the small thrombus burden." — Primary PCI procedure note