thrombus aspiration
Catheter-based procedure to remove blood clots from coronary arteries during PCI.
Full Definition
Thrombus aspiration is a percutaneous coronary intervention technique used to mechanically remove thrombus (blood clot) from coronary arteries during primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction. The procedure involves inserting a specialized aspiration catheter through the guide catheter to the site of coronary occlusion, where suction is applied to extract clot material before balloon angioplasty or stent placement. The goal is to reduce distal embolization, improve coronary flow, and enhance myocardial perfusion. While routine thrombus aspiration is no longer recommended based on recent trials showing no mortality benefit, it may still be considered in cases with large thrombus burden or no-reflow phenomenon during primary PCI.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from mechanical thrombectomy in stroke intervention; specify coronary context.
In Context
- "Thrombus aspiration was performed due to large clot burden in the mid-LAD." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "Despite thrombus aspiration, the patient developed no-reflow phenomenon requiring vasodilator therapy." — Interventional cardiology note