thrombus aspiration
Mechanical removal of coronary thrombus using specialized aspiration catheters during primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Full Definition
Thrombus aspiration is a mechanical technique for removing intracoronary thrombus during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The procedure involves advancing a specialized aspiration catheter to the site of thrombotic occlusion and applying manual suction to extract thrombus material before balloon angioplasty and stenting. While theoretically attractive for improving microvascular perfusion and reducing distal embolization, large randomized controlled trials have not demonstrated clinical benefit and have raised concerns about increased stroke risk. Current guidelines do not recommend routine thrombus aspiration, reserving the technique for cases with high thrombus burden where manual aspiration might be considered on an individual basis by experienced operators.
Usage
Usage note: Note current evidence and guideline stance when documenting use or non-use of this technique.
In Context
- "Thrombus aspiration was attempted but yielded minimal clot material from the occluded right coronary artery." — Primary PCI procedure report
- "The operator elected not to perform thrombus aspiration based on current guideline recommendations." — STEMI intervention documentation