thrombectomy
Pronunciation: throm-BEK-toh-mee
Surgical removal of blood clots from blood vessels to restore circulation.
Full Definition
Thrombectomy is a procedure that involves the mechanical removal of blood clots (thrombi) from arteries or veins to restore normal blood flow. The procedure can be performed using various techniques including catheter-based devices, balloon embolectomy, or open surgical approaches. Mechanical thrombectomy has become the standard of care for acute stroke treatment when performed within specific time windows. The procedure is also used to treat acute limb ischemia, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis in selected cases where rapid clot removal is essential.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from thrombolysis (chemical clot dissolution) in procedure documentation.
In Context
- "Emergency thrombectomy was performed within four hours of stroke onset, resulting in successful recanalization." — emergency department report
- "The patient underwent percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy for acute mesenteric ischemia." — surgical procedure note