Percutaneous recanalization of acutely thrombosed vessels by hydrodynamic thrombectomy (Hydrolyser)

A hydrodynamic thrombectomy catheter was prospectively evaluated for the treatment of recently thrombosed vessels. A total of 52 consecutive patients (42 males and 10 females; mean age 64 ± 15 years) presenting with acute or subacute occlusion of dialysis shunts (n = 25), peripheral bypass (n = 14) or native arteries (n = 15) were treated with the Hydrolyser (Cordis Europa NV, Roden, The Netherlands). Mean occlusion time was 4 days (range 1–17 days) and mean thrombus length 19 ± 11 cm. The Hydrolyser was effective and fast in removing thrombus, regardless of the thrombus length. No major complications were reported. The immediate procedure success rates were 82, 100, 87 and 79 % for Brescia Cimino, dialysis shunt, native arteries and bypass grafts, respectively. Adjunctive thrombolysis (applied for persistence of residual thrombus or thrombosed distal vessels too small for hydrolytic thrombectomy) was required in 4 % of thrombotic dialysis shunts, in 20 % of native arteries and in 50 % of bypass graft occlusions. On angiographic controls, distal embolizations were reported only in native arteries (13 %) and bypasses (14 %); all were successfully treated percutaneously, except for one case treated by Fogarty balloon. Cumulative primary patency rates were respectively at 6 months 56, 62, 78 and 65 % for each indication. We conclude from this preliminary clinical study that hydrodynamic thrombectomy with a Hydrolyser is a promising technique to treat acute occlusions. This device can reduce complications as well as the time required to remove large amounts of thrombus and the use of expensive thrombolytic drugs. Received 3 July 1996; Revision received 15 November 1996; Accepted 22 November 1996     

New “mesh basket” for percutaneous removal of wall-adherent thrombi in dialysis shunts

A new basket, developed for percutaneous removal of wall-adherent thrombi, was tested in model thrombosed hemodialysis shunts, and clinically in two polytetrafluoroethylene grafts and one Brescia-Cimino shunt after recanalization by aspiration thrombectomy. The residual wall-adherent thrombus was removed by one or two passes with the mesh basket. The occlusion material was firmly captured within the mesh and was removed through an 8F sheath without hardly any material being sheared off from the basket. The device adapts well even to tortuous vessel segments and exerts a gentle brush effect. It may prove to be a valuable adjunct to aspiration thrombectomy or to balloon catheter embolectomy.     

Percutaneous hydrodynamic thrombectomy of acute thrombosis in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS): A feasibility study in five patients

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous hydrodynamic thrombectomy in restoring patency of acutely thrombosed stent-shunts after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Methods Percutaneous hydrodynamic thrombectomy was performed in five consecutive patients with angiographically documented complete thrombosis of the stent-shunt which developed within 2 weeks after the TIPS procedure. Thrombectomy was performed with a hydrolytic suction thrombectomy catheter, introduced via a transjugular approach. Results In all patients, immediate restoration of patency of the stent-shunt was achieved after deploying additional stent(s) to cover residual adherent mural thrombus. In two patients early reocclusion occurred. Conclusion Percutaneous hydrolytic suction thrombectomy in acutely thrombosed intrahepatic portosystemic shunts is technically feasible.     

Rheolytic thrombectomy of the occluded internal carotid artery in the setting of acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute thromboembolic stroke complicated by ipsilateral carotid occlusion may present both mechanical and inflow-related barriers to effective intracranial thrombolysis. We sought to review our experience with a novel method of mechanical thrombectomy, in such cases, using the Possis AngioJet system, a rheolytic thrombectomy device. METHODS: A review of our interventional neuroradiology database revealed three patients in whom an occluded cervical internal carotid artery was encountered during endovascular treatment for acute stroke and in whom thrombectomy was attempted, using the 5F Possis AngioJet thrombectomy catheter. The medical records and radiographic studies of these patients were reviewed. RESULTS: Three patients were identified (ages, 52--84 years). Two patients had isolated occlusion of the internal carotid artery; in one patient, thrombus extended down into the common carotid artery. Treatment was initiated within 190 to 360 minutes of stroke onset. Thrombectomy of the carotid artery was deemed necessary because of poor collateral flow to the affected hemisphere (chronic contralateral internal carotid artery occlusion [one patient] and thrombus extending to the carotid "T" [one patient]) or inability to pass a microcatheter through the occluded vessel (one patient). Adjunctive therapy included pharmacologic thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (all patients), carotid angioplasty and stenting (two patients), and middle cerebral artery angioplasty (one patient). Patency of the carotid artery was reestablished in two patients, with some residual thrombus burden. In the third patient, the device was able to create a channel through the column of thrombus, allowing intracranial access. CONCLUSION: Rheolytic thrombectomy shows potential for rapid, large-burden thrombus removal in cases of internal carotid artery thrombosis, allowing expedient access to the intracranial circulation for additional thrombolytic therapy.     

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Thrombosis of Dialysis Arteriovenous Fistulae and Grafts Using a Vacuum-Assisted Thrombectomy Catheter: A Multicenter Study

Purpose

To prospectively analyze technical and clinical outcome of percutaneous thrombectomy aspiration using a vacuum-assisted thrombectomy catheter in acutely thrombosed dialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and/or arteriovenous graft (AVG).

Percutaneous thrombectomy: a review

Percutaneous thrombectomy (PT) is an established technique for the removal of acute thrombus in occluded arteries, veins and vascular grafts. Percutaneous thrombectomy can be used as an adjunctive treatment to other methods of thrombus removal such as thrombolysis or as sole therapy. The two main methods are percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy in which thrombus is removed by suction with the aid of wide-bore catheters, and mechanical thrombectomy using a variety of automated devices to fragment or remove thrombus. Aspiration thrombectomy is often used as an adjunct to thrombolysis in acute arterial occlusion, or as salvage therapy to remove distal emboli following iliac or femoropopliteal angioplasty. Mechanical thrombectomy is useful for the treatment of thrombosed dialysis grafts and is being increasingly used for the treatment of massive pulmonary emboli and ileofemoral or ileocaval deep venous thromboses.     

Recanalization of thrombosed dialysis access with use of a rotating mini-pigtail catheter: follow-up study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of mechanical thrombectomy of occluded dialysis access with use of a rotating mini-pigtail catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thrombus was fragmented by mechanical action of the rotating pigtail tip (5-mm diameter), while the guide wire exited a sidehole at the pigtail curvature and served as a fixed rotation axis. Twenty-six procedures were performed in 22 patients (12 men, 10 women; mean age, 55.5 years). Native fistulas were treated in 15 instances, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts were treated in 11 instances. Average occlusion time was 20 hours +/- 13 (range, 5-46 hours), average occlusion length was 25.6 cm +/- 10.1 (range, 6-45 cm). Thrombus fragmentation was followed by balloon angioplasty of underlying stenoses. RESULTS: In all 26 procedures, the dialysis access was successfully declotted with subsequent dialysis using the access (clinical success rate, 100%). Handling of the mini-pigtail catheter was simple and rapid, regardless of whether a graft or a native fistula was treated. Average duration of the intervention was 118 minutes +/- 30. Mean primary patency was 165 days +/- 167. Primary patency rate was 82% at 30 days, 65% at 3 months, and 47% at 6 months. There was no evidence of complications due to the thrombus fragmentation procedure. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that declotting of occluded dialysis grafts and fistulas with the mini-pigtail catheter is as effective and safe as other more established percutaneous therapies. It may serve as an easy-to-handle, low-budget alternative to current thrombectomy devices.     

Percutaneous AngioJet thrombectomy in the management of extensive deep venous thrombosis

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) device for rapid thrombus removal following deep venous thrombosis (DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 37-month period, 17 patients (14 women; mean age, 41 y +/- 20) with extensive DVT were treated with initial attempts at PMT with use of the AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy device. Sites of venous thrombosis included lower extremities in 14 patients and upper extremity and brachiocephalic veins in three. The etiology for venous thrombosis was malignancy in seven, idiopathic etiology in three, May-Thurner syndrome and immobilization in three each, and oral contraceptive use and hypercoagulable disorder in one each. The primary endpoint was venographic evidence of thrombus extraction. Perioperative complications, mortality, and recurrence-free survival were also evaluated. RESULTS: After PMT, four of 17 patients (24%) had venographic evidence of >90% thrombus removal, six of 17 (35%) had 50%-90% thrombus removal, and seven of 17 (41%) had <50% thrombus extraction. Adjunctive thrombolytic therapy was used in nine of 13 patients with <90% thrombus extraction by PMT; six patients (35%) had contraindications to pharmacologic thrombolytic therapy. An underlying lesion responsible for the occlusion was uncovered in 10 patients (59%). Significant improvement in clinical symptoms was seen in 14 of 17 patients (82%). No complications were noted directly relating to the use of the AngioJet thrombectomy catheter. None of the patients were lost to follow-up during a mean of 8.9 months +/- 5.3 (range, 2-21 months). At 4 and 11 months, recurrence-free survival rates were 81.6% and 51.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PMT with adjunctive thrombolytic therapy is a minimally invasive, low-risk therapeutic option in patients with extensive DVT, associated with clinical benefits including thrombus removal, patency, and relief of symptoms.     

Emergent right coronary artery thrombectomy with a jet aspiration thrombectomy catheter

A saline-jet aspiration thrombectomy (JAT) catheter was used in a patient with acute myocardial infarction. A right coronary arteriogram showed complete thrombotic occlusion at the proximal segment. With this catheter the thrombus was removed without complications in 5 sec. The patient underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and placement of a Palmaz-Schatz stent after successful thrombectomy. Thrombectomy with a JAT catheter was very useful in this patient.     

Mechanical thrombectomy of acute thrombosis in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of mechanical thrombectomy with the use of the Amplatz thrombectomy device (ATD) in restoring patency to acutely thrombosed stent-shunts after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. METHODS: Mechanical thrombectomy with the ATD was performed in 10 consecutive patients with angiographically documented complete thrombosis of the stent-shunt (mean +/- SD, 6.6 +/- 3.4 cm), which occurred an average of 2.8 months (range, 0-11 months) after the TIPS procedure. RESULTS: In all patients, immediate restoration of patency of the stent-shunt was achieved after thrombectomy alone (n = 1), thrombectomy plus percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA; n = 4), and thrombectomy, PTA, and stenting (n = 5). The mean activation time of the ATD was 253 +/- 43 seconds. The pressure gradient for portal decompression decreased from 23 +/- 6 mmHg before to 11 +/- 3 mmHg after the procedure. The primary patency rate was 80% at 3 months and 60% at 11 months. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical thrombectomy with the ATD in acutely thrombosed TIPS is technically feasible. Mechanical thrombectomy is a potential alternative to thrombolysis.     

Experimental treatment of early chronic iliac vein thrombosis with a modified hydrodynamic thrombectomy catheter: preliminary animal experience

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new hydrodynamic catheter for removal of chronic iliac vein thrombus. METHODS: Unilateral iliac vein thrombosis was induced in seven pigs by combining permanent coil and temporary balloon occlusion. Thrombectomy was performed with a new hydrodynamic catheter (10 F S.E.T.) 3 days after thrombus induction. After thrombectomy, the animals were killed and the iliac veins were examined histologically. RESULTS: Complete thrombectomy (100% thrombus removal) was achieved in three of seven animals, 75% removal in three of seven animals, and only 30% removal in one animal. The average thrombus removal was 75%. Successful re-establishment of flow was achieved in five of seven cases. Histologically, the thrombi were partially organized, meeting the histologic criteria for early chronic venous thrombosis. Minor venous wall damage caused by the thrombectomy procedure without acute hemodynamic consequences was observed in four of seven cases. CONCLUSION: The 10-F S.E.T. catheter was reasonably effective in removing chronic iliac vein thrombus with no hemodynamically significant complications.     

Rheolytic hydrodynamic thrombectomy for percutaneous treatment of acutely occluded infra-aortic native arteries and bypass grafts: midterm follow-up results

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a rheolytic thrombectomy catheter (RTC) for treatment of acutely occluded infra-aortic native arteries and bypass grafts and to determine midterm primary patency, death, and amputation-free survival rates. METHODS: From March 1995 to September 1997, 112 patients with occluded arteries or bypass grafts were primarily treated with RTC at two centers. Thrombus removal was evaluated by two angiographers. RESULTS: More than 75% of the thromboembolic material could be removed with RTC alone. Mean activation time of RTC was 280 +/- 163 seconds. Residual mural or organized thrombi (29%) required adjunctive fibrinolytic therapy or aspiration thrombectomy. Remaining stenoses were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and additional stent implantation. For acute reocclusions, surgical intervention was required. Technical success after the entire procedure was 88.4%. RTC-associated complications included distal embolization, dissection, vessel perforation, and technical failure of RTC. Mean follow-up time was 14.8 months +/- 11.5, rates of primary patency, secondary patency, death, and amputation-free survival were 60%, 84%, 16%, and 75% after 2 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RTC is a rapid and efficient technique for mechanical thrombectomy of acutely thrombosed native leg arteries and bypass grafts. Midterm results are comparable to the results of alternative treatment modalities such as Fogarty balloon thromboembolectomy or local fibrinolysis.     

Mid-term follow-up after percutaneous hydrodynamic thrombectomy in lower limb ischemia: initial experience with two-dimensional MR imaging and three-dimensional MR angiography

PURPOSE: To assess noninvasively mid-term patency, reocclusion, and mid-term changes of the arterial wall after percutaneous hydrodynamic thrombectomy in patients with acute lower limb ischemia using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging/MR angiography (MRA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arterial wall and luminal changes were evaluated in 16 patients (10 men, six women; mean age, 70 years), with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after percutaneous thrombectomy with a hydrodynamic catheter for acute lower limb ischemia (embolic, n = 5; thrombotic, n = 11). Adjunctive PTA was performed in 44%. The mean follow-up was 23 months +/- 7.6 (range, 12-33 months). MR imaging and MRA were performed on a 1.0 T system using an extremity coil and two-dimensional (2D) time-of-flight, turbo spin echo, 2D gradient echo, and contrast enhanced three-dimensional (3D) gradient echo sequences. RESULTS: In one patient, a complete reocclusion was noted and, in two patients, a hemodynamically insignificant restenosis (< or = 50%) was identified with MR imaging. This was in accordance with color flow duplex sonography, physical examination, ankle/brachial index measurements, and the treadmill test. The MR morphometry documented an increase of the entire vessel area from 48.9 mm2 +/- 3.3 (control segments) to 55.5 mm2 +/- 2.8 at the treated segments (+13.3%; P < .05). The vessel wall area increased from 31.7 mm2 +/- 1.8 to 39.4 mm2 +/- 2.3 (+24.4%; P < .05). The mean area stenosis grade was 12%. CONCLUSION: MR imaging with use of morphometric analysis is a possible tool to noninvasively determine the mid-term patency and restenosis/reocclusion and remodeling process after percutaneous thrombectomy and other interventional procedures.     

Recanalization of thrombosed superficial femoral arteries with a hydraulic thrombectomy catheter in a canine model

OBJECTIVE: This experiment was conducted to evaluate efficacy and safety of the Oasis thrombectomy catheter on arterial thrombosis in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thrombosis was induced in 18 femoral arteries of nine mongrel dogs. Recanalization of the thrombosed femoral artery was performed using a thrombectomy catheter 7-10 days after thrombus induction. Pre- and postprocedural arterial status was documented by angiography. After mechanical thrombectomy, the animals were sacrificed and the femoral arteries were harvested and examined macro- and microscopically. Additionally, in vitro fragmentation was carried out to determine particle size and distribution from the recovered effluent. RESULTS: Subacute thrombosis was successfully created in 15 femoral arteries. Full recanalization was achieved in 80% (12/15) of the thrombosed femoral arteries without any residual thrombus. No significant downstream embolization was documented angiographically. Endothelial denudation was observed in all the treated arteries along with occasional disruption of the internal elastic lamina. No medial injury was seen. Ninety-eight percent of thrombus was liquefied, defined as particles smaller than 15 microm, by the catheter. Particles larger than 400 microm represented 0.27% of the original clot weight. CONCLUSION: Occluded femoral arteries with 7- to 10-day-old thrombus can be efficiently recanalized with the Oasis catheter in dogs without any significant complication. This thrombectomy catheter appears to be highly effective and safe and requires no sophisticated equipment. Blood loss was our major concern regarding use of this catheter but can be minimized by strictly controlling activation time and restricting the inflow into the vascular segment being treated.     

球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞治疗伴胃肾分流道的胃静脉曲张

目的 评价球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞,治疗自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张的临床疗效和安全性.方法 8例男性自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张患者,年龄40～61岁,平均(50±8)岁,行经股静脉球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞治疗.结果 8例患者于术成功,术后门静脉压力平均增高5.5 cm H2O(1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa,手术前为35.0～41.0 cm H2O,手术后为39.0～45.5 cm H2O).本组患者术后随访1～46个月,随访期内均未再发消化道出血.结论 球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞,治疗自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张是安全可行的,可作为治疗难以采用内镜下硬化止血治疗的自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张的有效方法.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and the safety of retrograde gastrorenal shunt balloon occlusion combined with percutaneous transhepatic gastric varices embolization to treat the gastric varices with spontaneous gastrorenal shunt. Methods From Nov. 2006 to Jun. 2010, retrograde gastrorenal shunt balloon occlusion combined with percutaneous transhepatic gastric varices embolization was performed on 8 patients who had gastric varices with spontaneous gastrorenal shunt. All the patients were men and the age ranged from 40 to 61 years. The balloon catheter was inserted into the spontaneous gastrorenal shunt through the right femoral vein, then percutaneous transhepatic splenic vein venograghy was performed to identify the number and morphology of gastric varices. After that gastric varices embolization was performed while the balloon catheter was dilated, which was withdrawn one day after the procedure. Results Technical success of interventional treatment was achieved in all 8 cases with no significant complications. The increase of average portal venous pressure was 5.5 cm H2O (1 cm H2O = 0. 098 kPa,preoperative 35.0 to 41.0 cm H2O,postoperative 39.0 to 45.5 cm H2O). After follow up of 1 to 46 months, no recurrence haemorrhage occurred. Conclusion Retrograde gastrorenal shunt balloon occlusion combined with percutaneous transhepatie gastric variees embolization can be safely performed and could be one of the effective choices for patients who had gastric varices with spontaneous gastrorenal shunt, which is not suitable to treat by the endoscopic sclerotherapy.     

Percutaneous venous thrombectomy with the use of a balloon sheath: first in vitro investigations of a new low-tech concept

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To test mechanical thrombectomy of extensive iliofemoral and iliocaval thrombi in an in vitro flow model with the use of 12F and 18F balloon sheaths. METHODS: Newly developed 12F and 18F sheaths were evaluated in four vessel models (simulation of femoral, iliofemoral, iliocaval, and caval thrombi by clotted bovine blood in a flow model). After retrograde insertion of the sheath and blocking of the vessel proximal to the thrombus by inflating the balloon, mechanical fragmentation was performed coaxially through the sheath lumen by using a 7F pigtail rotation device. With an occlusion balloon catheter, residual thrombi were withdrawn to the orifice of the sheath and aspirated. Twelve silicone tubes occluded by thrombi were recanalized in each setting. In the latex model, seven recanalizations were performed. RESULTS: All clots were removed completely within a treatment duration of 2 to 14 minutes. Fluid loss during the procedure was 29.6 to 129.3 mL for the femoral flow model, 61.9 to 137.2 mL for the iliofemoral model, 74.5 to 163.4 mL for the iliocaval model, and 102.7 to 236.7 mL for the caval model. No fragments were washed downstream. In four settings, small residual thrombi were attached to the balloon after deflation of the sheath. CONCLUSIONS: Clot amounts up to 171 g were removed quickly and completely by using these large-caliber balloon sheaths. Fluid loss from aspiration was negligible. Balloon occlusion prevented embolization of thrombus fragments proximal to the sheath. Further studies are needed to prove the efficacy of this technique in vivo.     

球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞治疗伴胃肾分流道的胃静脉曲张

目的 评价球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞,治疗自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张的临床疗效和安全性.方法 8例男性自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张患者,年龄40～61岁,平均(50±8)岁,行经股静脉球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞治疗.结果 8例患者于术成功,术后门静脉压力平均增高5.5 cm H2O(1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa,手术前为35.0～41.0 cm H2O,手术后为39.0～45.5 cm H2O).本组患者术后随访1～46个月,随访期内均未再发消化道出血.结论 球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞,治疗自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张是安全可行的,可作为治疗难以采用内镜下硬化止血治疗的自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张的有效方法.     

球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞治疗伴胃肾分流道的胃静脉曲张

目的 评价球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞,治疗自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张的临床疗效和安全性.方法 8例男性自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张患者,年龄40～61岁,平均(50±8)岁,行经股静脉球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞治疗.结果 8例患者于术成功,术后门静脉压力平均增高5.5 cm H2O(1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa,手术前为35.0～41.0 cm H2O,手术后为39.0～45.5 cm H2O).本组患者术后随访1～46个月,随访期内均未再发消化道出血.结论 球囊逆行阻断胃肾分流道联合经皮肝穿胃静脉栓塞,治疗自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张是安全可行的,可作为治疗难以采用内镜下硬化止血治疗的自发胃肾分流道形成的胃静脉曲张的有效方法.     

Successful treatment of delayed aortobifemoral graft thrombosis with manual aspiration thrombectomy

We present a 67-year-old man who had undergone aortobifemoral synthetic graft surgery one year earlier. The patient experienced thrombosis of the graft nine months after the operation, and thrombectomy of the graft was planned. However, the patient refused to undergo repeat surgery for thrombus removal and was referred to our center for possible endovascular treatment. We treated the patient with percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy. The thrombi were chronic in nature but could be removed with minimal residue in any part of the graft by using repeated aspiration thrombectomy with 7 F guiding catheters. Underlying stenosis of both distal graft anastomoses was treated with percutaneous balloon angioplasty, and a self-expanding stent was deployed on the right distal anastomosis. A small fragment of thrombus embolized to the right popliteal artery and was removed with aspiration thrombectomy through a second antegrade puncture on the right side. We believe this is the first report of aspiration thrombectomy for an aortobifemoral graft thrombosis. The method was successful despite the chronic nature of the thrombi. Manual aspiration thrombectomy with largebore guiding catheters can be used as an effective recanalization method for delayed aortobifemoral graft occlusion and could be regarded as a good alternative technique to surgical thrombectomy in selected patients.