Coronary Thrombectomy

Coronary thrombectomy involves the removal of a blood clot from the coronary arteries. The term thrombectomy refers to a procedure to remove a blood clot. For patients with heart attack, the invasiveness of the procedure has been reduced to such an extent that only a small incision has to be made. It is made in the blood vessel to advance the specialised instruments required all the way to the heart.

Why is coronary thrombectomy necessary?

The term thrombectomy refers to a procedure to remove a blood clot. Heart attacks usually develop as a result of coronary artery disease. There are a lot of people who are suffering or have suffered from a form of heart disease. Before a heart attack, a blood clot or more have often caused a blockage in the blood vessel. Thrombectomy is a catheter-based procedure that involves the aspiration of these blood clots.

• Symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain.
• Pain in your chest, jaw, neck or arm that can't be explained by other tests.
• New or increasing chest pain.
• Heart defects you were born with like congenital heart disease.
• Abnormal results on a noninvasive heart stress test.
• Other blood vessel problems or a chest injury.
• A heart valve problem that requires surgery.

What can you expect?

You will also empty your bladder and change into a hospital gown. You may have to remove contact lenses, eyeglasses, jewellery and hairpins. The procedure takes about one hour, although it may be longer, especially if combined with other cardiac catheterisation procedures. You may be able to go home the same day, or you may have to remain in the hospital overnight after the procedure.