Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

The Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network Multi-Laboratory Model of Thromboembolic Stroke with Thrombolysis: TE-MCAo
Published on: December 19, 2025
Thrombus aspiration with microcatheter for distal embolization during primary angioplasty for acute myocardial
Akihiko Takahashi1, Shingo Sakamoto, Norimasa Taniguchi
1Department of Cardiology, Sakurakai Takahashi Hospital, 5-18-1 Oikecho, Suma-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. a-takahashi@wine.ocn.ne.jp
Insights
A novel technique successfully removed distal emboli during percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction. This microcatheter aspiration method restored coronary blood flow promptly in three patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Distal embolization is a complication during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
- Visible distal emboli can impede coronary blood flow and negatively impact patient outcomes.
- Conventional aspiration catheters may fail to retrieve these emboli effectively.
Abstract:
We describe a new technique for removing distal emboli that became visible on angiography during percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction. Three patients presented with distal embolization as a filling defect with an abrupt cut-off in 1 of the peripheral coronary vessels of the infarct-related coronary artery. After a failed attempt to retrieve the thrombus with a conventional aspiration catheter, the thrombus was trapped at the tip of a microcatheter by aspiration and was successfully retrieved. This procedure can achieve prompt restoration of distal coronary flow.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview

