AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy in a neonate with pulmonary artery thrombus

A newborn infant with obstructed supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous return underwent emergent surgical correction on day of life 0. A surgically placed transthoracic pulmonary artery catheter was used to monitor pulmonary artery pressure and removed on postoperative day 3. Following acute deterioration in respiratory status requiring reintubation, echocardiographic assessment demonstrated findings consistent with pulmonary hypertension and diminished flow to the left lung. Cardiac catheterization confirmed elevated pulmonary artery pressure and near complete occlusion of his left pulmonary artery due to a thrombus. He underwent successful percutaneous catheter-based thrombectomy using the AngioJet rheolytic catheter, recovered fully, and was discharged home on postoperative day 30. Although thrombotic events resulting in respiratory and hemodynamic compromise are rare in infants, recognition is important and treatment using mechanical thrombectomy can be life saving.