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Early Experience with AngioVac Aspiration in the Pulmonary Arteries

Ramsey Al-Hakim1, Jonathan Park1, Anshuman Bansal1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, University of California, Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Suite 1638, Los Angeles, CA 90095.

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR
|April 24, 2016
PubMed

Insights

The AngioVac aspiration cannula showed limited success in managing pulmonary embolism (PE), with high mortality and few technical successes. Further research and careful patient selection are needed for this interventional procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
  • The AngioVac aspiration cannula is a device with potential applications in vascular interventions.
  • Limited data exists on its efficacy and safety in managing PE.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively review the use of the AngioVac aspiration cannula in five consecutive patients with pulmonary embolism.
  • To evaluate the technical success and clinical outcomes of this intervention for PE management.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series of five patients undergoing AngioVac aspiration for PE.
  • Assessment of technical success based on reduction in the Miller index.
  • Analysis of patient mortality and complications post-procedure.

Main Results:

  • Four out of five patients (80%) presented with massive PE.
  • Technical success (Miller index reduction ≥ 5) was achieved in two patients (40%).
  • Four patients (80%) died within a mean of 7.3 days, with one death due to right ventricular perforation.

Conclusions:

  • Early experience with the AngioVac aspiration cannula for PE management shows limited success and high mortality.
  • Complications, including cardiac perforation, are a concern.
  • Further investigation and stringent patient selection are crucial before wider adoption.

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