Combined thrombectomy and dilation for the treatment of acute lower extremity arterial thrombosis

Our experience with combined balloon catheter thrombectomy and balloon dilation for the treatment of acute thrombosis is reported. Eighteen patients underwent the combined procedures between 1981 and 1988. Primary thrombectomy and balloon dilation were performed in 14 patients, and additional reconstruction was performed in three patients. The superficial femoral artery was the site of thrombectomy and dilation in 13 patients, and the external iliac artery was the site in the remaining five patients. Successful dilation was accomplished in all patients, with stenotic sites reduced below 30% by angiography, and ankle/brachial indexes increased by 0.15 or more. No operative deaths or complications occurred. Follow-up of superficial femoral artery dilations showed a 90% patency rate continued out to 4 years and a 40% patency rate at 5 years. Combined thrombectomy and interventional catheter therapy may aid in the care of this difficult to treat vascular patient group.