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A Free-Floating Aortic Thrombus: An Uncommon Approach to Handle a Rare Clinical Entity
Kristina Grassl1, Herbert Hangler2, Alexandra Gratl1
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Summary
A rare free-floating thrombus in the aorta was successfully removed using the AngioVac device off-label. This interdisciplinary approach offers a new treatment option for complex aortic thrombus cases unresponsive to standard therapies.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Free-floating thrombus in the aorta is rare, lacking standard treatment guidelines.
- This case involves an 82-year-old female with lower limb ischemia due to aortic thrombus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a successful, individualized treatment strategy for a rare aortic thrombus case.
- To demonstrate the off-label use of the AngioVac device for arterial thrombus removal.
Main Methods:
- An 82-year-old female patient with a free-floating aortic thrombus underwent heparinization.
- The thrombus was removed using the AngioVac device via a transfemoral approach under echocardiographic guidance.
- A stent graft was deployed to cover the exulcerated plaque at the thrombus attachment site.
Main Results:
- Successful removal of the free-floating aortic thrombus.
- No further embolic events occurred post-procedure.
- The patient experienced an uncomplicated postoperative course.
Conclusions:
- Individualized, interdisciplinary approaches are crucial for uncommon aortic diseases.
- Off-label use of devices like AngioVac can provide alternative solutions for complex cases.
- This strategy offers a viable option for patients with high embolic risk and comorbidities limiting standard treatments.
