Use of a Funneled Sheath for Embolic Protection during Deep Venous Thrombectomy

Although treatment of deep venous thrombosis via mechanical clot removal is effective, there is a risk of intraprocedural pulmonary embolism (PE), and embolic protection provided by a recently released funneled sheath may be of value. Fifty-five procedures in which this device was used were retrospectively identified and reviewed. Device deployment was successful in all cases, and clot was apparent in the funnel at procedural conclusion in 13 (24%). Mean length of cava available for device deployment was 14.1 cm (SD ± 5.3; range, 1.8-27.6 cm). Two cases of intraprocedural PE and 1 of air embolism occurred. Use of a funneled sheath for embolic protection during mechanical thrombectomy is effective; however, appropriate techniques must be employed.