Complications secondary to thrombectomy with the Fogarty balloon catheter

Thrombectomy performed with the Fogarty balloon catheter may, in a small percentage of cases, give rise to complications. In four cases reviewed, this procedure was associated with aneurysms or arteriovenous fistulae. Careful catheter manipulation and a judicious use of fluoroscopy or angiography during the procedure can reduce the number of such complications.