Treatment of Symptomatic Paravisceral Aortic Thrombus Using Percutaneous Suction Thrombectomy

ABSTRACT

Objective: Paravisceral aortic thrombus in an otherwise normal aorta is rare. A hemodynamically significant thrombus burden in such patients can result in visceral malperfusion and bilateral lower extremity ischemia, both of which, historically, have a high mortality rate. Open thrombectomy via a thoracoabdominal approach is associated with high mortality. Other endovascular alternatives, including Fogerty embolectomy and mechanical thrombectomy, are associated with visceral embolization. The Penumbra CAT-12 lightning device (Penumbra Inc, Alameda, Calif) most commonly used to treat ileofemoral deep vein thrombosis is a 12F suction catheter with the ability to remove large amounts of clot burden with minimal blood loss owing to its sensor mechanism. The ability to suction thrombectomy-focused areas in the aorta reduces the likelihood of embolization. We have presented the cases of two patients with acute symptomatic paravisceral aortic thrombus who were treated with this device and their outcomes. Methods: Two patients had presented to the emergency room with acute onset abdominal pain and bilateral lower extremity rest pain and numbness. Patient 1 was a 46-year-old woman with antithrombin III and protein C deficiency (Fig 1). Patient 2 was a 78-year-old woman with recent coronavirus disease 2019 infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure (Fig 2). Computed tomography angiography of patients demonstrated aortic thrombus in the paravisceral aorta extending from the supraceliac to the infrarenal aorta. Both patients underwent percutaneous suction thrombectomy of the aorta using the Penumbra CAT-12 lightning device. Patient 2 also underwent bilateral femoral cutdown, thrombectomy, and kissing iliac stents, followed by diagnostic laparoscopy without any further intervention. Results: The intraoperative angiographic images demonstrated the initial aortic thrombus in the paravisceral aorta with resolution of thrombus after suction thrombectomy (Figs 1 and 2). The abdominal pain and bilateral lower extremity rest pain had resolved in both patients postoperatively and did not require any further surgical intervention. Patient 1 was discharged home on postoperative day 3. Patient 2 was discharged to a rehabilitation facility on postoperative day 10. Conclusions: Percutaneous suction thrombectomy devices such as the Penumbra CAT-12 lightning device is effective in removing a large paravisceral aortic clot burden without any embolization to the visceral vessels. This is a newly available alternative to consider for such patients with symptomatic paravisceral aortic thrombus considered to have a high mortality risk with open intervention. [Formula presented] [Formula presented]