[Percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy in the popliteal and calf area--a 4-year experience].

PURPOSE: Retrospective analysis of results of percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy (PAT) in the popliteal and tibioperoneal arteries in patients with primary and iatrogenic peripheral embolization and during intraarterial thrombolysis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy was used in 41 patients (42 arteries). In 12 cases this method was used as the first choice in treatment of the peripheral artery disease, in 14 cases during intraarterial thrombolysis and 16 times after iatrogenic embolization secondary to balloon angioplasty. An antegrade approach to the common femoral artery was performed in all cases. In 40 patients the aspiration thrombectomy was performed from the popliteal region and proximal parts of tibioperoneal arteries. RESULTS: Overall success (n = 42) was achieved in 67%, partial success in 23%. Aspiration thrombectomy was unsuccessful in. 10%. PAT was successful in 88% after iatrogenic peripheral embolization (n = 16), in patients during thrombolysis (n = 14) a good result was achieved in 40%, partial success in 50% and this method failed in 10%. Primarily performed aspiration thrombectomy (n = 12) in occlusion of peripheral arteries was successful in 50%. No major complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: PAT is a highly effective method in treatment of iatrogenic peripheral embolizations after endovascular procedures and effective accessory method in combination with intraarterial thrombolysis. This method can be used primarily in acute occlusion of distal popliteal artery.