Thrombectomy during primary angioplasty: methods, devices, and clinical trial data

Distal embolization is a relatively common complication in primary angioplasty and is associated with poor perfusion and higher mortality. The aim of this article is to critically review literature on thrombectomy devices to prevent distal embolization in patients undergoing primary angioplasty. Several manual and mechanical devices have been proposed. Although negative data have been observed with mechanical devices, significant impact on mortality has been observed with routine use of manual thrombectomy devices, due to an improvement in myocardial perfusion and reduction in distal embolization. Therefore, routine adjunctive manual thrombectomy devices should be recommended in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, whereas the use of larger manual thrombectomy devices (7F) or mechanical devices may be considered in patients with large thrombotic burden to provide more guarantees for complete thrombus removal.