What Happens before Embolectomy?
What Happens during Embolectomy?
Catheter Embolectomy Procedure Steps
Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy Procedure Steps
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An embolus is a blood clot that forms in an artery or vein and then breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream. If the embolus lodges in a blood vessel supplying the heart, brain, or lungs, it can cause a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. An embolism occurs when a blood clot or other material blocks a blood vessel. This can cut off blood flow to a part of the body and cause serious health problems. An embolism can be life-threatening, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms and to get treatment right away. One treatment option is embolization, which is also called embolectomy.
Embolectomy – Overview
An embolectomy is a procedure to remove a blockage from a blood vessel. The blockage is usually a blood clot (embolus). So, it is basically a procedure to remove an embolism. It is usually done using a catheter, which is a long, thin tube. The catheter is inserted through an artery in the leg and threaded up to the blocked blood vessel. Once the catheter is in place, the embolism is removed. This can be done with a surgical knife, a laser, or a device that uses sound waves to break up the embolism.
Who Needs Embolectomy?
An embolectomy may be recommended for people who have a blockage in a blood vessel that is causing tissue death (necrosis) or severe organ damage.
Why Is Embolectomy Done?
If the embolus is big enough, it can block the blood flow and damage the tissue supplied by the affected blood vessel. To prevent this from happening, your doctor may recommend an embolism removal procedure, which is done to restore blood flow to the affected area. This can help prevent tissue necrosis and organ damage.
What Happens before Embolectomy?
Before an embolectomy, your doctor will likely do a physical exam and order tests to see if you have a blood clot. You may also have tests to see how well your blood is flowing.
What Happens during Embolectomy?
There are two types of embolism removal procedures : catheter and surgical.
- Catheter-based embolism removal procedure: Catheter embolization is the most common type of embolization. It’s less invasive than surgery and has a shorter recovery time.
- Surgical embolism removal procedure: This procedure is also called a pulmonary embolectomy. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is a more invasive procedure. It’s used when catheter embolization isn’t possible or doesn’t work.
Catheter Embolectomy Procedure Steps
In a catheter embolectomy, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the blocked blood vessel (artery or vein). A balloon is then inflated to open the vessel. The catheter is guided to the site of the embolus, and a device is used to remove the clot. The clot is removed with a suction device.
Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy Procedure Steps
In a surgical embolectomy, the clot is removed through an incision in the skin. This type of procedure is usually done when the clot is large or in a difficult-to-reach area.
Advantages
It can restore blood flow to the affected area and prevent tissue necrosis and organ damage. The advantages of embolization include:
- Shorter recovery time
- Less invasive than surgery
- Less risk of complications
- In some cases, this could possibly be performed on an outpatient basis as well
Recovery Time
Recovery time for embolization depends on the type of procedure you have. Catheter embolization usually takes a few days to recover from. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy can take up to a week to recover from.
Talk to Dr. Arun for Embolectomy
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