Aspiration Thrombectomy with the Indigo System for Acute Lower Limb Ischemia: Our Experience

Introduction: To assess the short-term technical success and the safety of the IS in a series of patients undergoing vacuum-assisted catheter direct thrombus aspiration (IS-CDTA) for acute lower limb ischemia (ALLI) and to analyze which parameters may affect the outcome.

Method(s): All procedures using the IS-CDTA for ALLI performed in a single center interventional radiology unit from February 2016 to March 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Technical success was defined as the achievement of nearly-complete or complete revascularization (TIMI grade 2/3) and was considered as a good outcome. Variables potentially correlated with the IS-CDTA outcome were analyzed.

Result(s): A total of 33 procedures were performed in 29 patients. The technical success was 70%. The median time between symptom insurgency and IS-CDTA was significantly shorter in patients with good IS-CDTA outcome (10 hours; IQR 2.75–48) compared with those with poor IS-CDTA outcome (168 hours; IQR 36–336), p = 0.003.

Conclusion(s): IS-CDTA is a valid option for a rapid and percutaneous treatment of ALLI. The time elapsing from the symptom insurgency and the endovascular procedure is the best positive predictor of success.

Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2023