Ranked #14 in the Nation for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery and Ranked #8 in the Nation for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked Best in Texas and No. 14 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery. Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked Best in Texas and No. 8 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital one of the nation's best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital.
What Is a Thrombectomy?
A thrombectomy is a procedure that physically removes a blood clot from a vein or artery to restore normal blood flow. When performed promptly, thrombectomy can help restore circulation, reduce tissue damage and lower the risk of life-threatening complications caused by blocked blood vessels.
Whenever possible, our vascular surgeons use catheter‑based, minimally invasive techniques. In more complex cases, open surgery may be required to safely remove the clot.
How Does a Thrombectomy Work?
Vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists work together to determine the most appropriate approach based on the location, size and severity of the blood clot. Not every technique is suitable for every patient or condition.
If a thrombectomy is recommended, you will receive general anesthesia or sedation. For open surgery, an incision is made near the affected blood vessel. For a minimally invasive approach, image-guided tools are inserted through a small puncture in the blood vessel to locate and remove the clot. Once the clot is removed, the vessel is repaired as needed to restore circulation.
Types of Thrombectomy
Houston Methodist surgeons use advanced clot removal techniques and tailor the approach to each patient’s condition.
Surgical Thrombectomy
Open surgical thrombectomy is used when catheter based methods are not feasible. The clot is removed directly through an incision, typically in cases involving large, complex or difficult to access clots.
Thromboembolectomy
This procedure removes a blood clot blocking blood flow in the heart or major blood vessels. Depending on the size and location of the clot, it may be performed using catheter-based techniques or open surgery to quickly restore circulation and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Mechanical Thrombectomy (Catheter-Based Thrombectomy)
This minimally invasive approach — also referred to as endovascular thrombectomy — uses catheter‑based aspiration and fragmentation devices to break up and remove clots. When appropriate, it is often the preferred first-line treatment because it avoids open surgery and supports faster recovery.
Large-bore aspiration thrombectomy — a subset of mechanical thrombectomy — is a minimally invasive approach that uses a specialized catheter to remove blood clots through suction. When appropriate, this emerging treatment for pulmonary embolism can quickly restore blood flow, reduce strain on the heart and may help some patients avoid clot-dissolving medications.
Types of Thrombolysis
Thrombolysis uses medication to dissolve blood clots and may be used alone or in combination with thrombectomy, depending on the situation. Your care team considers factors such as clot size, location, bleeding risk and how quickly symptoms developed when deciding whether thrombectomy, thrombolysis or a combination approach is most appropriate.
Systemic Thrombolysis
Systemic thrombolysis delivers clot dissolving medication through an IV and is generally reserved for severe, life threatening cases due to a higher risk of bleeding.
Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (CDT)
Catheter directed thrombolysis delivers medication directly to the clot through a catheter, allowing for more targeted treatment and reduced bleeding risk compared to systemic therapy.
What Conditions Does Thrombectomy Treat?
Sudden symptoms such as severe leg pain or swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath or signs of reduced blood flow can indicate a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical care if you or someone else experiences these symptoms.
Thrombectomy may be used to treat serious clot‑related conditions affecting veins and arteries, including:
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Thrombectomy may be recommended for DVT when anticoagulation alone is ineffective or when the clot poses an immediate risk.
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. Symptoms may include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain or a rapid heart rate. In high‑risk cases, thrombectomy may be used to quickly restore blood flow and reduce strain on the heart.
Acute Arterial Occlusion
Acute arterial occlusion is a sudden blockage of an artery, often in the leg, that can cut off blood supply to tissue. Thrombectomy may be required urgently to prevent permanent damage or limb loss.
Who Qualifies for a Thrombectomy?
Your doctor may recommend a thrombectomy if a blood clot is large, rapidly progressing or not responding to medication alone. Eligibility depends on the clot’s location, size, severity, associated symptoms and how urgently blood flow needs to be restored.
Start by talking with your doctor or a Houston Methodist vascular specialist. We’ll help determine whether thrombectomy is the right option for your care and what next steps to take.
Preparing for a Thrombectomy
Preparation depends on whether the procedure is planned or performed on an emergency basis. For a planned thrombectomy, preparation may include:
- Sharing a complete list of current medications, especially blood thinners
- Fasting for a specified period before the procedure
- Completing imaging tests to locate and assess the clot
- Arranging transportation and post‑procedure support
- Discussing allergies, including reactions to contrast dye or anesthesia
Recovering From a Thrombectomy
Recovery varies based on the type of procedure performed. Catheter‑based thrombectomy typically involves a shorter hospital stay, often one to two days. Surgical thrombectomy may require several days of inpatient recovery.
Your doctor will review activity restrictions, pain management and the importance of follow‑up care. Most patients require ongoing follow‑up after thrombectomy, which may include blood thinners, imaging and regular monitoring to help prevent future clots and identify underlying causes.
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