Unique Technology Used to Remove Deadly Blood Clots

Published: 
August 2, 2010

Florida Hospital Surgeons Use Unique Technology to Remove Deadly Blood Clots

Advanced catheter allows the surgeon to remove huge clots safely

 

ORLANDO, Fla., August 2, 2010 - Betty Nelson is in her 70s, but there wasn't much that would keep her from playing 18 holes of golf.  That is until a massive blood clot, stretching from her abdomen to below her knee that appeared after a hip replacement stopped her in her tracks. 

"It was after a hip surgery that I developed this clot," said Nelson.  "I just asked my doctor to find a way to get me playing golf again."

Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute vascular surgeon, Dr. Mark Ranson thought he might have a treatment that could get her back on the links.  Dr. Ranson uses a catheter that has completely changed how he treats patients with extreme blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

The traditional anticoagulant drug treatment for DVT requires keeping the patient in ICU for days because the drugs themselves are so dangerous.  Even after the treatment, the clot is not removed from the body and the affected leg can be permanently damaged. 

Manufactured by Trellis, the catheter Dr. Ranson uses isolates the clot with inflatable "balloons" that protect the rest of the body from the dangerous anticoagulants.  The drugs are delivered directly into the clot causing it to break up.  Then the remainder of the clot and the drug is removed through the catheter, allowing the patient to be clot free and make a complete recovery.  In just days patients are often back to normal activity.

"This device really gives the option of treating so many more people with DVT," said Dr. Ranson.  "In the past, the procedure was so risky and cumbersome many patients didn't want to go through it.  With this option, patients now have an opportunity to heal faster and truly be clot free."

Betty Nelson only has to hang up the clubs temporarily and is looking forward to getting back to the sport she loves.

            For media inquires only, contract Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407-303-8217.

www.floridahosptialnews.com

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