In Reply to: Case 0498_06 -- Thrombectomy and thrombolysis of iliac veins and inferior vena cava posted by Editor on March 31, 1998 at 14:51:35:
1) Yes, I think it has some uses but there is no "perfect" device yet.
2)I really like the Arrow Trerotola device and have used it in larger central veins as well. The ATD has all of the drawbacks you mentioned, but sometimes simply drilling holes in the clot is good enough. The MTI brush has been modified to be over-the wire (.038) and has 7mm brush diameter. (a 10mm version to follow), I have used it with limited success in central veins but would think more of it with these modifications.
2) I think if the thrombus was "unstable" a filter might be useful bu otherwise I don't place them.