One in 1,000 adults across the United States is diagnosed with a blood clot that can lead to chronic and potentially life-threatening issues. However, thanks to an innovative blood clot treatment offered at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, the risk of serious complications can be reduced in some patients, increasing the survival rate for blood clots.
The device, ClotTriever, is used for patients suffering from blood clots in the legs, where they most commonly form. It’s a minimally invasive means of extracting clots from the body that potentially allows patients to return home from treatment as soon as the same day. The treatment is then followed up with ongoing blood thinner medication to manage any remaining symptoms.
For patients with chronic blood clots, which are clots that have been present for over ten days, a variant of ClotTriever (ClotTriever BOLD) can be administered.
“Prior to this technology, patients would present with a clot and be prescribed three months of blood thinners,” said Dr. Mina Guerges, Attending Vascular Surgeon at Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. “Unfortunately, blood thinners don’t get rid of an existing clot. They only prevent further clots from forming.”
Dr. Guerges added that the previous method of ongoing blood thinner treatment has led to about 30% of patients developing post-thrombotic syndrome, causing swelling and pain as a result of the pre-existing clot. ClotTriever reduces the severity of this condition.
This procedure isn’t the right choice for all patients suffering from clots, though. Before receiving the treatment, patients must undergo a venogram, which involves injecting dye that causes veins to appear on an x-ray. It is important to note that this dye can cause a reaction in people with kidney disease. Additionally, patients who don’t typically move around much or suffer from comorbidities that create a low quality of life may not see many benefits from ClotTriever.
“This treatment is reserved for patients who are either suffering from debilitating clot-related symptoms or are relatively young and mobile,” said Dr. Guerges.
If you’re looking for blood clot treatment options, schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Ambulatory Care by calling (718) 206-7001 now.