New thrombectomy catheter introduced by Heart Hospital of Austin at St. David's Round Rock
Physicians at Heart Hospital of Austin at St. David's Round Rock became the first in Texas to use a novel thrombectomy catheter system for the treatment of pulmonary embolism
Round Rock, Texas — Heart Hospital of Austin at St. David’s Round Rock recently became the first facility in Texas to use a novel thrombectomy catheter system for the treatment of pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs.
The first procedure was performed by Joshua McKay, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at Heart Hospital of Austin at St. David’s Round Rock, as part of a phased trial to gain clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“Traditional treatment of pulmonary embolism uses medication to break the clot, which can take up to 24 hours to take effect,” Dr. McKay said. “This new minimally invasive technology uses a flexible self-expanding funnel to remove large blood clots, which may result in faster recovery times.”
The first-of-its-kind thrombectomy system uses a flexible tube that enables doctors to safely navigate through complex vascular structures with greater control and reach. Once the clot is located, the system enables physicians to remove the clot by simultaneously combining controlled suction with mechanical disruption.
Heart Hospital of Austin at St. David's Round Rock recently opened a Heart Valve Clinic, offering specialized treatment for patients diagnosed with heart disease in an effort to better serve the growing Williamson County population.