Dr. Nick Cavros, interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) at Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana, used a new hand-held mechanical aspiration system to remove blood clots and increase blood flow.
The patented ASPIRE Aspirator connects to any aspiration catheter and aspirates, or sucks out, blood clots in blocked arteries and veins. ASPIRE systems allow clinicians to instantly start, stop, increase, decrease, or pulse aspiration during a variety of procedures.
During the procedure, which takes place in a catheterization laboratory, a small catheter is inserted into the patient’s leg and is guided to the blocked vessel. Once a catheter is in the vein or artery, the cardiologist can diagnose the location and extent of the lesion. Treatment options vary depending on the age, size, and location of the blood clot. Clinicians may follow blood clot aspiration with stent, bypass, or other intervention.
“Most people know that blood clots are lethal in the heart and brain. But, blood clots can be life-threatening in the legs, lung, and other organs too,” said Dr. Cavros. “Our CIS team has experience treating a wide range of blood clots with numerous tools. We focus on the patient’s needs and tailor the right therapy to improve care—fast.”
Blood clot aspiration is typically performed with basic syringes or electromechanical pumps. Basic syringes require two hands to operate, are volume limited, and do not maintain consistent aspiration force. Electromechanical systems can aspirate more volume with increased force, but are expensive, can be difficult to use, require extensive set-up, and do not give the clinician tactile feedback during aspiration.
“Speed and accuracy is important to remove blood clots and restore blood flow,” continued Dr. Cavros. “The ASPIRE system improves aspiration speed and performance, and it allows us to use a variety of catheters specific to the patient’s needs.”
“We are pleased that our technology was used again to improve patient care,” said Shawn Fojtik, CEO of Control Medical Technology. “Improving aspiration can improve care. The ASPIRE Aspirator meets this challenge with a simple technology to improve aspiration speed and control.”
For more information visit www.aspirationmedical.com.
