July 30, 2013 — Nick Cavros, interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) at Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette, La., used a new hand-held mechanical aspiration system to remove blood clots in the leg and increase blood flow.
The Aspire aspirator connects to any aspiration catheter and aspirates 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 in the cath lab, 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 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 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."
For more information: www.aspirationmedical.com
November 21, 2022 
