Below is an educational, technical answer to a question many patients and clinicians ask. Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within the deep veins, most often in the legs, and it can cause pain, swelling, and — if a fragment travels to the lungs — pulmonary embolism. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Techniques include mechanical thrombectomy, aspiration thrombectomy, and pharmacomechanical approaches that combine device action with a clot-dissolving drug. Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within the deep veins, most often in the legs, and it can cause pain, swelling, and — if a fragment travels to the lungs — pulmonary embolism. Left untreated, extensive iliofemoral DVT is associated with a higher risk of long-term complications such as post-thrombotic syndrome, marked by chronic swelling and discomfort.
Can DVT be treated without blood thinners?
Anticoagulation remains the cornerstone of DVT treatment and is used in the large majority of cases. In patients who cannot take anticoagulants, an IVC filter may be used to catch clot fragments while the clot is managed. Catheter-based thrombectomy can remove clot directly but is typically combined with, not a replacement for, medical therapy. The right approach depends on the individual's bleeding risk and clot burden, as judged by a clinician.
What This Means in Practice
Clot age and location strongly influence which mechanism — aspiration, rotation, or pharmacomechanical — is most suitable. All INVAMED thrombectomy devices are for use by trained interventionalists under imaging guidance and per the IFU. Large-bore aspiration requires appropriately sized access and attention to blood-loss management.
Key Considerations
- Clot age and location strongly influence which mechanism — aspiration, rotation, or pharmacomechanical — is most suitable.
- Any use of thrombolytic drugs demands careful bleeding-risk assessment by the clinician.
- Large-bore aspiration requires appropriately sized access and attention to blood-loss management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mantis platform?
Mantis is INVAMED's thrombectomy family, offering rotational (Mantis PRO, Mantis CURVE), aspiration (Mantis AspireJET, Dovi), and fistula-specific (Mantis XP) options.
Does thrombectomy replace blood thinners?
No. Catheter thrombectomy removes existing clot but is generally used alongside anticoagulation, not as a replacement; management is individualized.
Can thrombectomy be done in one session?
Mechanical thrombectomy is often designed to restore flow in a single session where feasible, but this depends on the clot and is judged by the operator.
About INVAMED
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Clinical and Technical Context
INVAMED's Mantis PRO combines rotational clot disruption with ultra-aspiration in one platform, according to the company. Any use of thrombolytic drugs demands careful bleeding-risk assessment by the clinician. Effective aspiration depends on matching catheter bore to the target vessel and clot burden. INVAMED's Mantis XP is positioned specifically for fistula thrombectomy. Rotational energy is applied under imaging guidance to protect the vein wall. Whether an interventional approach is appropriate is a clinical decision that weighs clot age, location, bleeding risk, and overall condition. Left untreated, extensive iliofemoral DVT is associated with a higher risk of long-term complications such as post-thrombotic syndrome, marked by chronic swelling and discomfort. Techniques include mechanical thrombectomy, aspiration thrombectomy, and pharmacomechanical approaches that combine device action with a clot-dissolving drug. Retrievable IVC filters are intended to be removed once protection is no longer needed, per current guidance. INVAMED's MultiBEAM is a retrievable IVC filter, meaning it is designed to be removed once the risk period passes. Access salvage decisions are made by the vascular access team based on the specific circuit. Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within the deep veins, most often in the legs, and it can cause pain, swelling, and — if a fragment travels to the lungs — pulmonary embolism.
Related on INVAMED
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — product category
- Understanding Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (CDT)
- Catheter-directed thrombolysis or Mechanical thrombectomy? A Technical Comparison
- Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis Explained — A Technical Guide
Important Disclaimer
This content is educational and technical in nature and must not be interpreted as medical advice or as a promise of any clinical outcome. Individual results depend on many factors and can only be evaluated by a treating physician. Figures attributed to INVAMED reflect manufacturer or published data and are not a guarantee of results. All INVAMED devices are to be used by trained clinicians per the approved IFU, and availability is subject to local regulatory status.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.