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. Standard care starts with anticoagulation (blood thinners), but selected patients with large, symptomatic, or limb-threatening clot burden may be considered for catheter-based clot removal.
How is a blood clot removed from the leg?
A leg clot can be removed through a small access point using a catheter that reaches the thrombus in the deep vein. Depending on the device, the clot is aspirated, mechanically broken up, or softened with a localized drug and then extracted. INVAMED's Mantis systems provide rotational, aspiration, and pharmacomechanical options for this purpose. The procedure is performed under imaging guidance by a trained interventionalist.
What This Means in Practice
Clot age and location strongly influence which mechanism — aspiration, rotation, or pharmacomechanical — is most suitable. Manufacturer performance descriptions reflect device design goals rather than guaranteed individual outcomes. Large-bore aspiration requires appropriately sized access and attention to blood-loss management.
Key Considerations
- All INVAMED thrombectomy devices are for use by trained interventionalists under imaging guidance and per the IFU.
- Retrievable IVC filters are intended to be removed once protection is no longer needed, per current guidance.
- Large-bore aspiration requires appropriately sized access and attention to blood-loss management.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Does thrombectomy replace blood thinners?
No. Catheter thrombectomy removes existing clot but is generally used alongside anticoagulation, not as a replacement; management is individualized.
Is the MultiBEAM IVC filter retrievable?
Yes. INVAMED describes MultiBEAM as a retrievable IVC filter, designed to be removed once the risk of pulmonary embolism has passed.
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
Retrievable IVC filters are intended to be removed once protection is no longer needed, per current guidance. INVAMED's Viper ULTRA thrombolysis catheter is designed for this localized infusion role. Techniques include mechanical thrombectomy, aspiration thrombectomy, and pharmacomechanical approaches that combine device action with a clot-dissolving drug. Clot age and location strongly influence which mechanism — aspiration, rotation, or pharmacomechanical — is most suitable. Access salvage decisions are made by the vascular access team based on the specific circuit. Standard care starts with anticoagulation (blood thinners), but selected patients with large, symptomatic, or limb-threatening clot burden may be considered for catheter-based clot removal. Endovascular thrombus removal aims to restore venous flow quickly and, in appropriate cases, to reduce the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. All INVAMED thrombectomy devices are for use by trained interventionalists under imaging guidance and per the IFU. Device choice within a mechanical approach depends on clot location, chronicity, and vessel size. 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. Rotational energy is applied under imaging guidance to protect the vein wall. Effective aspiration depends on matching catheter bore to the target vessel and clot burden.
Related on INVAMED
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — product category
- Mantis XP Thrombectomy System for Fistula: What Clinicians and Buyers Should Know
- Understanding Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (CDT)
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A Complete Technical Guide
Important Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and technical information about medical device technologies. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and it does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Any decision about diagnosis or treatment should be made by a licensed clinician based on an individual assessment. INVAMED devices are intended for use by trained healthcare professionals in accordance with the applicable Instructions for Use (IFU) and local regulatory approvals. Product availability and indications vary by country.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.