This article explains, in educational terms, pharmacomechanical thrombolysis — how the technology works and where it fits. Endovascular thrombus removal aims to restore venous flow quickly and, in appropriate cases, to reduce the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. 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)
Whether an interventional approach is appropriate is a clinical decision that weighs clot age, location, bleeding risk, and overall condition. Techniques include mechanical thrombectomy, aspiration thrombectomy, and pharmacomechanical approaches that combine device action with a clot-dissolving drug. 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.
Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis
Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis pairs mechanical clot engagement with localized delivery of a thrombolytic drug to soften and disperse thrombus. The combination can shorten treatment time compared with drug infusion alone and may lower total drug dose. INVAMED's Mantis CURVE is an over-the-wire rotational pharmacomechanical system, per the company's description. Use of any thrombolytic is governed by bleeding-risk assessment performed by the clinician.
Design and Technical Notes
INVAMED's Mantis platform is organized by the mechanism used to engage and remove venous clot, alongside protective and access tools. All INVAMED thrombectomy devices are for use by trained interventionalists under imaging guidance and per the IFU. Clot age and location strongly influence which mechanism — aspiration, rotation, or pharmacomechanical — is most suitable.
Key Considerations
- Clot age and location strongly influence which mechanism — aspiration, rotation, or pharmacomechanical — is most suitable.
- Retrievable IVC filters are intended to be removed once protection is no longer needed, per current guidance.
- Any use of thrombolytic drugs demands careful bleeding-risk assessment by the clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these devices CE marked?
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
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.
Clinical and Technical Context
Endovascular thrombus removal aims to restore venous flow quickly and, in appropriate cases, to reduce the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. Retrievable filters are intended to avoid the long-term risks associated with permanently implanted filters. INVAMED's Mantis XP is positioned specifically for fistula thrombectomy. Any use of thrombolytic drugs demands careful bleeding-risk assessment by the clinician. INVAMED's Mantis PRO combines rotational clot disruption with ultra-aspiration in one platform, according to the company. 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. Use of any thrombolytic is governed by bleeding-risk assessment performed by the clinician. 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. Large-bore aspiration requires appropriately sized access and attention to blood-loss management. CDT is typically reserved for selected patients after careful bleeding-risk evaluation. Rotational energy is applied under imaging guidance to protect the vein wall. INVAMED's Mantis PRO and Mantis CURVE incorporate rotational action within the Mantis family. 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. INVAMED's Mantis AspireJET and Dovi ultra-aspiration catheter are positioned for high-vacuum clot removal.
Related on INVAMED
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — product category
- What is catheter-directed thrombolysis?
- Mantis XP Thrombectomy System for Fistula: What Clinicians and Buyers Should Know
- Mantis PRO Rotational Thrombectomy & Ultra Aspiration: What Clinicians and Buyers Should Know
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.