Comparisons of clinical outcomes for thrombectomy devices with different mechanisms in hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas

Objectives To compare clinical outcomes between mechanical thrombectomy devices with hydrodynamic mechanism and rotational mechanism. Background A number of advantages and concerns have been raised for different mechanical devices but the comparisons of clinical outcomes are absent, especially for the treatment of autogenous hemodialysis arteriovenous (AV) fistulas. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed 275 percutaneous thrombectomy procedures in AV fistulas. Procedures included were thrombectomy using devices with hydrodynamic mechanism, the AngioJet rheolytic catheter (AngioJet) (n = 134) or devices with rotational mechanism, the Arrow‐Trerotola percutaneous thrombectomy device (PTD) (n = 141). Measured outcomes included clinical success, complications and patency rates. Results Clinical success was achieved in 76% (102 of 134) of the AngioJet procedures and in 91% (128 of 141) of the PTD procedures (P = 0.002). The procedure time for the PTD method was significantly shorter than that of the AngioJet method (52 vs. 88 min, P < 0.001). Complications occurred in 14% of the AngioJet procedures and 11% of the PTD procedures. The post‐intervention primary patency rates at 6 months were 45% for the AngioJet group and 43% for the PTD group (P = 0.70). The postintervention secondary patency rates at 1 year were 74% for the AngioJet group and 87% for the PTD group (P = 0.01). Conclusions For the salvage of thrombosed AV fistulas, a device using rotational mechanism is more time‐saving with a higher immediate success rate and secondary patency rate. However, the long‐term patency results were not different. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.