Blood clots that block blood vessels can reduce circulation and lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications. Thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that physically removes blood clots from arteries or veins when they cannot be treated with medication. At Oracle Heart & Vascular, thrombectomy is performed by experienced cardiovascular and vascular specialists who use advanced catheter-based technology to treat clots quickly, helping restore blood flow and protect the long-term health of the tissues and organs.
What Is Thrombectomy?
This catheter-based procedure removes a blood clot directly from a blood vessel. Using specialized devices, our interventional cardiologist guides a catheter to the site of the clot and removes it to restore normal circulation.
This approach may be used in urgent situations or when clots are:
Conditions Treated With Thrombectomy
Thrombectomy may also be combined with medications that dissolve clots or other procedures such as angioplasty or stenting when needed. The minimally invasive procedure may be recommended for patients with:
What To Expect Before The Procedure
Your Oracle Heart & Vascular provider will determine whether thrombectomy is appropriate based on imaging, symptoms and your overall health. In order to make this decision, your Oracle Heart & Vascular care team will perform urgent or scheduled diagnostic testing, which may include:
During The Thrombectomy Procedure
Thrombectomy is performed in our state-of-the-art outpatient Oracle Procedural Suite. During the procedure, your interventional cardiologist will use local anesthesia and sedation for your comfort. Our specialist will then create a small access site, usually in the groin or arm and guide the catheter through the blood vessels to the clot. Using a specialized device, we then remove or capture the clot. We may recommend additional treatments such as medication, angioplasty or stenting before removing the catheter and closing the site.
Recovery After Thrombectomy
After the procedure, you will be monitored while sedation wears off and your circulation and vital signs will be closely observed. For many patients, the procedure can be performed on an out-patient basis in our Oracle Procedural Suite and can return home that same day. Medications such as blood thinners are often continued to prevent new clots and our team will schedule follow-up imaging and office visits to monitor your progress.
Benefits Of Thrombectomy
Prompt treatment of blood clots can be critical when it comes to protecting long-term health. This procedure can offer important benefits and many patients experience symptom improvement quickly once blood flow is restored. Other benefits include:
Preventing Future Blood Clots
While thrombectomy removes existing blood clots, preventing future clots is equally important. Our goal is to restore circulation safely while helping reduce the risk of future clot-related complications. Your care plan may include blood-thinning medications, compression therapy and treatment of underlying circulation problems.
When To Seek Immediate Care
Early treatment for blood clots can be life-saving. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience:
Patient-Centered Care Is At The Heart Of What We Do
Oracle Heart & Vascular proudly serves the Fredericksburg and King George communities with compassionate, patient-focused cardiovascular care. Our experienced team is committed to delivering advanced treatment, personalized support and clear patient education so you feel informed and confident every step of the way. Request your appointment today and take the next step toward better heart health with a team that puts you first.
Fredericksburg
1011 Care Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
King George
15521 Real Estate Ave, Suite 202, King George, VA 22485