Cases report: Experience with rheolytic thrombectomy device (Angiojet) in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction with large amount of coronary thrombus.

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a clinical challenge. Adequate thrombus removal before stenting is an important factor that predicts procedural success, and finally reflects to clinical outcomes.

Cases Report: In the present report, 2 cases of acute STEMI underwent primary PCI. Coronary angiogram (CAG) in both cases showed a large amount of coronary thrombus (TIMI thrombus grade 4 & grade 5), with no response to several attempts of manual aspiration with thrombus aspiration catheter Then, Angiojet rheolytic thrombectomy, a catheter-based, device was used antegradely. Repeated CA G showed thrombus was significantly eliminated. Both patients were successfully stented with direct stent technique at culprit arteries, resulted in good angiographic results and inhospital outcomes.

Conclusion: Angiojet, a rheolytic thrombectomy device, is a viable option to remove thrombus in primary PCI, especially in cases with massive thrombus load and failed manual aspiration.