Unique Technology Used to Treat Pulmonary Embolisms

A unique minimally invasive device to treat patients with potentially deadly pulmonary embolisms is now being offered at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital.

The device, known as the FlowTriever, was approved last year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is the first thrombectomy device cleared by the FDA for the treatment of pulmonary embolisms. The pulmonary embolism specific clearance was based upon the strength of the FlowTriever Pulmonary Embolectomy (FLARE) Clinical Study. The study is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study evaluating the FlowTriever System in 106 patients with acute pulmonary embolisms.

The FlowTriever allows for the non-surgical removal of blood clots from the pulmonary arteries without the use of thrombolytic drugs and the risk of bleeding complications. The device uses a specially designed catheter that is fed into the site of the clot and is designed to pull the clot from the pulmonary artery, allowing blood to flow freely.

"The FlowTriever device is unique because it allows us to provide our patients with an effective treatment option and one that reduces the risk of bleeding complications,." says Nishit Choksi, M.D., director of Cardiovascular Services for Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital.

FlowTriever is also offered at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren and at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit.

For more information about heart care at an Ascension hospital in Southeast Michigan, call 866-501-3627.