Retrograde rotational thrombectomy with the Rotarex(®) catheter system: treatment option for an acute thrombotic occlusion of a subclavian artery

PURPOSE: The Rotarex(®) catheter system is an effective tool for endovascular therapy of acute occluded arteries of the lower extremities, especially for the femoral artery. The authors report the use of the Rotarex catheter system for retrograde percutaneous thrombectomy of an occluded subclavian artery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 79-year-old male patient was referred because of acute pain and paleness of his left arm. Ultrasound examination and computed tomography angiography proved an occlusion of the left subclavian artery from the origin of the vessel. A retrograde recanalization was attempted using the 6F Rotarex catheter and combined with initiation of a local low-dose lytic therapy. A normal blood flow to the left arm was restored. Follow-up examination 3 months later showed a normal perfusion situation of the left upper extremity. CONCLUSION: The Rotarex catheter system is an effective tool for endovascular therapy of acute occluded arteries and efficacy is not restricted to the lower extremities.