Cannula Facilitates Removal of Large Blood Clots

A novel drainage cannula and cardiopulmonary bypass circuit facilitates drainage, filtration, and reinfusion of blood.

The AngioVac venous drainage cannula is comprised of a proprietary balloon-actuated, expandable, funnel-shaped distal tip that enhances flow and prevents clogging of the cannula. When the balloon is inflated, the 7.3 mm (22F) coil-reinforced cannula facilitates en-bloc removal of commonly encountered undesirable intravascular material, providing an effective alternative to anticoagulant pharmacomechanical therapies and catheter-directed thrombolysis, which can cause major bleeding complications.


Since the AngioVac catheter is much larger than most standard catheters, it allows the capture of large thrombi, much like an intravascular “vacuum cleaner.” When combined with filters, suction pumps, and return cannula, it can convert into an extracorporeal bypass circuit that facilitates drainage, filtration, and reinfusion of blood. The suction is supplied by an external pump attached to a filter that catches the clot, and then returns clot-free blood back to the patient. The AngioVac cannula is a product of AngioDynamics (Albany, NY, USA), and has received the European Community CE marking of approval.

“The AngioVac system has the potential to become a gold standard of care. Unlike currently available pharmacomechanical alternatives, the minimally invasive, en bloc removal of intravascular material has the potential to reduce the risk of complications associated with major open surgery, internal bleeding, and clot fragmentation,” said Joseph DeVivo, president and CEO of AngioDynamics. “We believe the AngioVac system presents opportunities for wide anatomical application, and has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and to reduce the overall cost of providing treatment.”

Related Links:
AngioDynamics