Tips and Tricks of the AngioVac Device

The AngioVac system, which consists of a coil-reinforced large-bore cannula, bypass circuit, bubble trap/filter, and reinfusion cannula, allows percutaneous removal of unwanted vascular debris, such as venous thrombus or cardiac vegetations, during veno-veno bypass. External suction is applied via a centrifugal bypass pump and debris is funneled into the cannula and trapped in the bubble trap/filter. The blood is then returned through an 18 Fr venous reinfusion cannula. The use of the device in the iliocaval venous segments and right heart is effective and safe. Due to the challenging anatomy, pulmonary artery thrombectomy carries an increased risk of complication and should be undertaken with great care. The AngioVac system is a versatile tool for removing thrombus and other unwanted debris from the central venous system and the right heart.