Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy Treatment of Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Embolism

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND This report presents a superior mesenteric artery (SMA) embolism managed by percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT). METHODS A 61 year old woman diagnosed with SMA embolism was admitted. Emboli were found in the middle and distal segments of the SMA on abdominal computed tomography angiography. Under local anaesthesia, a 6 F Rotarex system was used to remove the emboli via left brachial artery access. Emboli were successfully removed and patency was restored to the SMA and its branches. RESULTS Post-operatively, the patient's symptoms were significantly relieved. No post-operative complications were observed and no discomfort was documented during follow-up. CONCLUSION Endovascular treatment of SMA embolism using PMT is a feasible and alternative option.