What is brachial artery thrombectomy?

Brachial artery thrombectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot from the brachial artery. The brachial artery is the main artery that supplies blood to the lower arm and hand. A blood clot in the brachial artery can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm and hand. It can also lead to gangrene, which is the death of tissue due to lack of blood flow.

Brachial artery thrombectomy is typically performed using a minimally invasive technique called percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). During PTA, a small incision is made in the skin and a thin catheter is inserted into the brachial artery. The catheter is then used to inflate a balloon, which helps to break up the blood clot. Once the blood clot is broken up, the catheter is removed and the incision is closed.

Brachial artery thrombectomy is a relatively safe and effective procedure. However, there is a risk of complications, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to the artery.

Brachial artery thrombectomy is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient does not need to stay in the hospital overnight. The patient may experience some pain and bruising after the procedure, but most people recover completely within a few weeks.