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A thrombectomy is the excision of an abnormal or dangerous thrombus (blood clot). It is performed intraluminally (meaning directly in the cavity of a vessel) using a balloon catheter. The thrombus is then either pressed against the walls in order to restore at least part of the natural lumen; or the balloon is 'opened' after the thrombus and then carefully moved retrogradely so that the clot can be drawn out of the vessel.
Thrombectomies usually occur as a result of thrombosis or a blood clot in a vein or artery. Thrombectomies can be used to clear a blockage in a fistula (AV fistulas used for dialysis kidney treatment).
