Stent graft in a blood vessel surrounded by dissolving cancer cells.

Aortic Thrombosis After Chemo? How a Minimally Invasive Procedure Saved the Day

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how endovascular treatment offers a beacon of hope for high-risk patients facing acute aortic thrombosis following cisplatin-based chemotherapy."

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy, while effective against cancer, carries a significant risk of thromboembolic events. Acute thrombosis of the aorta, a rare but serious complication, demands swift and effective management. This article explores a case where a patient developed this condition following chemotherapy for gastric cancer.

Traditional treatments for aortic thrombosis include thrombolysis, anticoagulation, and surgical removal. However, these approaches may not always be suitable for high-risk patients, especially those with underlying malignancies or those needing further surgery. Endovascular treatment offers a less invasive alternative, potentially reducing the risks associated with open surgery.

This article delves into a specific case where endovascular treatment, combining Fogarty thrombectomy and stent graft exclusion, was successfully used to manage acute abdominal aortic thrombosis in a patient who had undergone cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

The Case: Acute Aortic Thrombosis Following Chemotherapy

Stent graft in a blood vessel surrounded by dissolving cancer cells.

A 75-year-old male undergoing preoperative cisplatin-based chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer experienced severe abdominal pain and calf claudication just three days after treatment. A multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scan revealed a floating mass in the infrarenal abdominal aorta, a previously unseen condition.

Given the patient's underlying malignant disease and the need for subsequent laparotomy, the medical team opted for endovascular treatment. This approach aimed to minimize invasiveness and potential complications.

Fogarty Thrombectomy: A catheter with a balloon is inserted into the artery to remove the thrombus (blood clot).
Stent Graft Exclusion: A stent graft is placed to cover the damaged area of the aorta, preventing further clot formation.

The procedure involved bilateral common femoral artery (CFA) exposure, followed by Fogarty thrombectomy to remove the thrombus. Subsequently, a stent graft was deployed to exclude the thrombus attachment site. Postoperative MDCT confirmed complete thrombus removal and proper stent graft positioning. The patient recovered well and underwent gastrectomy 12 days later. Long-term oral anticoagulation was initiated, and at a 3-month follow-up, no thromboembolic events were observed.

Endovascular Treatment: A Promising Alternative

While surgical removal remains a standard treatment for aortic thrombosis, endovascular treatment offers a valuable alternative, especially for high-risk patients. It provides a less invasive approach, potentially reducing complications and improving recovery times.

The combination of Fogarty thrombectomy and stent graft exclusion appears to be a safe and effective strategy for managing acute aortic thrombosis following chemotherapy. However, further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for postoperative anticoagulation and long-term management.

This case highlights the potential of endovascular treatment as a reliable and less invasive option for patients with acute aortic thrombosis, particularly those with underlying conditions that make open surgery a higher risk.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2329-6925.1000111, Alternate LINK

Title: Endovascular Treatment Of Acute Abdominal Aortic Thrombosis After Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy

Subject: Cell Biology

Journal: Journal of Vascular Medicine & Surgery

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Hiroshi Irie

Published: 2013-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is acute aortic thrombosis?

Acute aortic thrombosis is the sudden formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in the aorta, the body's main artery. This condition is particularly concerning when it arises as a complication of cisplatin-based chemotherapy, which is used to treat cancers like gastric cancer. The significance lies in the potential for life-threatening consequences, such as blocked blood flow to vital organs. Without intervention, this can lead to severe complications.

Why is chemotherapy a risk factor for aortic thrombosis?

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy, while effective in treating cancer, increases the risk of thromboembolic events, including acute aortic thrombosis. The use of Cisplatin can damage blood vessels and promote clot formation. When a patient undergoing this treatment develops abdominal pain and calf claudication, it may indicate thrombosis. This is why prompt diagnosis and intervention, like endovascular treatment, are crucial for patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

What is endovascular treatment?

Endovascular treatment is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat acute aortic thrombosis. It involves inserting a catheter into the artery to access the blockage. One technique employed is Fogarty thrombectomy, where a balloon catheter removes the thrombus. Another technique is stent graft exclusion, where a stent graft is placed to cover the damaged section of the aorta, preventing further clot formation. This approach is valuable for high-risk patients, such as those with underlying malignancies, because it reduces the risks associated with open surgery.

How does Fogarty thrombectomy work?

Fogarty thrombectomy is a specific procedure within endovascular treatment used to remove a blood clot (thrombus) from the aorta. A catheter with a balloon is inserted into the artery, advanced to the site of the thrombus, and then the balloon is inflated to capture and remove the clot. This procedure restores blood flow and is a key component in managing acute aortic thrombosis. It is often combined with other techniques, such as stent graft exclusion, to offer comprehensive treatment.

How does stent graft exclusion help in this situation?

Stent graft exclusion is another component of endovascular treatment used to address acute aortic thrombosis. Following a Fogarty thrombectomy or in conjunction with it, a stent graft is deployed within the aorta to cover the area where the thrombus formed. The stent graft prevents further clot formation by creating a smooth inner lining. It is a critical step in managing the underlying cause of thrombosis, improving the patient's long-term outcomes and minimizing the risk of future thromboembolic events.