Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) Announces First Local Use of Inari FlowTriever System to Treat Clot-in-Transit in Heart

February 25, 2022, Baton Rouge, Louisana – Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) interventional cardiologist Dr. Niksad Abraham is the first in the Capital Region to use the Inari Medical FlowTriever^® System for the treatment of a clot-in-transit (CIT) in the right atrium of the heart. The procedure took place on February 18 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge.

CIT is life-threatening condition which occurs when blood clots (usually from the legs) break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the right heart. FlowTriever^® removes large clots from large vessels without the need for clot-busting drugs or intensive-care stay. The device disrupts and aspirates clot using nitinol mesh disks and large lumen aspiration catheters to rapidly remove clots and restore blood flow. The procedure offers patients immediate symptom relief and is typically completed in one hour under conscious sedation.

In the U.S. annually, 25,000 patients are diagnosed with right atrial CIT, and the condition is associated with a high mortality rate of over 80% if left untreated. If a clot-in-transit makes its way through the heart and into the lungs, it is considered a pulmonary embolism (PE). This blockage restricts blood flow to the lungs and puts strain on the right side of the heart as it is unable to push blood passed the clot. In severe cases, the right heart may fail and lead to a fatal event. Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death with almost one million patients diagnosed annually in the U.S.

“For patients, this is a safer, less-invasive option for the treatment of a traveling clot before it lodges in the pulmonary arteries and causes symptoms,” said Dr. Abraham. “There is lower bleeding risk and a quicker recovery time.”

The most common treatment for blood clots includes blood thinner medications and “clot busting” drugs. However, blood thinners only prevent new clots from forming and will not actively break down existing clots. While “clot busting” drugs may help the body dissolve clots, they come with a high-risk of bleeding and require an intensive-care stay.

To learn more about pulmonary embolism or to schedule an appointment with a CIS cardiologist, visit www.cardio.com.

About Cardiovascular Institute of the South

Founded by Dr. Craig Walker in 1983, Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is a world-leader in preventing, detecting and treating cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. CIS offers a comprehensive heart and vascular program with expert physicians trained in many specialties, including internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, electrophysiology, lipid management, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, valve disease and interventional cardiovascular procedures. CIS has earned international acclaim as a pioneer of research, development and education, as well as an innovator in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. With a dedicated team of more than 1,075 team members, CIS provides comprehensive cardiovascular care at 22 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, with 10 telemedicine programs. CIS remains at the forefront of technology, providing the highest-quality, compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 38 years of excellence. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com.