Purpose This study was performed to summarize our experience in the management of early-stage acute superior mesenteric artery embolism (ASMAE) by percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT). Methods The clinical data of 12 patients with early-stage ASMAE treated by PMT in our institution from November 2019 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients had no obvious evidence of bowel infarction as shown by peritoneal puncture and computed tomography angiography. Thrombectomy of the superior mesenteric artery was performed using a 6F AngioJet catheter. Results The emboli were completely removed in 10 (83.3%) patients. Six patients were treated only by the AngioJet device. The other six patients underwent combined treatment with a 6F multipurpose drainage catheter after PMT, including one patient who underwent simultaneous stent implantation. Two patients showed no significant improvement in their symptoms after the operation; one was found to have intestinal necrosis and underwent resection by exploratory laparotomy, and the other died of septic shock 3 days after PMT (further intervention had been discontinued because of complications with multiple underlying diseases). No other PMT-related complications occurred. Only one patient was found to have a pseudoaneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery 1 week after PMT and underwent resection by exploratory laparotomy. The 11 surviving patients were smoothly discharged from the hospital after their symptoms were relieved. At a mean follow-up of 13.2 months, computed tomography angiography showed smooth patency of the superior mesenteric artery. No patients developed serious symptoms during follow-up. Conclusions PMT by the AngioJet device is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective technique to remove ASMAE. Early application of PMT can avoid acute intestinal necrosis. Combining the AngioJet device with a 6F multipurpose drainage catheter might be more helpful to remove residual emboli.

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Background: Acute superior mesenteric artery embolism is a life-threatening disease and the prognosis is very poor. Few reports have described the application of Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute superior mesenteric artery embolism. In the article, we show a series of cases treated with Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy and share our experience. Methods: Review and analyze seven patients with acute superior mesenteric artery embolism treated by Angiojet Ultra thrombectomy system in our institution. Based on the literature, we summarize the diagnosis, treatment and surgical experience of acute superior mesenteric artery embolism. Results: Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy were achieved successfully in all the patients without surgical complication occurred. Five patients’ symptoms relieved significantly and smoothly discharged from the hospital. Two patients still complained of abdominal pain after operation. One patient underwent surgical laparotomy and intestinal resection and the other one abandoned surgical treatment. During the first six months of follow-up, six patients were free of any clinical symptoms or signs and one patient who refused laparotomy died two days later with septic shock. Conclusion: Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy by Angiojet Ultra thrombectomy system is a safe, effective and minimally invasive method in the initial stage of acute superior mesenteric artery embolism. We believe Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy could be a promising alternative in selected cases. Furthermore, large sample data and long term follow-up are needed to verify its effect.