Pune – In an extraordinary and high-risk case of pulmonary embolism (PE) with extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT), doctors at Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune, successfully removed an exceptionally large 180-gram blood clot from a 37-year-old male patient using one of the most advanced AI-enabled mechanical thrombectomy systems. The minimally invasive, lifesaving procedure was performed at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, by Dr. Kaurabhi Zade, Interventional Radiologist.
The patient arrived with massive swelling in both legs, which is a classic sign of DVT caused by the formation of blood clots in the deep veins. Diagnostic evaluation, including a CT Pulmonary Angiography, revealed multiple clots in major pulmonary artery branches, indicating an evolving pulmonary embolism—a condition where a clot travels to the lungs and can block blood flow, causing sudden collapse or death, if not treated immediately.
What made this case particularly alarming was the extraordinarily high thrombus load, rarely seen in routine practice. In such situations, relying solely on anticoagulants carries a high risk of rapid deterioration.
To prevent further complications, medical team at Sahyadri opted for mechanical thrombectomy, an advanced minimally invasive procedure in which a thin tube (catheter) with powerful suction power is navigated inside the blood vessel to physically remove the clot. This approach strategically eliminates the bleeding risks of thrombolytic drugs, the invasiveness of open surgery, and the delays inherent in slow clot dissolution, delivering a more streamlined therapeutic pathway.
In this case, the AI-enabled thrombectomy system offered enhanced control and stability, real-time imaging guidance, the ability to remove a large clot volume, minimal blood loss, and strong protection of nearby vessels, enabling the team to successfully extract the unusually large 180-gram clot burden — a rare achievement in DVT management.
After the procedure, the patient was shifted to the ICU under the supervision of Dr. Kapil Borawake, Director – ICU & Critical Care Medicine, and the critical care team at Sahyadri Hospitals, Hadapsar. The patient demonstrated rapid stabilisation, improved oxygenation, and a significantly faster recovery than typically expected with conventional treatment. Sharing his perspective on the recovery,
Dr. Kapil Borawake, Director – ICU and Criticare Medicine, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, said, “Cases with such extensive clot burden can become unstable very quickly. Early intervention and seamless coordination between the interventional and critical care teams played a crucial role in ensuring the patient’s safe and swift recovery.”
Speaking about the significance of the case and importance of timely action, Dr. Zade added, “DVT cases are common and many patients recover with medications, but when the thrombus load is exceptionally high, conventional therapy alone is often insufficient. Mechanical thrombectomy helped us prevent a life-threatening situation and ensured a swift recovery.” She further emphasised, “Recognising warning signs such as leg pain, swelling, and breathlessness is vital. Timely diagnosis through imaging and rapid referral to specialised centres can save lives in both DVT and pulmonary embolism.”
This case exemplifies the expanding role of interventional radiology in managing complex vascular emergencies and showcases Sahyadri Hospitals’ advanced capabilities in treating high-risk patients using next-generation, AI-driven technology.
