Utilization of angiovac and snare for eradication of a mobile right atrial thrombus

Although there are multiple etiologies of a right atrial thrombus, the presence of a central venous catheter increases the risk for its development. Once diagnosed, an assessment of patient-specific factors will aid in dictating the appropriate management strategy. In cases of chronic disease or adherent thrombotic masses, thrombolytic therapy might not result in complete resolution of the clot burden and could lead to a devastating embolic event. Accordingly, we present a case of a right atrial thrombus not amenable to medical therapy that was removed only after concomitant utilization of an AngioVac Aspiration System (Vortex Medical, Norwell, MA) and percutaneous snare catheterization.