How does AngioJet aspirate clot?

• A. By directing 6 high-speed jets of saline from the catheter tip backwards
• B. By suction alone from a vacuum pump
• C. By ultrasound-assisted fragmentation
• D. By chemical thrombolytics

Answer: (A)

AngioJet operates by rheolytic thrombectomy, using multiple high-velocity saline jets to create a suction effect that pulls clot into the catheter for removal. The jets are emitted from the catheter tip and directed proximally (backwards), so the rapid saline flow generates a low-pressure zone that entrains and aspirates the thrombus into the device while also fragmenting it. This combination of hydrodynamic fragmentation and simultaneous aspiration is the mechanism behind clot removal with AngioJet.

Suction alone wouldn’t explain the clot disruption and removal, ultrasound-assisted fragmentation uses acoustic energy rather than jet-induced suction, and chemical thrombolytics rely on enzymatic dissolution rather than mechanical aspiration.