thrombectomy /thrombek″təmē/ [Gk, thrombos + ektomē, excision] , the removal of a thrombus from a blood vessel, performed as emergency surgery to restore circulation to the affected part. Anticoagulant therapy may begin before surgery. An arteriogram is done to locate the thrombus. During surgery a longitudinal incision is made into the blood vessel, and the clot is removed. After surgery the blood pressure is maintained close to its preoperative level because a decrease would predispose to further clotting. Compare embolectomy.
