Comparison of pharmacological thrombolysis with mechanical thrombectomy in thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas and grafts: a systemic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aim: To compare the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy.

Material and methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Pooled proportions and subgroup analysis were calculated for primary and secondary patency rates, technical success, clinical success, major and minor complications rates.

Results: This systematic review identified a total of 6,492 studies of which 17 studies were included for analysis. A total of 1,089 patients comprising 451 (41.4 %) and 638 (58.6 %) patients who underwent thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy procedures, respectively, were analysed. No significant differences were observed between thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy procedures in terms of technical success, clinical success, major and minor complications rates, primary and secondary patency rates; however, subgroup analysis of overall arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) demonstrated a significantly higher rate of major complications within the AVF group (p=0.0248).

Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that pharmacological thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy procedures are similarly effective and safe; however, AVFs are subject to higher major complications compared to AVGs.