Hannibal Regional doctor first in nation to complete minimally invasive procedure in neck

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Rare but potentially serious, internal jugular vein thrombosis is characterized by the formation of a blood clot within the internal jugular vein, a major blood vessel located in the neck. While less common than other types of blood clots, prompt recognition and treatment is necessary.

Dr. Blake Kramer, an interventional radiologist at Hannibal Regional, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first in the nation to complete a minimally invasive removal of an internal jugular vein thrombosis using a specialized catheter from Inari Medical called the FlowTriever 16.

The patient’s case was particularly challenging. A blood clot had developed around a central venous line, a line placed in a large vein in the neck used for medications. In such scenarios, without access to minimally invasive technology, patients often face significant surgery.  However, with Kramer’s expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, the patient successfully underwent the minimally invasive procedure at Hannibal Regional.

In a press release, Kramer said, “This was a unique situation. It is rare for a patient to have an internal jugular vein thrombosis, but a case popped up with this condition here at Hannibal Regional, and we were ready. Even though this was a rare case, we had the state-of-the-art equipment we needed to treat this patient and were able to completely remove the internal jugular vein thrombosis with a minimally invasive procedure. The patient was able to stay right here in Hannibal for the procedure, avoid a major surgery and return home fairly quickly.”

To learn more about the advanced care Hannibal Regional is providing, visit hannibalregional.org.