What is an EKOS?

What is an EKOS?

The device, called EKOS is a cutting-edge technology that uses an ultrasound to deliver very low doses of a clot-dissolving drug directly into the clot through a catheter. The result is rapid clearance of the clot while at the same time significantly reducing the risk of bleeding.

What does EKOS catheter stand for?

Ekosonic Endovascular System (EKOS), a form of catheter-directed pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, has been used to treat submassive and massive pulmonary emboli.

How do you use EKOS?

Insertion of the EKOS® Catheter / technology The EKOS® Catheter is inserted through the thrombus. The ultrasonic wire is advanced through the Catheter and secured in place. Infusion of the physician specified thrombolytic agent is then started.

Where does an EKOS catheter go?

This is usually at your groin or behind your knee, depending on the clots location. An Interventional Radiologist will insert the long, thin tube into a blood vessel. The tube is then directed to the general area of the clot.

How long does EKOS procedure take?

The procedure takes 10 minutes after which the patient goes to ICU – 12 hours for a single pulmonary embolism and 24 hours for a patient with blood clots in both lungs. The procedure cuts the length of stay in half – two to three days on average.

Is tPA used for pulmonary embolism?

Catheter-directed thrombolytics are a therapy under ongoing investigation, mostly in industry-funded device trials. The MOPPETT trial demonstrated that half-dose thrombolytics (50 mg tPA) might safely reduce the rate of recurrent PE and late-onset pulmonary hypertension in intermediate risk pulmonary embolism.

How long can Ekos therapy be used?

A retrospective study by Kennedy et al,8 as well as the ULTIMA trial,9 has shown that pharmacomechanical thrombolysis for acute PE using the EkoSonic ultrasound-enhanced infusion system (EKOS-BTG, Bothell, WA) is both safe and effective at reversing RV dysfunction at 24 hours and 90 days, without the reported risks of …

What is catheter directed thrombolysis?

Catheter-directed thrombolysis is a minimally invasive treatment that dissolves abnormal blood clots in blood vessels to help improve blood flow and prevent damage to tissues and organs.

What kind of drug is alteplase?

Activase (alteplase) is an enzyme, which works to break up and dissolve blood clots that can block arteries, used in the treatment of an acute heart attack or pulmonary embolism.

When do you use EKOS?

The EKOS catheter is comprised of two parts: the Infusion catheter and the ultrasonic core. EKOS was the first interventional device indicated for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. EKOS is used for the infusion of physician-specific fluids, including thrombolytics, into the peripheral vasculature.

How is the Ekos catheter used in medicine?

1 EKOS® Catheter uses ultrasound pressure and acoustic streaming along with physician. 2 The EKOS® Catheter was created in 2005 as part of an acoustic movement to treat. 3 The EKOS EkoSonic® Endovascular System generates ultrasonic energy waves which. 4 Insertion of the EKOS® Catheter / technology. 5 Risks of the EKOS® Catheter / technology.

What’s the difference between Ekos and infusion thrombolysis?

Both the EKOS and infusion thrombolysis are the same. The EKOS catheter is an infusion catheter for TPA. The wire that is inserted in the catheter helps disrupt the thrombus in the vessel so the lysis process is sped up (hopefully). So there is no difference between EKOS and infusion thrombolysis for coding.

How is Ekos ultrasound used to treat pulmonary embolism?

EKOS Ultrasound Guided Catheter directed thrombolysis for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. EkoSonic – The targeted ultrasound waves differentiate this technology, providing accelerated clot dissolution by unwinding the fibrin matrix. The EkoSonic catheter is comprised of two parts: the Infusion catheter and the ultrasonic core.

What’s the code for Ekos insertion and removal?

I have general question regarding EKOS catheter, we have a code for insertion of EKOS catheter 37211 & 37212 for day one and what about removal of EKOS catheter on the next day if thrombectomy not done…….? Please help. Click to expand… 37211 and 37212 included the catheter removal.