Published on April 09, 2025

Significant Milestone Reached with 400th Mechanical Thrombectomy

Image of Dr. Frisbie wearing blue scrubs in the operating room performing a procedure.

Vascular Surgeon Jacob Frisbie, D.O., performs a vascular surgery procedure. 

While there is limited awareness of venous thromboembolism (VTE), each year approximately 900,000 Americans are affected by VTE and as many as 100,000 people die from blood clots. Anyone who is at risk of blood clotting is also at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and anyone who is at risk of a VTE is also at risk of a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs.

Last month, MyMichigan Medical Center Midland reached a significant milestone in the fight against dangerous blood clots, completing its 400th mechanical thrombectomy. This minimally-invasive procedure, a life-saving technique, utilizes advanced imaging to guide a catheter through blood vessels to the clot site. A vascular surgeon or interventional radiologist then employ specialized devices within the catheter, such as stent retrievers or aspiration catheters, to remove or break up the clot, restoring critical blood flow and preventing potentially fatal embolisms.

“Our team of experienced vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists treat a wide range of DVT conditions, from acute and subacute cases to chronic DVTs accompanied by ulcers,” said Nadia Cottelit, B.S.N., R.N., coordinator, MyMichigan Cardiovascular Program. “The treatment approach depends on the clot’s size, location, and how long it has been present. We are all extremely proud of this talented team of “clot-busters” who prevent life-threatening conditions each and every day. Team members include Vascular Surgeons Yetunde Balogun, M.D., M.P.H.; Constantinos Constantinou, M.D., and Jacob Frisbie, D.O.; as well as Interventional Radiologists Shengfu Wang, M.D., Ph.D.; Syed Zamir, M.D., and Dianbo Zhang, M.D. This milestone is indicative of this incredible team’s dedication to stop the clot and prevent pulmonary embolisms.”

Those who would like more information about MyMichigan’s comprehensive vascular program may visit www.mymichigan.org/vascularcare.