Blood flow to the legs may become blocked, either because a blood clot forms in a blood vessel (arteries or veins) in the leg, or a clot that formed somewhere else in the body comes free and travels to the leg arteries, where it gets stuck and interferes with blood flow. If left untreated, it may lead to disability or loss of the limb.

Some blockages require immediate treatment; others can be managed with blood thinners or other medication. Where surgery is considered necessary, common procedures include inserting a balloon into the blood vessel to pull out the blockage and open the passage for blood flow or replacing or bypassing the affected portion of the vessel. Minimally invasive mechanical thrombectomy delivered through skin puncture into the vessel involves the use of a device to break up and remove a blood clot, which may alleviate the need for more invasive surgery or prolonged administration of clot-busting medication.

This health technology assessment looked at how safe, effective, and cost-effective mechanical thrombectomy is for adults with blocked arteries and veins in the legs. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding mechanical thrombectomy, at the perspectives of system stakeholders, and at the experiences, preferences, and values of people with blocked blood vessels in the lower limbs.