LARGO, Fla. -- Largo Medical Center is the first hospital in Pinellas County to use new technology to remove blood clots in your heart. 

  • New tool at Largo Medical to remove blood clots in heart
  • Tool called Indigo System CAT RX Aspiration Catheter
  • Reduces risk of heart damage or heart attack

The new minimally invasive procedure using the Indigo System CAT RX Aspiration Catheter will help rid patients of blood clots in arteries or veins, in or near their heart. 

“Blood clots in the coronary arteries have had limited treatment options until now,” said Merrill Krolick, DO, Interventional Cardiologist, Largo Medical Center. “In my experience with this new technology here at Largo Medical Center, we now have the ability to remove these difficult-to-access, life-threatening clots quickly and efficiently, potentially reducing the risk of heart damage or a heart attack.”

About 720,000 people in the United States suffer heart attacks every year, according to Largo Medical Center. 

Blood clots can block blood flow to the heart, lungs, and other parts of the body, causing limb loss, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, heart attack, or death, medical officials say. 

A heart attack can occur when a clot blocks delivery of red blood cells, which cuts off the oxygen getting to your heart. 

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack can vary between men and women, which may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea or “flu-like” symptoms
  • Perspiring (sweating)
  • Pain under the arm
  • Persistent cough
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Jaw or neck pain
  • Irregular/rapid heartbeat
  • Numbness in arms or hands

Dr. Krolick said he can better visualize an underlying heart blockage with this new technology. 

“At Largo Medical Center we are proud to provide procedures like this one which lowers the risk of surgical complications and improves patient outcomes,” said Anthony Degina, CEO, Largo Medical Center.