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Blood clot treatment · Houston, TX

Thrombectomy (Blood Clot Removal) in Houston, TX

Catheter-based removal of a blood clot, for clots that need more than blood thinners alone.1,2

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  • No referral neededBook directly with Dr. Malik
  • On-site duplex ultrasoundAnswers at your first visit
  • 3 Houston-area clinicsSugar Land, Houston, Tomball
!

Call 911 for: sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cold, pale and painful leg. These need emergency care.

Dr. Rema Malik examining a patient’s leg
FirstFor most clots, blood thinners are the first treatment. Clot removal is for selected cases.1
Blood thinners firstThe usual first treatment1
Thin catheterReaches the clot from inside the vessel1
Suction or balloonUsed to pull out or break up the clot2
Close monitoringAccess site and vital signs checked after2
The basics

What is Thrombectomy (Blood Clot Removal)?

Thrombectomy removes a blood clot through a thin tube called a catheter. Suction, small balloons or both are used to clear the clot. A clot-dissolving medicine can also be given through the catheter.2,1

It may be needed in emergencies, and for people who need a clot cleared faster than medicine alone can do it.

When it may be considered

  • A large clot in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis causing severe swelling or pain2
  • A clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) in selected, more serious cases1
  • People who cannot take clot-dissolving medicine in the usual way1
  • A clot blocking blood flow that needs urgent treatment1

Not sure if this is right for you? A visit with Dr. Malik, with an on-site ultrasound, gives you a clear answer.

Step by step

How the procedure works

  1. PreparationNumbing medicine at the access site, with sedation if needed.2
  2. AccessA catheter enters a vein or artery, guided by imaging.1,2
  3. Reach the clotThe catheter is steered to the clot.1
  4. Remove the clotSuction, a balloon or both remove or break up the clot. Medicine may be added.2
  5. FinishThe sheath is removed and pressure is applied to the puncture site.2
Recovery

What to expect after

Recovery depends on your health and what was treated. Dr. Malik gives you written instructions for your own procedure.

  1. Right afterMonitoringYour vital signs and the puncture site are watched closely.2
  2. Next daysBlood thinnersBlood thinners keep the clot from coming back and stop new clots forming.1
  3. Follow-upCheck-upsDr. Malik checks your veins with ultrasound and adjusts your plan.
  4. Any timeWarning signsSudden shortness of breath, chest pain or new leg swelling: call 911.

Benefits

  • Clears a clot faster than medicine alone in selected cases2
  • Done through a small catheter, not open surgery1
  • Can be combined with clot-dissolving medicine1

Possible risks

  • Pieces of clot moving and blocking another vessel2
  • Injury to the vessel, which may cause bleeding2
  • Bleeding, especially when clot-dissolving medicine is used2
  • Bruising or pain at the access site
Compare options

How it compares

Dr. Malik recommends the option that fits your condition after an exam and ultrasound.1

OptionHow it worksTypical use
Blood thinnersMedicine keeps the clot from growing and stops new clotsFirst treatment for most clots
Catheter-directed thrombolysisClot-dissolving medicine delivered through a catheterSelected large or serious clots
ThrombectomyClot removed with suction or balloon through a catheterSelected cases and emergencies
Vena cava filterA small filter in a large vein catches clotsPeople who cannot take blood thinners

I have been seeing Dr Rema Malik for about 2 years now. She is amazing and all of her staff is amazing. I wish that all my doctors and there staff could be at least half of what this team is just so incredible and can’t thank her and her staff enough for always making my legs good again.

Gary BennettGoogle review
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Dr. Malik was very kind and thorough. She looks out for your best interest and explained the process of the diagnostic and treatment plan. Her staff was very kind and made me feel comfortable with their evaluation.

Richard Lopez
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I love love love Dr. Malik. She has taken very good care of me. She listens and answers all my questions and concerns. She is compassionate and caring.

Juana Reeves
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Dr. Malik and her team are wonderful! Very friendly, easy to understand my questions and the process with my procedure. I never have to wait for the team to get back to me when I have called.

John Hawley
Your surgeon

Treated by Dr. Rema Malik

Dr. Rema Malik, MD, FACS, RPVI, is board certified in Vascular Surgery, General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. She sees patients in English and Urdu. No referral is needed.

Treatment is often covered by insurance when it is medically necessary. Our team checks your plan before your visit.

Dr. Rema Malik, vascular surgeon in Houston
  • Sugarland ClinicMon to Fri, 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Houston ClinicThursday, 8 AM to 12 PM
  • Tomball ClinicWednesday, 8 AM to 5 PM
FAQ

Common questions

Short answers. For your own situation, talk to Dr. Malik.

Is thrombectomy the first treatment for a blood clot?

Usually not. Blood thinners are the first treatment for most clots. Clot removal is considered in selected or emergency cases.

How is the clot removed?

A thin catheter reaches the clot. Suction, a small balloon or both remove or break it up, and medicine can be added.

Will I still need blood thinners?

Yes. Blood thinners keep the clot from growing back and help stop new clots.

What are the risks?

Pieces of clot can move to another vessel, and the vessel can be injured or bleed. Your doctor weighs these against the benefits.

Is a blood clot an emergency?

Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cold, pale and painful leg need emergency care. Call 911.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly with Dr. Malik for follow-up and planning.

Sources

References

  1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH). Venous Thromboembolism: Treatment. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/venous-thromboembolism/treatment
  2. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Catheter-directed venous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy: patient information. flipbooks.leedsth.nhs.uk/LN006093.pdf

This page is general education, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Unnumbered statements describe Dr. Malik’s usual practice. In an emergency, call 911. Last updated October 30, 2026.

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