Lake Granbury Medical Center Now Offering Clot Removal Procedures
6/30/2025
New Lifesaving Treatment for Dangerous Blood Clots Now Available Locally
Granbury, TX — Lake Granbury Medical Center has performed its first minimally invasive clot removal procedure using technology now available right here in our community. This breakthrough means local patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) no longer have to be transferred to out-of-town hospitals for potentially lifesaving care.
“We’re now able to physically remove clots not just in the legs, but also if they migrate into the pulmonary arteries,” said Michael Ibe, M.D., general and interventional cardiologist with Lakeside Physicians. Levi Rice, D.O., also a general and interventional cardiologist with Lakeside Physicians, added, “That means we can now treat pulmonary embolisms directly—something that previously would have required immediate transfer and significant delay.”
“This is a big step forward for rural healthcare,” Dr. Ibe continued. “Blood clots can become fatal in a matter of hours. Now, we can act immediately without having to wait for a transfer to Fort Worth or Dallas.”
The Danger of Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT is a serious condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins—typically in the legs. If the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is often life-threatening.
“These clots are silent and dangerous,” explained Dr. Rice. “We’ve seen cases where people waited too long, not realizing how serious the problem was. With this technology, we can now intervene faster and save lives.”
Minimally Invasive. Maximally Effective.
The new procedure uses a small catheter inserted into the vein to physically remove the clot and restore normal blood flow. Unlike traditional surgery, this approach requires only a small incision and no general anesthesia—resulting in quicker recovery times and fewer complications.
“This new capability allows us to treat patients right here at home,” said Dr. Ibe. “That’s better for outcomes, better for families, and a major upgrade for cardiovascular care in Granbury.”
Trusted Care Without Leaving Town
The ability to offer this procedure at Lake Granbury Medical Center marks a major milestone in expanding high-quality, specialized care in smaller communities.
“We’re proud to bring trusted heart and vascular care to Granbury,” said Dr. Rice. “When minutes matter, having the tools and expertise on-site can truly make the difference.”
Lake Granbury Medical Center encourages anyone experiencing leg swelling, unexplained pain, or symptoms of a possible clot to seek medical attention immediately—especially if they have risk factors like recent surgery, long periods of sitting, or a personal or family history of blood clots.
For more information about vascular or cardiac services at LGMC, call (817) 579-3970.
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