BALTIMORE -- Deep-vein blood clots, which usually occur in the legs, can cause pain so strong that, in some cases, it can be fatal. Getting rid of them is crucial.

Now, there's a new treatment that can remove such blood clots in just a matter of minutes, reported WBAL-TV in Baltimore.

The AngioJet is a new treatment for deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT. That's when a blood clot forms inside a vein, usually in the legs, blocking the blood flow that creates a dangerous situation. NBC News reporter David Bloom died of a pulmonary embolism, caused by DVT, two years ago while covering the war in Iraq.

Dr. Mark Gonze, a vascular surgeon at St. Joseph Medical Center in Baltimore, said the AngioJet works like a vacuum cleaner to remove the clot.

"That blood clot breaks off and goes off to the heart and lungs, and unfortunately, when that happens, one-third to one-half of patients die from that event," he said.

He explained that after a catheter is inserted into the vein, a machine is activated that pumps and slowly pulls fluid back.

"The fluid leaks out of (the affected area as the AngioJet) continuously removes the blood clot," Gonze said.

The machine literally vacuums the clot out. Gonze said the procedure takes just 15 to 20 minutes and patients experience minimal discomfort.

Also, the AngioJet procedure has an advantage over other treatments as surgeons can perform it soon after a doctor detects the blood clot.

"For years, all we could give a patient were blood-thinning medications. This is one way to remove the blood clot entirely as opposed to waiting six months for the patient's own body to remove the blood clot," Gonze said.

Gonze said people most at risk for developing deep vein blood clots are those who have a family history, are immobile for long periods of time and pregnant women.

Additional Resources:

• Medical Encyclopedia: Deep Venous Thrombosis
• Coalition To Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis