A blood clot removal device for removing blood clots from the vascular system of a patient is implantable in the patient's body. The blood clot removal device comprises a blood flow passageway, a filter provided in the blood flow passageway for filtering blood clots, and a cleaning device for cleaning the filter. By means of such blood clot removal device and system, the risk of blood clots reaching sensitive areas of the patient's body, such as the brain, is reduced.