Development and validation of an in vitro model to study thrombin generation on the surface of catheters in platelet-poor and platelet-rich plasma

Coagulation activation on medical devices remains a significant problem as it can lead to dramatic thromboembolic complications. Understanding its poorly described mechanisms and finding optimal pharmacological prevention means is crucial to improve patient safety. We developed an in vitro model to study thrombin generation (TG) initiated by the contact of plasma with the surface of catheters. Interventional cardiology catheters were cut into segments and inserted in the bottom of multi-well plates; TG was then measured with the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT). Model performance (analytical, intra- and inter-individual variability) was investigated and compared with activation of thrombin generation by tissue factor (TF) or contact pathway activator (ellagic acid), in the presence (PRP) and absence (PPP) of platelets. Model response to unfractionated heparin (UFH) was also assessed. TG was greater when measured in presence of catheter segments, compared to conditions without activators. The analytical variability of the model was good (CV ≤ 5 %), both with PPP and PRP. Intra-individual variability was between 15 and 30 % with PPP and between 10 and 15 % with PRP. Inter-individual variability was between 15 and 30 % with both kinds of plasma samples. The analytical performance of the catheter-initiated TG model was equivalent to that observed when TG was initiated with TF or ellagic acid. Catheter-initiated TG was measurable until 0.1 IU/mL UFH with PPP and until 1.0 IU/mL UFH with PRP, highlighting the crucial requirement of platelets. Our model is suitable for studying TG initiated with catheters. Inhibition of TG by UFH is overestimated in the absence of platelets. •Foreign material, including catheters, strongly activates hemostasis.•Platelets are essential to assess the effect of heparin on thrombin generation (TG).•We developed a model to study TG at the surface of catheters in presence of platelets.•The model showed low analytical, intra- and inter-individual variability.•This model will enable to study pharmacological inhibition of TG at foreign surfaces.