Comparison of a New Recirculation Thrombectomy Catheter With Other Devices of the Same Type: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations

Qian Z, Kvamme P, Raghed D, et al. Comparison of a new recirculation thrombectomy catheter with other devices of the same typein vitro and in vivo evaluations. Invest Radiol 2002;37:503–511. RAIONALE AND OBJECTIVES.To compare a new 7 Fr. Helix thrombectomy catheter with Amplatz thrombectomy devices (ATD) with respect to clot fragmentation efficiency, hemolytic potential, and risk for vascular trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS.Particle size was evaluated following the maceration of 8-to-10-day-old clots, each weighing 6 ± 0.01 g. The clots were macerated using devices of various sizes, including the 7-Fr. Helix thrombectomy catheter, the 7-Fr. over-the-wire (OTW), 8-Fr. ATD and the 6-Fr. ATD. The number of particles by weight was quantified. The 7-Fr. Helix and the 8-Fr. ATD were tested in the native iliac vein of six dogs without presence of clots. Blood samples were obtained before, during, and at 1, 3, 6, 24, and 48 hours after the procedure, to monitor the hemolytic effects. The treated iliac veins were examined histologically. RESULTS.Most of the clot was fragmented into particles