In vitro evaluation of vena cava filters.
OBJECTIVE
The authors tested in vitro nine caval filters to evaluate clot-trapping capacity and transfilter pressure gradients under varying experimental conditions.


METHODS
The filtering efficiency of the stainless-steel Greenfield filter was evaluated in a modified flow model. A total of 2,100 clots were injected. In addition, controlled parameters simulating in vivo conditions were selected to appreciate clot-trapping capacity and pressure gradients for nine filters in horizontal and vertical positions, by using small (3 x 30 mm) and medium-sized (5 x 30 mm) clots. Statistical evaluation was performed for 3,600 clot deliveries.


RESULTS
Depending on experimental conditions, the clot-trapping capacity of the Greenfield filter varied greatly (0%-78%) by using small and medium clots. Bird's Nest and Simon nitinol filters demonstrated the highest filtering efficiency (94%-100%) for small clots. Medium clots were effectively captured by Bird's Nest, Simon nitinol, Antheor, and Günther Tulip filters (79%-100%).


CONCLUSIONS
Experimental parameters influence a filter's clot-trapping capacity. Bird's Nest filters demonstrated the highest clot-trapping capacity.
Hammer
F D
FD
Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rangueil, Toulouse, France.
Rousseau
H P
HP
Joffre
F G
FG
Sentenac
B P
BP
Tran-Van
T
T
Barthelemy
R P
RP
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008961:Models, Structural; D013927:Thrombosis; D016306:Vena Cava Filters