Experimental treatment of early chronic iliac vein thrombosis with a modified hydrodynamic thrombectomy catheter: preliminary animal experience.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new hydrodynamic catheter for removal of chronic iliac vein thrombus.


METHODS
Unilateral iliac vein thrombosis was induced in seven pigs by combining permanent coil and temporary balloon occlusion. Thrombectomy was performed with a new hydrodynamic catheter (10 F S.E.T.) 3 days after thrombus induction. After thrombectomy, the animals were killed and the iliac veins were examined histologically.


RESULTS
Complete thrombectomy (100% thrombus removal) was achieved in three of seven animals, 75% removal in three of seven animals, and only 30% removal in one animal. The average thrombus removal was 75%. Successful re-establishment of flow was achieved in five of seven cases. Histologically, the thrombi were partially organized, meeting the histologic criteria for early chronic venous thrombosis. Minor venous wall damage caused by the thrombectomy procedure without acute hemodynamic consequences was observed in four of seven cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The 10-F S.E.T. catheter was reasonably effective in removing chronic iliac vein thrombus with no hemodynamically significant complications.
Tacke
J
J
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Technology, Aachen, Germany.
Vorwerk
D
D
Bücker
A
A
Klosterhalfen
B
B
Grosskortenhaus
S
S
Hunter
D W
DW
Günther
R W
RW
D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000473:pathology; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004867:Equipment Design; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000473:pathology; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005337:Fibrin / Q000032:analysis; D007084:Iliac Vein / Q000473:pathology*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012212:Rheology; D012449:Safety; D013499:Surface Properties; D013552:Swine; D017131:Thrombectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014654:Vascular Patency / Q000502:physiology
D005337:Fibrin