Evaluation of a newly developed percutaneous thrombectomy basket device in sheep with central pulmonary embolisms.
OBJECTIVE
The authors studied the development of a thrombectomy device that is adequately steerable and quickly placeable in case of extensive pulmonary embolism.


METHODS
The device consists of a self-expandable nitinol basket mounted at a catheter-tip, which allows suction and extraction of thrombus material. Five in vitro tests were performed followed by tests in 6 sheep. In vivo thrombus material was introduced through a jugular vein to produce pulmonary embolism. After catheter insertion over the right femoral vein, the basket was placed adjacent to the pulmonary embolus and the extraction procedure was performed.


RESULTS
In in vitro tests, the extracted thrombus amount varied between 60% and 95%. In animal experiments, the extracted amount varied between 30% and 95% as determined angiographically. Limiting factors were steerability and optimal positioning of the basket in relation to the embolus.


CONCLUSIONS
Extraction of pulmonary embolism with the self-expanding suction basket is feasible. However, successful recanalization is limited by catheter maneuverability in the pulmonary arterial system.
Verma
Rajeev K
RK
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany. verma@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Pfeffer
Jochen G
JG
Stopinsky
Tadek
T
Günther
Rolf W
RW
Schmitz-Rode
Thomas
T
D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012756:Sheep; D017131:Thrombectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome