ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In vitro comparison of the 6F and 8F Amplatz thrombectomy device (ATD) for treatment of thrombotically occluded vessels in a flow-model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thrombectomy of clots from porcine blood was performed with either a 6F or an 8F Amplatz thrombectomy device (ATD) in a flow-model simulating a superficial femoral artery circuit (n = 40; 7.5 g: 7 mm diameter; 4.5 g: 5 mm diameter). Emboli caused during thrombectomy were determined in a three-step filter array (10 microns-1000 microns). RESULTS: Thrombectomy was successful in all cases. In 5 mm/7 mm lumen time for thrombectomy was measured from 47 s/56s (8F) to 86 s/107 s (p < 0.01) (6F). Remaining thrombus weighted in 5 mm/7 mm lumen 0.04 g/-0.02 g (8F) and 0.05 g/-0.02 g (6F). Overall weight emboli determined for 1000 microns, 100 microns and 10 microns size and percentage of emboli related to original thrombus weight measured 0.23 g/4.96% (8F, 5 mm), 0.2 g/4.36% (6F, 5 mm), 0.08 g/1.13% (8F, 7 mm). and 0.09 g/1.18% (6F, 7 mm). CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, the 6F ATD is in "vessels" with 5 mm and 7 mm diameter as effective as the 8F version. Particle embolization in flow-circuit was similar with both devices, although the 6F ATD requires a longer time for thrombectomy in vessel with larger diameter.
