Laboratory Investigations [cmFragmentation of Pulmonary Emboli: In Vivo Experimental Evaluation of Two High-Speed Rotating Catheters]

Journal Article · Wed May 15 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S002709900035· OSTI ID:21080532

Schmitz-Rode, Thomas; Adam, Gerhard; Kilbinger, Markus; Pfeffer, Jochen ^[1]; Biesterfeld, Stefan ^[2]; Guenther, Rolf W ^[1]

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1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Technology Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52057 Aachen (Germany)
2. Institute of Pathology, University of Technology Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52057 Aachen (Germany)

Purpose: To test two over-the-wire systems for fragmentation of pulmonary emboli. Methods: In 11 dogs, 22 embolic occlusions of lobar or central pulmonary arteries were performed by injection of preformed emboli through a jugular vein sheath. A commercially available device (thrombolizer) and a modified version of the impeller catheter were introduced via the femoral vein and positioned at the embolus site. Results: Catheter placement at the site of the emboli was possible. In more than half of the cases a hydrophilic or an extra-stiff guidewire was necessary. The thrombolizer did not rotate properly with its original pneumatic drive and required a major modification. When sufficient rotation was provided, both fragmentation catheters were able to clear the occluded main arteries. Side branches were partly obstructed by the resulting fragments. Recanalization led to a reduction of the emboli-induced elevation of the pulmonary arterial pressure by two-thirds. Histology of the recanalized pulmonary artery segments revealed localized (impeller catheter) and widespread (thrombolizer) periarterial hemorrhage. Conclusion: Embolus fragmentation led to a hemodynamic improvement. The impeller catheter was less traumatic compared with the thrombolizer, which was technically insufficient.

• OSTI ID: 21080532
• Journal Information: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Journal Name: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 19; ISSN 0174-1551; ISSN CAIRDG
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ARTERIES
DOGS
EMBOLI
EVALUATION
HEMORRHAGE
HISTOLOGY
IN VIVO
VEINS