Abstract
Neurothrombectomy devices are commonly evaluated for potential clinical success in porcine models of neurothromboembolism. The majority of preclinical evaluations for these devices are performed in the vasculature of swine or dog utilizing clots created ex vivo. This investigation was conducted to develop a faster, more reliable method for creating clots ex vivo for model development. Neurothrombectomy devices are designed to perform recanalization of arterial occlusions that cause acute ischemic stroke [1]. Recanalization can be achieved via clot disruption, aspiration, or retrieval using one or more mechanical devices. In order to evaluate these devices in vivo, a fast and reliable method for creating and delivering clots to a desired artery, thereby simulating a target site for neurothrombectomy, is essential.
Two types of clot analogs (soft or firm) were created using two different methods in order to compare both their mechanical properties and their ability to reliably occlude selected arteries. Utilizing both methods, pre-formed clots were qualitatively compared in vitro to evaluate elasticity, stiffness, and functionality of delivery through a catheter. These evaluations were performed prior to in vivo assessment of the effectiveness of the analogs occlusion of selected arterial vasculature.
