ANIMAL EVALUATION OF THE PROTOTYPE OMNICATH ATHERECTOMY CATHETER

A prototype directional atherectomy catheter (Omnicath(TM)) was evalua ted in four Yucatan microswines. Atherectomy was performed on iliac or aortic target lesions. After control angiography, the animals were sa crificed and the target arteries were examined histologically. Atherec tomy resulted in arterial ruptures in three cases, and the track of th e blade was measured to be of an average depth of 0.38 mm. Maneuverabi lity was satisfactory but aspiration was not efficient. Precise locali zation of the atherectomy window was difficult. We conclude that modif ication of the catheter seems mandatory before use in humans.