Experimental treatment of early chronic iliac vein thrombosis with a modified hydrodynamic thrombectomy catheter: Preliminary animal experience

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new hydrodynamic catheter for removal of chronic iliac vein thrombus, METHODS: Unilateral iliac vein thrombosis was induced in seven pigs by comb ining permanent coil and temporary balloon occlusion, Thrombectomy was perf ormed with a new hydrodynamic catheter (10 F S.E.T.) 3 days after thrombus induction. After thrombectomy, the animals were killed and the iliac veins were examined histologically, RESULTS: Complete thrombectomy (100% thrombus removal) was achieved in thre e of seven animals, 75% removal in three of seven animals, and only 30% rem oval in one animal, The average thrombus removal was 75%, Successful re-est ablishment of flow was achieved in five of seven cases, Histologically, the thrombi were partially organized, meeting the histologic criteria for earl y chronic venous thrombosis, Minor venous wall damage caused by the thrombe ctomy procedure without acute hemodynamic consequences was observed in four of seven cases. CONCLUSION: The 10-F S,E,T, catheter was reasonably effective in removing c hronic iliac vein thrombus with no hemodynamically significant complication s.