A SAFETY NET TO PREVENT EMBOLIZATION DURING INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES- WORK-IN-PROGRESS

PURPOSE: In vitro evaluation of three prototype devices designed to tr ap emboli that are generated by intravascular procedures. MATERIALS AN D METHODS: Three prototypes of the safety net were tested in a water f low model. Angioplasty of human endarterectomy specimens was performed upstream of the device (n = 8), In other tests, polyvinyl alcohol par ticles were injected into the water flow model upstream of the device (n = 15), The safety nets and the effluent that passed through them we re examined for embolic particles. A third prototype was tested (n = 5 ) to evaluate whether the device could be deployed and retrieved as de signed. RESULTS: The safety net was able to trap debris released by an gioplasty of endarterectomy specimens in every case. Most, but not all , polyvinyl alcohol particles were trapped by the safety net, Four of five devices tested were deployed and retrieved as designed. One becam e caught in the introducing valve, which prevented deployment. CONCLUS ION: The vascular safety net is effective in trapping small volumes of emboli, It can be deployed and retrieved as designed.