In this study we examined a new thrombectomy catheter device. Different kin
ds of in vitro generated thrombi and cadaver thrombi were disrupted in test
tubes. The mean disruption rate (and disruption time for 1 g of thrombus)
was 225 +/- 65 mg/sec (5 +/- 2 sec) for whole-blood, 117 +/- 60 mg/sec (12
+/- 9 sec) for fibrin, 41 +/- 18 mg/sec (30 +/- 18 sec) for mixed, 70 +/- 4
2 mg/sec (17 +/- 5 sec) for unorganized, 45 +/- 8 mg/sec (22 +/- 4 sec) for
partly, and 5 +/- 1 mg/sec (216 +/- 29 sec) for completely organized cadav
er thrombi (P < 0.05). More than 99% of fragmented particles of whole-blood
thrombi were 0-12 mu m in diameter. The particle size of fibrin, mixed, an
d cadaver thrombi was similar, with 25%-40% of particles between 0-12 mu m,
55%-71% >12-24 mu m, and 2%-7% >24 mu m. The device may be effectively use
d in the therapy of massive pulmonary embolism or acute peripheral and coro
nary artery syndromes when medical thrombolysis is contraindicated and orga
nization of thrombus is absent. Further studies need to be performed to inv
estigate the potential effects of particle microembolization, Cathet. Cardi
ovasc. Intervent 47:381-389, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.