Preliminary results with a new vascular basket occluder in swine

PURPOSE: To experimentally evaluate a new self-anchoring vascular occlusion device suitable for use in large, high-flow vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A basket-shaped occluding device consisting of a nit inol frame (with or without polyester threads) covered with Dacron was eval uated in the common iliac arteries and abdominal aortae of normal pigs, One occluder was placed in each recipient vessel. Angiography was performed be fore and after placement of each occluder. RESULTS: Precise placement of the device was achieved in all cases. Mechani cally, all but one occluder worked dependably. Angiographically, devices wi thout polyester threads produced only partial occlusion, Devices with threa ds produced complete occlusion in all but one abdominal aorta, in which par tial occlusion occurred because the occluder opened asymmetrically. Complet e iliac arterial occlusion occurred within 2-8 minutes of placement and aor tic occlusion was achieved within 8-20 minutes. At necropsy, all devices we re found to be securely anchored against the vascular wall, CONCLUSION: Preliminary results indicate that this vascular basket occluder containing polyester threads is easy to place precisely, produces rapid em bolization, and demonstrates good self-anchoring ability in a high-sow arte rial model.