An in-vitro model to study device-induced thrombosis and embolism: Evaluation of the efficacy of tirofiban, aspirin, and dipyridamole

A bovine in-vitro model was developed to investigate device-induced thrombo embolism (TE) and its pharmacological intervention, using a stent as a prot otype device. Emboli were assessed continuously using a light-scattering mi croemboli detector (LSMD). Thrombus on the stent was assessed gravimetrical ly at the end of the experiment. The contribution of the stent as the predo minant source of detectable thromboemboli in this model was verified by pla cing LSMD probes upstream and downstream of the stent. The effectiveness of ethylenedinitrilo-tetraacetic-acid (EDTA) and three anti-thrombogenic agen ts (aspirin, dipyridamole, and tirofiban) for mitigating device-induced TE was also assessed. The results show that 1) the model has potential to stud y device-induced TE and the efficacy of possible interventional strategies, 2) the LSMD is capable of continuous, non-invasive, realtime assessment of embolism, 3) the assessment of embolization may constitute an important pa rt of evaluating hemocompatibility, 4) tirofiban is effective in reducing b oth stent-induced thrombosis and embolism above certain concentrations.