In vitro effectiveness study of three hydrodynamic thrombectomy devices.

PURPOSE To determine the in vitro efficacy of three hydrodynamic thrombectomy devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thrombectomy of clots was performed with three thrombectomy devices (Angiojet [AJ], Possis Medical, Minneapolis, Minn; Hydrolyser [HL] Cordis Europe, Roden, the Netherlands; and the Shredding Embolectomy Thrombectomy [SET] catheter, HP-Medica, Augsburg, Germany) in a flow model. RESULTS Mean thrombectomy time ranged from 10.22 seconds (HL) to 37.73 seconds (AJ with guide wire). For the AJ and HL, the use of guide wires prolonged thrombectomy time (P < .01). The AJ with and without a guide wire and the HL with a 0.018-inch guide wire worked isovolumetrically, whereas the mean ratio of applied saline and aspirated fluid for the other devices was different from 1, ranging from 0.54 to 0.72. Mean embolus weight with the AJ alone (56.44 mg) was significantly higher than that with the SET catheter alone (3.15 mg) and with a guide wire (1.31 mg, P < .01 for both) and the HL alone (3.9 mg, P < .05), as was the embolus weight with the HL with a 0.018-inch guide wire (66.5 mg) compared with the SET catheter with and without a guide wire (P < .01), AJ with a guide wire (22.33 mg, P < .05), the HL alone (P < .01), and the HL with a 0.025-inch guide wire (24.86 mg, P < .05). CONCLUSION The devices showed performance differences. The SET catheter alone and with a guide wire and the HL may bear an increased risk of procedure-related anemia. In clinical applications, hydrodynamic thrombectomy might substantially reduce the need for thrombolytic therapy.