Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of thrombus removal from temporary vena cava filters using a rheolytic thrombectomy device and to assess the embolization rate of this procedure.
Methods: Five temporary vena cava filters together with porcine thrombi were placed in a vena cava flow model (semitranslucent silicone tube of 23 mm diameter, pulsatile flow at a mean flow rate of 4 L/min). A rheolytic thrombectomy system (Hydrolyser) was used with a 9 Fr guiding catheter to remove the clots. The effluent was passed through filters of different size and the amount of embolized particles as well as the remaining thrombus were measured.
Results: Thrombus removal rates ranged from 85% to 100%. Embolization rates between 47% and 60% were calculated for the different filters.
Conclusion: The Hydrolyser is able to remove sufficiently high amounts of thrombus from temporary vena cava filters. However, the amount of embolized particles makes it impossible to utilize this method without special precautions against embolization.