DogLeg 24F catheter testing

Treating DVT and PE with thrombectomy needs large-bore catheters that can pass through winding vessels without kinking or flattening (ovalization). A flattened lumen weakens aspiration and can block a thrombectomy device from passing through.

The stuay tested Retriever Medical's 24F aspiration/guide catneter (8mm OD, 7.1 mm ID). The catheters also come in 20F and 16F, with straight and pre-shapped tips, and let the ClotHound mechanical device to remain in place during aspiration.

• Bench bend test: the catheter was bent to a radius of about 6 mm at 180 degrees.  As a control, anotehr maker's 24F catheter (8 mm OD, 6.9 mm ID) went through the same test.
• Live porcine (79 kg): the catheter was advanced over a wire from the femoral artery to the far left lung artery, through turns under 10 mm radius at 180 degrees. 
• Shape was checked on direct view and X-rav (fluoroscopy). Measurements used the catheters known diameters to correct for magnification. Retriever's mechanical thrombectomy device was passed through the 24F, 20F and 16F catheters.

On the bench, the Retriever 24F catheter did not kink at a 6mm, 180 degree bend.  The other maker's catheter kinked and ovalized, cutting its lumen area by 10%.

This is a preclinical bench and animal study. More studies are needed to show safety and effectiveness in people. Study funded by Retriever Medical; the authors are founders, officers or staff of the company (see the report).