Comparison of the in vitro performance of 6 and 7 French aspiration catheters.

Objective: A comparison of aspiration catheters that have been approved for real-world use was carried out in vitro.

Background: Myocardial damage occurs during therapeutic aspiration of thrombus. The relative efficiency of aspiration may be important in this regard.

Methods: Using saline and human clot, nine aspiration catheters were compared Thrombuster III(R)N (6 Fr and 7 Fr), ZEEK (6 Fr), Rebirth (7 Fr), Eliminate (6 Fr and 7 Fr), Pronto (6 Fr), and Export(R) (6 Fr and 7 Fr). Tracking was assessed from the resistance required to pass the catheter through a vessel model. Pushability was determined from the difference between the load at the hand piece and tip of the catheter during advancement through the vessel model.

Results: The Thrombuster III(R)N (6 Fr and 7 Fr) showed significantly better aspiration performance, although the ranking order of the catheters was not the same for saline and clot. The Thrombuster III(R)N also showed the best tracking with low resistance and was the easiest catheter to advance, as evaluated based on pushability.

Conclusions: In the present in vitro evaluation system, the Thrombuster III(R)N performed better than other catheters.