Michael Naimark. “Swine Clot Model for the Evaluation of Mechanical Thrombectomy Devices”

Summary: Restoration of d blood flow (TICI>2b) downstream of a proximal cerebral artery has been established as the definitive treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In recent years mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using stent retrievers has overtaken thrombolysis as the therapy of choice for AIS. Experience with these therapies has shown that timely and effective recanalization of occlusive thrombi or clots may be influenced by a number of underlying factors, including clot composition and type of occluded vessel. Preclinical TICI flow assessment is challenging due to the difficulty of consistently occluding selected blood vessels in vivo using lab-created thrombus.

To fill the void, CBSET has collaborated with partners to develop a discrete occlusive porcine clot model for predictable and repeatable assessment of TICI flow restoration and treatment effects on the vessels at early and subchronic timepoints and following MT. The key, is a novel method for generating clots of varying consistencies (firm and soft) from autologous blood under aseptic conditions. I will review the above mentioned aspects of the model as well as the histopathological scoring of device effects on the treated vessels..

Presented at Biointerface 2019, in the Neurovascular-Neuro Devices session, September 4-6, 2019, Park City, Utah.