Radiology, Vol 197, 153-156, Copyright © 1995 by Radiological Society of North America
Percutaneous balloon embolectomy with a self-expanding tulip sheath: in vivo experiments
D Vorwerk, RW Gunther, K Schurmann, T Schmitz-Rode and S Biesterfeld
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Technical University of Aachen, Germany.
PURPOSE: To test a self-expanding tulip-shaped sheath designed for
percutaneous embolectomy in an in vivo animal experiment. MATERIALS AND
METHODS: In nine sheep, a total of 23 percutaneous balloon embolectomies
were performed with use of a self-expanding tulip sheath device with an
outer diameter of 9- or 10-F when collapsed. A 10-F instrument was used in
11 cases, and a 9-F instrument was used in 12. Radiopaque emboli were
pushed into the aorta via the left carotid or contralateral femoral artery
with a 16-F introducer sheath. RESULTS: The embolus was captured in the
tulip cage in all 23 cases. Retrieval of the embolus into the sheath was
complete in 21 of 23 cases. In two cases, minor parts of the embolus
dislodged from the sheath. Major embolism did not occur. In nine cases, the
outer sheath had to be cleared of remaining clot particles with aspiration.
CONCLUSION: The noncovered self-expanding tulip sheath is an effective and
safe instrument for percutaneous embolectomy under in vivo conditions.
