Comparison of arterial wall reaction after passage of the hydrolyser device versus a thrombectomy balloon in an animal model

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare the reaction of the vessel wall after application of the Hydrolyser hydrodynamic thrombectomy device to the reaction after use of a balloon thrombectomy catheter. The influence of the vessel inner diameter on vessel wall reaction was evaluated after passage of the Hydrolyser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After measurement of the vessel inner diameter with intravascular ultrasound (US), 102 segments of femoral and carotid arteries of goats were treated with one of the following four procedures: passage of the intravascular US catheter alone; passage of the Hydrolyser without or with an activated jet; or passage of an inflated thrombectomy balloon. Histologic evaluation was performed after 3 weeks. RESULTS: Intimal thickening (more than five cell layers of neointima) 3 weeks after treatment occurred more frequently after passage of the balloon than after any of the other procedures (P <.001). For vessels with a diameter of 3-4 mm, 4-5 mm, or more than 5 mm, no significant difference in vessel wall reaction was observed following Hydrolyser passage. CONCLUSION: In this model, passage of the Hydrolyser device resulted in less intimal reaction compared with the thrombectomy balloon.