An in-vitro study on corn-shaped balloon-enhanced thrombolysis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Smooth-surfaced balloons used in deep vein thrombolysis may be less effective due to thrombus yielding.
• Investigating alternative balloon surface textures could improve thrombolytic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of corn-shaped (rough surface) balloons versus glossy (smooth surface) balloons in enhancing thrombolysis.
• To evaluate the impact of balloon surface texture on thrombolysis rates and residual clot size.

Main Methods:

• An in vivo study using four rabbits with 60 blood clot samples.
• Blood clots were treated with urokinase and either glossy or corn-shaped balloons at 1 atm and 2 atm pressures.
• Thrombolysis and residual rates were calculated for different clot sizes.

Main Results:

• Corn-shaped balloons demonstrated significantly higher thrombolysis rates compared to glossy balloons (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002).
• Residual rates for larger blood clots (Φ ≥ 3.7 mm) were significantly lower with corn-shaped balloons (p < 0.001 for both pressures).

Conclusions:

• Balloons can enhance thrombolysis, with corn-shaped designs proving superior to glossy ones.
• Rougher balloon surfaces, like those of corn-shaped balloons, offer improved thrombolytic outcomes under consistent pressure.