A novel method for preparing clot analogs under dynamic vortical flow for testing mechanical thrombectomy devices

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Engineering
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Clot analogs are vital for preclinical testing of mechanical thrombectomy devices.
• Existing clot analogs lack the diverse histological and mechanical properties of clinical arterial clots.
• Accurate clot analogs are needed to improve the efficacy of acute ischemic stroke treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differences between dynamic and static clot analogs.
• To determine if dynamic clot formation under vortical flow can mimic clinical clot properties.
• To assess the suitability of these analogs for mechanical thrombectomy research.

Main Methods:

• Bovine blood clots were prepared under static and dynamic vortical flow conditions.
• Histological and scanning electron microscopy analyzed clot composition and structure.
• Mechanical properties were evaluated using compression and relaxation tests.
• In vitro thromboembolism and thrombectomy models were employed.

Main Results:

• Dynamic clots exhibited higher fibrin content and denser fibrin networks than static clots.
• Dynamic clots demonstrated significantly greater stiffness and better adherence in vascular models.
• Static clots fractured at bifurcations, while dynamic clots adhered firmly.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic clot analogs possess distinct composition and mechanical properties compared to static analogs.
• Vortical flow-generated clots more closely replicate in vivo arterial clot characteristics.
• These findings provide valuable insights for preclinical research on mechanical thrombectomy devices.