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In vitro evaluation of vena cava filters
F D Hammer1, H P Rousseau, F G Joffre
1Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rangueil, Toulouse, France.
Purpose:
The authors tested in vitro nine caval filters to evaluate clot-trapping capacity and transfilter pressure gradients under varying experimental conditions.
Material And Methods:
The filtering efficiency of the stainless-steel Greenfield filter was evaluated in a modified flow model. A total of 2,100 clots were injected. In addition, controlled parameters simulating in vivo conditions were selected to appreciate clot-trapping capacity and pressure gradients for nine filters in horizontal and vertical positions, by using small (3 x 30 mm) and medium-sized (5 x 30 mm) clots. Statistical evaluation was performed for 3,600 clot deliveries.
Results:
Depending on experimental conditions, the clot-trapping capacity of the Greenfield filter varied greatly (0%-78%) by using small and medium clots. Bird's Nest and Simon nitinol filters demonstrated the highest filtering efficiency (94%-100%) for small clots. Medium clots were effectively captured by Bird's Nest, Simon nitinol, Antheor, and Günther Tulip filters (79%-100%).
Conclusion:
Experimental parameters influence a filter's clot-trapping capacity. Bird's Nest filters demonstrated the highest clot-trapping capacity.