A Porcine Deep Vein Thrombosis Model for Magnetic Resonance-guided Monitoring of Different Thrombectomy Procedures

Purpose: To establish a porcine model of deep iliac vein thrombosis, which allows monitoring of thrombectomy and thrombolytic procedures by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials And Methods: Deep iliac vein thrombosis was induced in 12 domestic swine using an occlusion-balloon catheter and subsequent injection of thrombin distal to the occluded vessel site. Thrombosis induction was successfully achieved in all animals after 1 hour as verified by MRI. In addition, x-ray fluoroscopy was performed for comparison. Subsequently, thrombectomy was performed using a Fogarty catheter, an Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device as well as electrical discharge-induced shock waves. The latter procedure was carried out with and without additional administration of Actilyse. MRI and x-ray fluoroscopy were repeated to monitor therapy.

Results: After successful thrombosis induction within the deep iliac veins in all cases, thrombus material could be completely removed using the Fogarty catheter and the Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device, whereas electrical discharge-induced shock wave failed to recanalize the occluded vessel even if additional Actilyse was administered. The actual burden of thrombotic material could be reliably visualized using MRI.

Conclusions: A porcine model of deep iliac vein thrombosis model is presented, which permits reliable visualization of thrombotic material. This model might be a useful tool to compare different thrombectomy devices or to evaluate the effectiveness of new thrombolytic approaches.