Background: We assessed performance of 6 aspiration catheters for distal embolization using a distal protection filter in an in vitro experiment. In acute myocardial infarction, a distal protection filter is used for lesions likely to induce a distal embolism. Which aspiration cathether is most effective when used with a distal protection filter remains still unclear.
Methods: A 0.5-cm3 bolus of gelatin as a model of stagnant pools of coronary plaque debris was captured in the distal protection filter and aspirated by 6 aspiration catheters. We measured and compared the length of the suspended embolus matter.
Results: Among the 6 catheters evaluated, the use of the Export Advance catheter (Medtronic) resulted in significantly shorter lengths of the suspended embolus matter compared to the use of the TVAC II (Nipro), Thrombuster III SL (Kaneka), and Rebirth Pro (Goodman) catheters (p < 0.01). The residual embolus matter in all cases had drained distally to the distal protection filter when the filter was retrieved.
Conclusions: The use of the Export Advance catheter showed better performance using a distal protection filter in this in vitro experiment, and its use might be more effective in preventing distal embolisms in combination with a distal protection filter.
Keywords: acute myocardial infarction; aspiration catheters; distal embolization; distal protection device and filter no-reflow; percutaneous coronary intervention.