GREGORIO ROMERO et al: A COMPARISON OF THE REMOVAL OF BLOOD CLOTS BY MECHANICAL

Recently, we have presented some studies concerning the analysis, design and optimization of one experimental device developed in the UK GPTAD which has been designed to remove blood clots without the need to make contact with the clot itself, thereby potentially reducing the risk of problems such as downstream embolisation. Based on the idea of a modification of the previous device, in this work, we present a model based on the use of stents such as the SolitaireTM FR, which is in contact with the clot itself. In the case of such devices, the stent is self-expandable and the extraction of the blood clot is faciliatated by the stent, which must be inside the clot. Such stents are generally inserted in position by using a guidewire inserted into the catheter. This type of modelling could potentially be useful in showing how the blood clot is moved by the various different forces involved. The modelling has been undertaken by analyzing the resistances, compliances and inertances effects. We model an artery and blood clot for a range of forces. In each case we determine the interaction between blood clot, stent and artery.