Summary
A bovine in-vitro model was developed to investigate device-induced thromboembolism
(TE) and its pharmacological intervention, using a stent as a prototype device. Emboli
were assessed continuously using a light-scattering microemboli detector (LSMD). Thrombus
on the stent was assessed gravimetrically at the end of the experiment. The contribution
of the stent as the predominant source of detectable thromboemboli in this model was
verified by placing LSMD probes upstream and downstream of the stent. The effectiveness
of ethylenedinitrilo-tetraacetic-acid (EDTA) and three anti-thrombogenic agents (aspirin,
dipyridamole, and tirofiban) for mitigating device-induced TE was also assessed. The
results show that 1) the model has potential to study device-induced TE and the efficacy
of possible interventional strategies, 2) the LSMD is capable of continuous, non-invasive,
real-time assessment of embolism, 3) the assessment of embolization may constitute
an important part of evaluating hemocompatibility, 4) tirofiban is effective in reducing
both stent-induced thrombosis and embolism above certain concentrations.
Keywords
Thrombosis - thromboembolism - stent - tirofiban - aspirin - dipyridamole