In Vivo Porcine Model of Acute Iliocaval Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening condition in which blood clots form in the venous system. Recently, a number of endovascular thrombectomy devices have been commercialized for the treatment of acute DVT. With variable efficacy and safety profiles, the current state-of-the-art has identified potential areas for further device innovation and opportunities for improvement. However, a major limitation in the testing, verification, and validation of new thrombectomy is a clinically representative large animal model of acute DVT. Unfortunately, existing approaches to creating DVT in porcine models are time consuming, technically challenging, and provide inconsistent results. We therefore developed a rapid and more reproducible protocol for induction of large-volume iliocaval DVTs in a living porcine host. This approach involves sequestering the iliocaval with standard balloon occlusion catheters, and a controlled and limited infusion of a 25% ethanol solution within the sequestered segment. We observed that this method was safe, technically straightforward, and reproducible in creating large-volume acute DVTs. We believe this model can be utilized in a standardized approach for the future testing of future endovascular venous thrombectomy devices.