Abstract
This study compared seven makes of balloon embolectomy catheter currently available, testing the most commonly used 4 Fr catheters. The volume of fluid and inflation pressure required to burst balloons of each type were measured. All balloons showed a similar shape of inflation curve, but compliance varied considerably, and the pressure required to burst different balloon types varied from 1060 to 1920 cmH2O. Two balloon types consistently fragmented when they burst in free space. On a specially designed mechanical rig balloon catheters were pulled through a 6 mm tube containing a fixed stenosis, with continuous measurement of traction force and intraballoon pressure. Traction force varied from 34 to 129 g (median 40 g) during passage along the tube, and from 254 to 463 g (median 350 g) during passage through the stenosis. The shear force imparted by the balloon to the tube wall was also calculated. This study provides comparative data which may help to guide surgeons in their choice of balloon embolectomy catheter.
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