Investigation of stent retriever removal forces in an experimental model of acute ischemic stroke
Demitria A. Poulos, Michael T. Froehler, and Bryan C. Good
Abstract
Mechanical thrombectomy can become increasingly challenging in tortuous cerebral anatomy. This study investigated how vessel geometry, clot composition, and stent retriever design influence the forces required during clot retrieval in a controlled benchtop flow system.
Testing showed that removal forces increased as vessel tortuosity increased, while stent retriever diameter had a greater influence on removal force than device length. The experimental arterial geometries were inspired by segments of a United Biologics silicone ICA/MCA vascular model, providing a physical anatomical reference for the study.