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Posts Tagged ‘ivc filter’

Permanent Aortic filter : A pre-clinical proposal for PAA-PMF, device for long term stroke prevention

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 24, 2025|

“Every Interventional Cardiologist, realistically, need to be a preventive neurologist too!”

The concept a permanent ascending aortic porous membrane filter (PAA-PMF) is an extrapolation of the idea of mechanical thrombus capture, as proven by IVC filters for venous embolism prevention . Also we do have and temporary intra-aortic filters like Sentinel , Embol-X for arterial particulate capture.

Device Concept

The PAA-PMF would feature a self-expanding nitinol frame, with a fully porous head end. The device can be heparin-coated polyester or polyurethane mesh membrane, deployable via 12-14 Fr femoral sheath, similar to IVC filter designs but should be optimized for aortic pressures. Suggested pore size of 100-125 μm targets >100 μm emboli, akin to Embol-X filtration efficacy in capturing 95% of particulates (atheroma, fibrin) during aortic declamping. The essential requirement is that the porous membrane should not create an impedance gradient. How feasible it is, to be tested. Conical shape, the radial force will ensure good ascending aortic wall apposition.

Device location site

Site of placement is critical. Proximal ascending aorta, 2-3 cm distal to sinotubular junction/proximal to brachiocephalic trunk, as in Embol-X for maximal cardiac/aortic debris interception without coronary/arch compromis

Potential indications

(Only in patients with very high risk of cardioembolic stroke)

1.Chronic stroke reduction in patients with MVR/AVR/TAVR/MAVR

2.High-risk mobile LV mural thrombus

3.Chronic AF with visible and invisible clots in LA

4..High-risk procoagulant conditions with recurrent embolism

Definite Risks

*Occlusion and hemodynamic compromise is the most crucial issue. However, when compared to the incidence IVC filter clogging, the high pressure aortic flow is likely to self-wash the device (as happens in a prosthetic aortic valve)

Trapped emboli may enter into coronary circulation is a possibility. Putting a filter at ascending aorta precludes left heart catheterization.

*Migration , Hemolysis are other expected complications.

Intense anticoagulation would be required to prevent occlusion of the filte . (Still, stopping it temporarily doe not not increase the risk of stroke)

Final message : Is it Worth for a Preclinical trial ?

We do have temporary aortic filters. The concept of permanent or semi-permanent filters is largely theoretical, with potential risks being more than benefits. The device can take care of only cardio-aortic embolic stroke.

However, considering so many complex, risky intracardiac and intravascular devices being tested on a daily basis, it is not a big deal for the current generation of interventional cardiologists to try this.

More than our interventional appetite, we really need a device that prevents stroke in a permanent fashion. It is definitely worthy to do initial studies in a porcine model. Would be glad , if Edwards, Abbot or Medtronic and other new Innovators respond to this.

References

  1. Shammas NW, et al. Intra-Aortic Filtration: Capturing Particulate Emboli during Cardiopulmonary Bypass. NIH. 2004. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1351822/
  2. Shammas NW, et al. Embol-X Intra-Aortic Filtration System: Capturing Particulate Emboli in the Cardiac Surgery Patient. NIH. 2004. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4682540/
  3. PCI Mag. Revolutionary Anti-Thrombogenic Coating for Stents Promises Safer, Faster Healing. 2024. Available from: https://www.pcimag.com/articles/112641-revolutionary-anti-thrombogenic-coating-for-stents-promises-safer-faster-healing
  4. Kaufman JA, et al. Radiologists’ Field Guide to Retrievable and Convertible Inferior Vena Cava Filters. AJR. 2019. Available from: https://ajronline.org/doi/10.2214/AJR.19.21722
  5. Cleveland Clinic. Vena Cava Filters: Purpose & Placement. 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17609-vena-cava-filters
  6. Bilal H, et al. Complications of Inferior Vena Caval Filters. NIH. 1997. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3036364/
  7. Alpaslan M, et al. Embolic Protection Devices in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. NIH. 2025. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12194329/
  8. Almanza DC, et al. Comparative Review of Large Animal Models for Suitability of Cardiovascular Devices. IJMS. 2024. Available from: https://ijms.info/IJMS/article/view/763/1645
  9. Mohammadi H, et al. Simulation of blood flow in the abdominal aorta considering hyperelasticity of the wall. J Carme. 2021. Available from: https://jcarme.sru.ac.ir/article_1223.html
  10. Ketha S, et al. Comparative Review of Large Animal Models for Suitability of Cardiovascular Devices. IJMS. 2019. Available from: https://ijms.info/IJMS/article/download/763/1644?inline=1

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Common sense as an Interventional Tool : A case of CTO of Left Pulmonary artery !

Posted in acute pulmonary embolism, tagged , , , , on August 30, 2013| Leave a Comment »

A 25 year man ,  hotel  manager  who had a documented DVT , since 2011 was on tablet warfarin . He discontinued  the drug by sheer miscommunication as he was told he should stop the  drug  beyond INR 3 by his general practitioner.He stopped it permanently  instead of titrating the dose of warfain .Six months later he landed  in August 2013 with an episode of minor hemoptysis . Clincally he was normal .His lower limbs were fine.

He was investigated and  his image file showed .

pulmonary embolism 3 total occlusion of LPA

pulmonary embolism 3 total occlusion of LPA

pulmonary embolism total occlusion of LPA

Living with one lung

  • He is comfortable with one lung function (Akin to  Pneumonectomy )
  • His saturation was 100 % at room air
  • Pulse -80/mt .BP 110/80mmhg
  • His physical activity  did  not show any significant limitation (At worst class 2)

One of the cardiac surgery consultant wanted to do pulmonary embolectomy and endarteriectomy .

In fact , he was admitted in the critical care unit driven by the dramatic CT images.

One enthusiastic cardiologist wanted  thrombus aspiration and pig tail catheter based thrombolytic  irrigation within LPA !

How did we manage ?

  • The risk of major vascular surgery was considered high in an absolutely asymptomatic individual .
  • Intervention was considered too adventurous.
  • He was  put on oral anticoagulant with target  INR 2.5-3.(After a 1 week Heparin overlap)
  • We hope the thrombotic CTO will open up gradually but for surely .As the power of  natural lytic  molecules should not be underestimated as we have witnessed in LV and LA clot disappearing over months.
  • However the option of putting IVC filter was strongly recommended for him , as he has only  functioning  lung  which  is threatened by a potential  embolus from DVT . The patient wanted to come back for IVC filter next month.
  • He was also worked up for all those protein C, S,  Lieden mutation stuff.
  • The patient was discharged in stable condition (By the way he  was never unstable either !)

* Meanwhile the hemoptysis  did not recur. CT scan showed a small wedge infarct in left lung that was in the healing mode.

Final message

This is a perfect example of  CTO of pulmonary artery being  managed conservatively* .We will let you know the follow up .

Link to related topics in this site.

Deep vein thrombosis-Therapeutic dilemmas

What do we mean by conservative management ?

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