Feasibility and safety of stand-alone stent retriever thrombectomy for acute embolic mesenteric ischemia in a canine model

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stent retriever thrombectomy for arterial embolic acute mesenteric ischemia (AEAMI) in a canine model. The AEAMI model was created in 10 beagles by transcatheter administration of autologous thrombus into the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Follow-up angiography was performed 2 h after thrombus administration to assess the model stability. SMA recanalization was graded with the thrombectomy in visceral ischemia (TIVI) score, which ranges from 0 to 4. Clinical success was defined as a TIVI score of 3 or 4. Procedure-related complications and vessel injuries were recorded. The AEAMI model was successfully established in all canines and remained stable at 2-hour follow-up angiography. After a mean treatment time of 45.5 ± 19.0 min, the mean TIVI score significantly increased after stent retriever thrombectomy (0.5 ± 0.7 vs. 3.1 ± 1.0, p < .001). Clinical success was achieved in 8 (80%) canines. Mild vasospasm and new distal branch embolization occurred in 4 (40%) and 1 (10%) canines, respectively. No other procedure-related complications or histologically evident vessel injuries were observed. Stent retriever thrombectomy with the Solitaire FR device achieved rapid recanalization with few complications in this canine AEAMI model. With device optimization and further validation, this approach may represent a promising endovascular revascularization technique for AEAMI.