Functional properties of the Kensey arterial recanalization catheter. In vitro investigations.

The properties of the Kensey catheter (Cordis Corp., Miami Lakes, FL), a new rotational device for recanalization of arterial occlusions, were studied in vitro. There was no effective centering of the catheter tip in the vessel and no measurable dilatation of the vessel lumen during rotation of the catheter tip. Flow studies confirmed recirculation and repeated exposure of particles at the catheter tip. The vortex induced by the rotating cam disappeared in stenotic segments. The maximum size of the pulverized specimen material was 20 microns for the normal arterial wall, 90 microns for the calcified and atheromatous plaque, and 900 microns for the fresh venous thrombus. For plaque material, an additional reduction of large particles to 30 microns was seen with a decrease in force and an increase in rotation speed. The size of thrombus particles decreased with an increase of rotation speed and the duration of treatment.