A newly developed dumbbell-shaped thrombectomy device has demonstrated high recanalization rates and favorable clinical outcomes in treating cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
According to a single-center retrospective study including 10 patients—results of which were published in National Science Review—the device achieved an 80% rate of recovery without disability and no device-related complications.
Designed specifically to address complex venous anatomy with triangular-shaped sinuses and large thrombus volumes, the device, called the Venus-TD, may overcome the limitations of traditional arterial stent retrievers. "... All the commercially available artery stent retrievers are not suitable for venous vessels," pointed out the study authors.
"[The] Venus-TD with the dumbbell configuration was more mechanically flexible in passing through the vessels with acute anatomic curvature, reducing the mechanical stress on the vessel wall," they continued.
In preclinical swine models, the Venus-TD achieved complete recanalization with minimal vessel wall disruption. The thrombus volume significantly decreased from 12,855.3 ± 6417.1 mm³ preoperatively to 2373.1 ± 2759.0 mm³ postoperatively (P < 0.001), with a mean procedure time of 33.2 ± 10.6 minutes. Pilot clinical cases further demonstrated high thrombectomy efficiency (96.69%–97.51%) and rapid intracranial circulation improvements, with major venous sinuses recanalized in a mean time of 33.7 minutes—significantly faster than traditional devices.
The Venus-TD employs NiTi wire-braided 3D technology, offering flexibility, biomechanical compatibility, and controllable length/diameter ratios (2.6–14.0). It can be manually rotated and stretched, enabling reciprocating maneuverability. Computational modeling confirmed the absence of high-stress zones during bending and stretching, reducing the risks of vessel injury. The radial forces recorded were 5.83 ± 1.81 N (resistive state) and 2.34 ± 0.65 N (outward expansion), highlighting its adaptability.
Animal studies supported clinical findings: all five swine subjects underwent successful thrombectomy without vascular perforation, extravasation, or dissection. Hematoxylin–eosin staining revealed no significant disruption of the vessel intima, affirming the device's safety profile. No hemorrhagic complications or adverse events were observed.
The Venus-TD device represents an alternative for CVST management, combining high efficacy with enhanced safety in challenging venous anatomies, pending further study. However, the study authors emphasized the need for multicenter randomized trials with larger sample sizes to validate these findings.
No conflicts of interest were disclosed by the authors.