NEW YORK: Researchers have created an artificial blood vessel that can be used to study both the application and effects of devices used to extract life-threatening blood clots in the brain.
The artificial vessel could have significant implications for future development of endovascular technologies, including reducing the need for animal models to test new devices or approaches.
“This work offers significant promise going forward,” said Alexander Khalessi, director of endovascular neurosurgery and surgical director of neurocritical care at the University of California — San Diego Health System. 
“The artificial model could represent a practical, scalable and physiological alternative to existing technologies,” Khalessi noted.
For example, in treating cerebrovascular disease that covers a group of dysfunctions related to blood supply to the brain, doctors in certain cases must perform endovascular thrombectomies where they mechanically remove the emboli or clots.
The rate of endovascular thrombectomies is rising, but the approach, which typically involves running a catheter to the site of the blockage and using one of several marketed devices to remove the clot, can be improved, Khalessi said.