CaveoVasc Thrombolysis Protection System, Access Protection Study

Catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a non-surgical option for many patients, which involves the insertion of an infusion catheter (via the femoral artery) into the thrombus allowing for slow delivery of a pharmacological thrombolytic agent. Insertion of the infusion catheter is performed in the catheterization laboratory. The patient is usually then transferred to the intensive care unit, with delivery catheter in place and the infusion running for at least 24 hours. The major complications reported with CDT include major and minor bleeding, and complications secondary to early termination of the CDT due to access site bleeding. CaveoMed developed the CaveoVasc® Thrombolysis Protection System, a vascular access protection device intended for use in thrombolysis procedures. Its function is to facilitate sheath access, and minimize risks of access site bleeding complications during lengthy catheter-directed thrombolysis procedures. Pressure balloons inflated outside the artery maintain a good seal throughout thrombolysis, which typically lasts up to 24 hours. The thrombolysis catheter is then removed, and hemostasis at the site is managed per the hospital's standard. The CaveoVasc® Thrombolysis Protection System design has important advantages for use during CDT procedures (which require long catheter dwell times). The system is intended to protect from intra-procedural bleeding at the arterial access site, which currently remains a major problem for patients with critical limb ischemia undergoing CDT treatment. This protection would lower the rate of bleeding events, and increase the rate of completed intended therapy, without interruption of the CDT treatment due to bleeding complications.