Evaluation of antithrombogenic drug combination therapy utilizing an in vitro and ex vivo stent model

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents are currently being used clinically during episodes of unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarctions to stop thrombus formation to decrease morbidly and mortality. In vitro and ex vivo stent models were developed to assess thrombus formation, platelet incorporation and emboli development utilizing combinations of anticoagulant (heparin) and antiplatelet (Aggrastat ®) agents. The ex vivo model assessed thrombus and emboli formation in an ovine shunt model for nine drug combinations using gravimetric analysis and an unique light scattering microemboli detector (LSMS) to assess emboli in flowing blood. The in vitro model compared five therapy relationships using a one-pass bovine blood model using gravimetric analysis, radio-labeled platelets, and the LSMD. The results confirm that a combination therapy utilizing an anticoagulant and antiplatelet drug therapy the total thrombus weight and emboli produced can be decreased as compared to using an anticoagulant alone.