[Mechanical endarterectomy using an original device. Preliminary experimental results].

A prototype for the performance of mechanical thromboendarterectomy was constructed following various experimental designs and applications. The study was carried out on 25 aortobifemoral segments presenting typical obliterating arteriosclerotic lesions. The equipment consists of a flexible probe whose distal end was represented by a screened helical cutter and whose proximal end by an inlet and washing chamber. At the centre of these chambers and of the probe, a steel tube sets the cutter rotating at an adjustable speed. Good recanalisation was achieved in all vasal segments treated without damaging the vessel's wall. Although encouraging, results thus far are preliminary and require verification.