Assessment of cell yield among different devices for endovascular biopsy to harvest vascular endothelial cells.

Endovascular biopsy can increase understanding of vascular disease by granting access to epigenetic data that are not normally attainable. This study compares biopsy yields among multiple devices used, examining differences in cell counts according to species, device type, sampling location and disease state. Chi-square analysis compared means of cells harvested with respect to these variables. Assessment of samples in 38 rabbits and 32 humans found no differences for species, location or pathology. Phenox clot retriever devices and retrievable stents yielded more cells (LR 64.2; p < 0.001) than other devices. Phenox clot retrievers and retrievable stents yield more cells than other device types. Further study of these devices for endovascular sampling is warranted to refine its use for this purpose.