Endovascular Device for Endothelial Cell Sampling

We have developed an endovascular catheter-based device for sampling of the endothelium, intended for RNA-seq analysis. With an outer diameter of 0.23 mm it is capable of reaching peripheral vessels for endothelial sampling, and favourably compares to other approaches with stent retrievers or similar tools. Here, we have collected samples from liver and kidney vessels from swine and performed RNA-sequencing to validate the sample quality. Overall design: Various samples were extracted for comparison. 3 blood samples, 10 endothelial samples with the new device (5 from liver, 5 from kidney), 4 negative control samples from a wire without the novel device attached as well as 4 positive control samples extracted surgically from a blood vessel.