When designing medical devices to treat deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins, researchers and manufacturers need models that closely mimic human vascular systems. Porcine circulatory tissues — such as veins and arteries — offer the anatomical size, elasticity, and structure needed to test and refine new technologies. Their similarity to human vascular tissue makes them especially valuable for evaluating the safety, function, and effectiveness of various treatment tools.
Developing Medical Devices for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots form in deep veins, often in the legs. Devices like catheters, filters, and mechanical thrombectomy tools can be used to break up or remove clots. But before these devices can move to human trials, however, they must be tested in biologically realistic conditions.
The anatomic and tissue response similarities of porcine veins to that of humans allows researchers to simulate things like clot formation, device deployment, and real-time removal. For example, researchers used a porcine model to study DVT treatments and imaging methods by blocking key veins and injecting thrombin. They successfully created DVT that progressed over time, mimicking human clot development, and a reliable way to evaluate therapies in a realistic setting.
Similarly, in an ex vivo model, researchers tested ultrasound-enhanced clot breakdown techniques using porcine veins and blood. They were able to test a clot-busting drug on different types of clots, which allowed them to understand what clot treatment methods were more effective in certain cases.
Advancing Treatments for Varicose Veins
For varicose veins, device developers are working on tools for minimally invasive treatments, such as laser ablation, radiofrequency closure, and injectable agents. These require precise navigation, consistent contact with vessel walls, and predictable thermal or chemical responses.
To better understand and treat superficial venous disease, researchers developed a pig-based model that mimics human varicose veins. By creating a femoral arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in pigs, they observed the gradual development of visible varicosities, venous hypertension, and valve failure — conditions similar to those seen in humans. Histological analysis confirmed vein enlargement, twisting, and tissue changes. This porcine vein model provides a reliable platform to study varicose vein biology and to test new therapies and medical devices.
New Opportunities for Emergency Treatment and Trauma Care
Access to central veins is vital for emergency treatment and trauma care but can be difficult in remote or resource-limited settings. To support development of automated central vascular access devices (ACVADs), researchers tested an ex vivo lower-body porcine model and compared it to commercial training models. While commercial models were easier to use, they lacked the realistic anatomy and ultrasound properties of the porcine model. Both models offer value in early device testing before moving to live animal studies.
A Safer, Smarter Path to Innovation
As medical technology advances, porcine vascular models continue to play a critical role in accelerating innovation while reducing the reliance on live animal studies.
At Tissue Source, we are proud to provide high-quality, ethically sourced porcine veins and arteries for clinical, research, and educational use. These vascular tissues are ideal for the development and testing of medical devices targeting deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, and other vascular conditions.
We provide clients with:
- Customized Solutions: Whether you’re looking for veins from a targeted region or a broader selection, we offer flexible options to meet your requirements.
- Traceability and Quality Assurance: We can provide traceability to individual animals as needed, or provide economical options for less stringent requirements.
- Commitment to Innovation: We are committed to providing ethically sourced, meticulously processed porcine tissues that meet the highest standards of medical, scientific, and educational research.
Contact us today to explore how our customizable solutions can support your next project or study.