Aspiration Catheter Design Impacts Combined Approach Mechanical Thrombectomy in Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Stroke

Background and PurposeLarge-bore aspiration catheters (LBACs) are used for thrombectomy in large vessel occlusion (LVO), either as a standalone direct aspiration first-pass technique or combined with a stent retriever (ASR). LBAC design may influence ASR thrombectomy efficacy. We compared the safety and performance of the novel MIVI Q segmental catheter with the well-established SOFIA aspiration device in ASR thrombectomy.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Registry cOmbined vS SinglE Thrombectomy TechnIques registry of consecutive patients with anterior circulation LVO and compared the outcomes of those treated with first-line ASR thrombectomy using Q (Q5 or Q6) or SOFIA (5F or 6F Plus) catheters. Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and clinical outcome data (24-h National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] and modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months) were compared.ResultsOf the 853 patients, 155 (18.2%) were treated with MIVI Q and 698 (81.8%) with SOFIA catheters. After adjusting for age, sex, NIHSS score at baseline, tPA use, site occlusion, anesthesia type, and diameter and length of SR, the MIVI Q group was comparable to the SOFIA group in terms of first-pass effect or successful final recanalization and safety. However, the MIVI Q group had a shorter mechanical thrombectomy time (20 [10-45] min vs. 33 [20-51] min; odds ratio [OR] = 7.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-14; p = 0.021) and a lower rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (3.3% vs. 8.8%; OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.45-10.9; p = 0.011).ConclusionsIn ASR neurothrombectomy, SOFIA aspiration catheters were not superior to MIVI Q in achieving successful and complete first-passage recanalization; however, MIVI Q had shorter procedural times and a lower rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.