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

Objective: Large-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.

Methods: We 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.

Results: Of 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).

Conclusions: In 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.