Thrombectomy using the EmboTrap device: core laboratory-assessed results in 201 consecutive patients in a real-world setting

The Stream Device-A Retrospective Review of 51 Cases

Mechanical thrombectomy is the gold-standard treatment for patients that have suffered large-vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. Various different stent-retrievers, aspiration catheters, and techniques have been developed to perform this procedure. We present our initial results regarding the Stream device.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database at our high-volume centre to identify all patients treated with the Stream device between February 2021 and January 2023. We recorded baseline demographics, NIHSS, ASPECT scores, eTICI scores, complications, and 90-day mRS.

RESULTS

We identified 51 patients, 49.0% of whom were male (n = 25), with a median age of 73 (range: 51-89) and a median NIHSS score of 17 (range 4-22), and 68.6% received IV tPA. The median ASPECT score was 10 (range 6-10). Hyperdense clots were seen in 34 cases (66.7%), with a mean clot length of 12 ± 6.2 mm (range 2-26 mm). Clots were located in the anterior circulation in 49 patients. The standard Stream device was used in 78.4% of cases, with Stream 17 being used in 19.6% of cases. The FPE was observed in 25.5% of cases (n = 13), with the mFPE being seen in 31.4% of cases (n = 16). A final eTICI score of ≥2b was achieved in 90.2% of cases (n = 46), and eTICI 2c/3 was seen in 84.3% of cases (n = 43). Furthermore, 24 h CT scans showed that the median ASPECT score was 8 (range 0-10). Good functional outcomes at 90 days (mRS ≤ 2) were achieved in 21.6% of cases (n = 11).

CONCLUSIONS

The Stream device shows acceptable rates of FPE and mFPE compared to existing devices. Further larger studies are required alongside an understanding of the optimal technique for this device's use.

MASTRO I: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of thrombectomy stent retriever outcomes: comparing functional, safety and recanalization outcomes between EmboTrap, Solitaire and Trevo in acute ischemic stroke

Aim: Stent-retriever (SR) thrombectomy has demonstrated superior outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke compared with medical management alone, but differences among SRs remain unexplored. We conducted a Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis to compare outcomes between three SRs: EmboTrap®, Solitaire™, and Trevo®. Methods: We conducted a PRISMA-compliant Systematic Review among English-language studies published after 2014 in PubMed/MEDLINE that reported SRs in ≥25 patients. Functional and safety outcomes included 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS 0-2), mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and embolization to new territory (ENT). Recanalization outcomes included modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) and first-pass recanalization (FPR). We used a random effects Meta-Analysis to compare outcomes; subgroup and outlier-influencer analysis were performed to explore heterogeneity. Results: Fifty-one articles comprising 9,804 patients were included. EmboTrap had statistically significantly higher rates of mRS 0-2 (57.4%) compared with Trevo (50.0%, p = 0.013) and Solitaire (45.3%, p < 0.001). Compared with Solitaire (20.4%), EmboTrap (11.2%, p < 0.001) and Trevo (14.5%, p = 0.018) had statistically significantly lower mortality. Compared with Solitaire (7.7%), EmboTrap (3.9%, p = 0.028) and Trevo (4.6%, p = 0.049) had statistically significantly lower rates of sICH. There were no significant differences in ENT rates across all three devices (6.0% for EmboTrap, 5.3% for Trevo, and 7.7% for Solitaire, p = 0.518). EmboTrap had numerically higher rates of recanalization; however, no statistically significant differences were found. Conclusion: The results of our Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis suggest that EmboTrap may be associated with significantly improved functional outcomes compared with Solitaire and Trevo. EmboTrap and Trevo may be associated with significantly lower rates of sICH and mortality compared with Solitaire. No significant differences in recanalization and ENT rates were found. These conclusions are tempered by limitations of the analysis including variations in thrombectomy techniques in the field, highlighting the need for multi-arm RCT studies comparing different SR devices to confirm our findings.

The initial experience with the Embotrap III stent-retriever in a real world setting

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database to identify all patients treated with the Embotrap 3 stent-retriever between January 2021 and January 2022. We recorded the baseline demographics, NIHSS, ASPECT score and clot characteristics, first pass and final eTICI scores, complications and 90 day mRS.

RESULTS

One hundred and ten patients met the inclusion criteria, average age 69 ± 14 years, 50% were male (n = 55). The median NIHSS at presentation was 18 (range 3-30) and 58.2% received IV tPA prior to MT. The median ASPECT score on plain CT was 8 with average clot length 20.2 ± 14.8 mm (n = 93). The first pass effect (FPE) was seen in 41.8% of cases with modified FPE seen in 59.1%. A 24-hour CT scan (n = 97) showed median ASPECTs of 7. 43.8% of patients achieve mRS ≤ 2 at 90-day mRS (n = 64).

CONCLUSION

The Embotrap 3 stent-retriever has a high rate of FPE and final recanalization in this real world cohort of patients.

Endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke with a fully radiopaque retriever: A randomized controlled trial

Objective

The Neurohawk retriever is a new fully radiopaque retriever. A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial was conducted to compare the Neurohawk and the Solitaire FR in terms of safety and efficacy. In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) larger vessel occlusion (LVO), a sub-analysis was performed.

Methods

Acute ischemic stroke patients aged 18-80 years with LVO in the anterior circulation were randomly assigned to undergo thrombectomy with either the Neurohawk or the Solitaire FR. The primary efficacy endpoint was successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) rate by the allocated retriever. A relevant non-inferiority margin was 12.5%. Safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and all-cause mortality within 90 days. Secondary endpoints included first-pass effect (FPE), modified FPE, and favorable outcomes at 90 days. In subgroup analysis, the patients were divided into the ICAD group and non-ICAD group according to etiology, and baseline characteristics, angiographic, and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results

A total of 232 patients were involved in this analysis (115 patients in the Neurohawk group and 117 in the Solitaire group). The rates of successful reperfusion with the allocated retriever were 88.70% in the Neurohawk group and 90.60% in the Solitaire group (95%CI of the difference, -9.74% to 5.94%; p = 0.867). There were similar results in FPE and mFPE in both groups. The rate of sICH seemed higher in the Solitaire group (13.16% vs. 7.02%, p = 0.124). All-cause mortality and favorable outcome rates were comparable as well. In subgroup analysis, 58 patients were assigned to the ICAD group and the remaining 174 to the non-ICAD group. The final successful reperfusion and favorable outcome rates showed no statistically significant differences in two groups. Mortality within 90 days was relatively lower in the ICAD group (6.90% vs. 17.24%; p = 0.054).

Conclusion

The Neurohawk retriever is non-inferior to the Solitaire FR in the mechanical thrombectomy of large vessel occlusion-acute ischemic stroke (LVO-AIS). The sub-analysis suggested that endovascular treatment including thrombectomy with the retriever and essential rescue angioplasty is effective and safe in AIS patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease-larger vessel occlusion (ICAD-LVO).

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04995757, number: NCT04995757.

Thrombectomy Using the EmboTrap Clot-Retrieving Device for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Glimpse of Clinical Evidence

BACKGROUND

The EmboTrap Recanalization Device is a novel stent retriever for thrombectomy in the setting of acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to summarize the safety and efficacy of the EmboTrap Recanalization Device in acute ischemic stroke-large-vessel occlusion through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to April 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

Nine observational studies using the EmboTrap Recanalization Device were selected.

DATA ANALYSIS

We adapted effect size with 95% CIs for dichotomous data. P value <.05 was statistically significant.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The estimated rate of successful recanalization (modified TICI 2b-3) was 90% (95% CI, 86%-95%; I ² = 82.4%); 90-day favorable outcome (mRS 0-2), 53% (95% CI, 42%-63%; I ² = 88.6%); modified first-pass effect, 43% (95% CI, 35%-51%; I ² = 63.7%); and first-pass effect, 36% (95% CI, 29%-46%; I ² = 10.7%). The rate of any intracerebral hemorrhage was 19% (95% CI, 16%-22%; I ² = 0.0%); symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 5% (95% CI, 1%-8%; I ² = 84.6%); and 90-day mortality, 14% (95% CI, 9%-19%; I ² = 79.3%). Subgroup analysis showed higher rates of complete recanalization for EmboTrap II than for the EmboTrap System.

LIMITATIONS

The included studies are single-arm without direct comparison with other stent retrievers. Some of the studies recruited had a small sample size and were limited by the retrospective study design. In addition, the uncertain heterogeneity among studies was high.

CONCLUSIONS

The EmboTrap Recanalization Device is safe and efficient in treating acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion.

Safety and Efficacy of the Novel Low-Profile APERIO Hybrid17 for a Treatment of Proximal and Distal Vessel Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Multi-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

To report our initial experience with the novel low-profile APERIO Hybrid17 Thrombectomy Device (AP17) for proximal and distal vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A multicentric retrospective analysis of patients treated with the AP17 was performed. The primary effectiveness endpoint was first-pass TICI ≥2b (Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale). The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of hemorrhagic complications. Further outcome measures were number of passes, device-related complications, and 3-month functional outcome.

RESULTS

The AP17 was used in 71 patients (mean age: 73 years) with a median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 9. Treated vessels were the carotid-T in 8 cases (11%), the M1-segment in 16 (23%), the M2-segment in 29 (41%), the anterior cerebral artery in 3 (4%), and basilar/posterior cerebral arteries in 15 (21%). The rates of first-pass and final TICI ≥2b were 75.6% and 92.7%, retrospectively, with a mean number of passes of 3 ± 2. Final TICI ≥2b rates were comparable between large and medium vessel occlusions. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages were recorded in 2 cases (2.8%). At 3-month clinical follow-up, a modified Rankin scale score ≤2 was achieved in 69.0% (29/42). The all-cause mortality at discharge was 17.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

The AP17 was associated with a reasonable safety and efficacy profile for both proximal and distal vessel occlusions. These results may contribute to establish mechanical thrombectomy for distal occlusions.

A fully radiopaque hybrid stent retriever versus a precursor device: Outcome, efficacy, and safety in large vessel stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this multicenter study was to compare the clinical outcome, safety, and efficacy of the full-length radiopaque Aperio Hybrid stent retriever (APH) with the precursor Aperio thrombectomy device (AP).

METHODS

Multicentric retrospective analysis of patients with stroke, treated with the APH and AP due to an acute ischemic stroke by large vessel occlusions in the anterior or posterior circulation, was performed. We focused on the comparison of favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2) after 3 months, favorable reperfusion rates (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale ≥ 2b), and the complication rate.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients (female: n = 33, 64.7%, mean age 73 ± 16 years) with a median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: 15 were treated with the APH or AP. Favorable outcome in patients treated with APH was excellent (44.0%) and comparable to the AP (36.8%). The rate of final favorable reperfusion for both devices was outstanding (APH 31/31 and AP 20/20). The overall complication rate for the APH was slightly higher compared to the AP (32.3%/15.0%). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was recorded in 0 of 51 cases. The all-cause mortality rate at 90 days was 20.0% for the APH and comparable for the AP (21.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Comparable clinical outcome, efficacy, and safety of the AP and the recently introduced APH were demonstrated. Both devices appeared feasible, efficient, and safe with regard to endovascular treatment in large vessel occlusion.

Stentrievers : An engineering review

The advent of endovascular therapy for acute large vessel occlusion has revolutionized stroke treatment. Timely access to endovascular therapy, and the ability to restore intracranial flow in a safe, efficient, and efficacious manner has been critical to the success of the thrombectomy procedure. The stentriever has been a mainstay of endovascular stroke therapy, and current guidelines recommend the usage of stentrievers in the treatment of large vessel occlusion stroke. Despite the success of existing stentrievers, there continues to be significant development in the field, with newer stentrievers attempting to improve on each of the three key aspects of the thrombectomy procedure. Here, we elucidate the technical requirements that a stentriever must fulfill. We then review the basic variables of stent design, including the raw material and its form, fabrication method, geometric configuration, and further additions. Lastly, a selection of stentrievers from successive generations are reviewed using these engineering parameters, and clinical data is presented. Further avenues of stentriever development and testing are also presented.

Real-world outcomes associated with the use of the EmboTrap revascularization device for ischemic stroke in the United States

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the standard of care for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The EmboTrap revascularization device (CERENOVUS, Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, Irvine, California, USA) has an innovative, dual layer feature designed to facilitate thrombus retrieval.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the real-world clinical and economic outcomes among patients with AIS undergoing MT using the EmboTrap device in the United States (US).

METHODS

Adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent MT for AIS using the EmboTrap device between July 2018 and December 2020 were identified from the Premier Healthcare Database. Patient outcomes included discharge status (including in-hospital mortality), mean length of stay (LOS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), mean hospital costs, and 30-day readmissions (all-cause, cardiovascular (CV)-related, and AIS-related).

RESULTS

A total of 318 patients (mean age 68.5±14.6 years) with AIS treated with the EmboTrap device as the only stent retriever used were identified. Approximately 25% of patients were discharged to home/home health organization, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 10.7%. The rate of ICH was 16.7%. Mean hospital LOS was 9.9±11.3 days, and the mean hospital costs were US$47 367±30 297. The 30-day readmission rate was 9.6% for all-causes, 5.9% for CV-related causes, and 2.6% for AIS-related causes.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study in the US to report real-world outcomes sourced by retrospective database analysis among patients with AIS undergoing MT using the EmboTrap device. Further research is needed to better understand performance of the EmboTrap device in real-world settings.

Thrombectomy Using the EmboTrap II Device in Late Treatment Patients in the Real-World Setting

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) using the EmboTrap Revascularization Device (EmboTrap) in patients with ischemic stroke treated >6-24 hours after stroke onset.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective registry of consecutive patients with stroke with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion treated by stent-retriever thrombectomy with EmboTrap II in a single stroke center in France from 2016 to 2017. Patients were divided into late treatment window (>6-24 hours after stroke onset) or early treatment window (≤6 hours) groups. Baseline clinical and imaging characteristics, rates of successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b), complications, 3 months good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2), and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 225 patients (mean age, 71.5 ± 14.5 years; 55.6% [125/225] female) included in the study, 54 were treated in the late treatment window, with a mean time from last known well to treatment of 651 ± 223 minutes. Compared with the early treatment window group, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, successful recanalization (83.3% [45/54] vs. 81.3% [139/171]; P = 0.734), 3 months good functional outcome (37.0% [20/54] vs. 37.4% [64/171]; P = 0.959), or mortality (24.1% [13/54] vs. 27.5% [47/171]; P = 0.621).

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world study provides evidence that EVT using EmboTrap is safe and effective in the late treatment window in patients with large vessel occlusion.

One-year single-center experience with the Aperio thrombectomy device in large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation: safety, efficacy, and clinical outcome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Aperio thrombectomy device (Aperio) is a stent retriever designed to achieve rapid and substantial flow restoration in acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusions (LVOs). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Aperio device and compared it with published data of established stent retrievers.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed institutional data of consecutive stroke procedures in patients with LVO in the anterior circulation that were treated between January 2017 and December 2017 with the Aperio. Reperfusion rate regarding to the extended thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale (eTICI), procedural times, early clinical outcome, and complications were documented.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients were treated by using the Aperio in LVO in the anterior circulation. Median age was 77 (± 12) years (w = 59.8%). Median Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 14. Fifty-three (64.6%) patients received intravenous thrombolysis. Successful recanalization (eTICI≥2b) was achieved in 85.3%. Mean time from groin puncture to final recanalization was 52.3 ± 34.8 min. Embolization to new territories occurred in one case. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 24 h was observed in six patients (7.3%). Twenty-eight (41.2%) out of 68 patients available for assessment of functional outcome at 3 months achieved favorable outcome (mRS 0-2).

CONCLUSION

The Aperio stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy device demonstrated high rates of successful reperfusion and a good safety profile in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to LVO in the anterior circulation.

First-line contact aspiration vs stent-retriever thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients with large-artery occlusion in the anterior circulation: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In acute ischemic stroke patients with large-artery occlusion, uncertainties remain about whether clinically important outcomes are comparable between first-line contact aspiration and stent-retriever thrombectomy, although two trials have investigated whether one strategy should be preferred over another.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to compare the efficacy and safety of first-line contact aspiration and stent-retriever thrombectomy in stroke patients with anterior circulation large-artery occlusion.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic review of studies of patients treated for large-artery occlusion, with the latest devices of either strategy, within six hours of stroke onset. We determined rates of final complete reperfusion (defined as modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction score = 3), periprocedural complications and 90-day functional independence (defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2), and excellent outcome (defined as mRS score 0-1) after contact aspiration and after stent-retriever thrombectomy using random-effects meta-analyses. Any differential effects in rates between the two strategies were assessed using random-effects meta-regressions.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (1817 patients) were included. There was no difference in rates of final complete reperfusion at the end of all endovascular procedures between contact aspiration and stent retrievers (51.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 39.3-62.9; vs 38.3%, 95% CI 28.6-48.0; p_int = 0.14), 90-day functional independence (45.0%, 40.7-49.2; vs 52.4%, 47.7-57.1; p_int = 0.45) and excellent outcome (32.1%, 25.7-38.5; vs 34.1%, 21.2-46.9; p_int = 0.94). Rates of periprocedural complications did not differ between the two strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data suggest no difference in efficacy and safety between first-line contact aspiration and stent-retriever thrombectomy in stroke patients with large-artery occlusion.

Initial experience with the novel EmboTrap II clot-retrieving device for the treatment of ischaemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

We report our experience with the novel stent-type clot-retrieval device EmboTrap II for the revascularization of large artery occlusions in acute ischaemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large artery occlusion underwent mechanical thrombectomy with the new EmboTrap II in two Italian centres. Clinical, procedural and radiological data were collected. Angiographic results and neurological outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

Only large vessel occlusions were included. Intravenous thrombolysis was administered in 72% of patients. Successful reperfusion (TICI 2b-3) was obtained in 76% of patients treated exclusively with EmboTrap II. No device-related permanent complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, mechanical thrombectomy with EmboTrap II is safe and effective. Reperfusion rate was comparable to that obtained with other stent retrievers.