AQURE PASSPORT Intracranial Catheter for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

We report the first experience with a new intracranial catheter as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients.

We prospectively determined technical success, intended procedure (device delivery at target lesion) completion without a need for a different catheter, technical ease, and intended procedure completion without the occurrence of ≥3 unsuccessful attempts in acute ischemic stroke patients with intracranial occlusion. The initial site of occlusion and recanalization was graded based on Qureshi grading scheme. Grade 0 was used to define complete recanalization.

A total of four procedures were performed in four patients with a mean age of 63.5 years (range 50-81 years). The occlusion was in the proximal middle cerebral artery in two patients, and posterior cerebral artery and basilar artery in one patient each. The procedures were technically successful and met the definition of technical ease in all patients. The distal-most segment where AQURE PASSPORT intracranial catheter was placed was in the supraclinoid internal carotid artery, proximal posterior cerebral artery, proximal middle cerebral artery, and proximal basilar artery in the four patients. Stent retrievers were used in three patients and primary angioplasty was performed in two patients. Complete recanalization was achieved in all four patients. The primary operator rated the performance of guide catheter as superior in all cases.

The present study demonstrates the feasibility of performing mechanical thrombectomy for intracranial arterial occlusion with a new intracranial catheter having superior performance.