Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cages (ERIC) versus conventional stent retrievers for thrombectomy: a propensity...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Interventional Neuroradiology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• The Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cages (ERIC) is a novel device for mechanical thrombectomy.
• ERIC features are designed to improve clot retrieval and reduce distal embolization.
• Comparison with standard stent retrievers (SRs) is crucial for understanding its clinical utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of the ERIC device against standard SRs in acute ischemic stroke.
• To evaluate procedural and clinical outcomes using propensity score matching.

Main Methods:

• A prospective multicenter registry collected data from patients undergoing thrombectomy with ERIC or SRs.
• Propensity score matching was employed to balance baseline characteristics between groups.
• Outcomes assessed included recanalization (mTICI), procedural complications, functional outcome (mRS), and mortality at 3 months.

Main Results:

• In propensity score-matched and adjusted cohorts, ERIC demonstrated equivalent successful recanalization (mTICI ≥2b), good clinical outcomes (mRS 0-2), and 3-month mortality compared to SRs.
• While first-line ERIC use led to higher complete recanalization (mTICI 3), it also required more passes and rescue therapy.
• No significant differences in overall procedural or clinical outcomes were observed between ERIC and SRs.

Conclusions:

• The ERIC device offers comparable angiographic and clinical results to conventional stent retrievers in large-scale thrombectomy procedures.
• ERIC is a viable alternative to standard SRs, with similar safety and efficacy profiles.
• Further research may explore specific indications where ERIC's design offers advantages.