Bigger is Still Better: A Step Forward in Reperfusion With React 71

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Limited outcome data exists for newer, larger-bore aspiration catheters used in stroke thrombectomy.
• Comparative studies are needed to assess improvements over previous catheter generations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare angiographic and clinical outcomes between 0.071-inch and 0.068-inch aspiration catheters in stroke thrombectomy.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the React 71 catheter against its predecessor.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of an institutional thrombectomy database.
• Comparison of 150 consecutive cases using the React 71 (0.071-inch) catheter with a historical cohort using a 0.068-inch catheter.
• Analysis of demographic, procedural, angiographic, and clinical outcome variables.

Main Results:

• Successful reperfusion (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction [TICI] 2b-3) rates were similar (95% for React 71).
• The React 71 cohort demonstrated a significantly higher frequency of single-pass cases (47% vs. 35%) and improved TICI 2c-3 reperfusion rates (first pass: 26% vs. 14%; final pass: 39% vs. 28%).
• No significant differences were observed in initial disposition or 90-day outcomes.

Conclusions:

• While overall reperfusion and clinical outcomes were comparable, the 0.071-inch React 71 catheter may offer advantages in achieving reperfusion more efficiently.
• The newer catheter is associated with a higher rate of single-pass success and improved quality of reperfusion (TICI 2c-3).