Mechanical thrombectomy using the Nimbus stent-retriever - initial experiences in a single-center observational study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Interventional Neuroradiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• The Nimbus stent-retriever (NSR) was developed for mechanical thrombectomy of challenging, wall-adherent thrombi in cerebral arteries.
• It features a unique design with proximal spiral and distal barrel sections for enhanced clot retrieval.
• The device aims to retrieve difficult clots using a micro-clamping technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the initial experience and outcomes of the first 12 patients treated with the Nimbus stent-retriever (NSR).
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the NSR as a second-line treatment option.

Main Methods:

• Twelve patients with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusions were treated with the NSR.
• Eleven patients had previously undergone unsuccessful mechanical thrombectomy with conventional stent-retrievers or aspiration techniques.
• The study documented the number of thrombectomy attempts and the resulting vessel recanalization.

Main Results:

• The NSR successfully retrieved thrombi in 7 out of 12 patients (58%).
• Of these, 6 cases achieved successful vessel recanalization (mTICI ≥ 2b), with a median mTICI score improvement of 3 points.
• No complications related to the NSR device were reported in this series.

Conclusions:

• The Nimbus stent-retriever (NSR) demonstrated safety and effectiveness as a second-line device for mechanical thrombectomy.
• It enabled successful rescue thrombectomy (mTICI ≥ 2b) in approximately 50% of cases with previously failed treatments.
• The NSR appears to be a valuable option for managing complex cerebral artery occlusions.