Accelerated aspiration with Q™ catheter: An in vitro study

Area of Science:

• Endovascular therapy
• Neurointerventional procedures
• Medical device performance evaluation

Background:

• Thrombectomy in medium-sized cerebral vessels is gaining importance.
• Limited in vitro data exists for ≤5F catheters in these vessels.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare the performance of MIVI Neuroscience Q Catheters (3F, 4F, 5F) with Penumbra (3F, 4F) and MicroVention Sofia (5F) catheters.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assessment of aspiration flow rates, clot uncorking forces, impulse, and clot ingestion times.
• Standardized testing in cylindrical containers and with synthetic clots of varying stiffness.

Main Results:

• Q catheters exhibited significantly higher flow rates (3.54-6.87 ml/s) than competitors (1.46-2.56 ml/s).
• Q catheters demonstrated greater impulse (26-35 mNs) compared to competitors (9-15 mNs).
• Systemic clot ingestion was significantly faster with Q catheters.

Conclusions:

• Q catheters offer superior aspiration flow rates and clot ingestion capabilities.
• Higher uncorking forces were observed with Q catheters.
• These findings suggest Q catheters may enhance thrombectomy efficacy in medium vessels.