First multicenter experience with the SOFIA 88 super-large-bore aspiration catheter in mechanical thrombectomy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Interventional Neuroradiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Super-large-bore aspiration catheters aim to enhance clot retrieval during mechanical thrombectomy.
• Clinical performance varies among 0.088-inch platforms, necessitating real-world data.
• The SOFIA 88 catheter's performance in anterior circulation large vessel occlusion was evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the real-world effectiveness and safety of the SOFIA 88 aspiration catheter.
• To evaluate target access, first-pass effect, and reperfusion rates.
• To analyze procedural complications and safety outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective multicenter European registry of patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy with SOFIA 88.
• Inclusion criteria: anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (internal carotid artery or M1).
• Primary outcome: successful catheter advancement to thrombus-vessel interface; secondary outcomes: angiographic and safety measures.

Main Results:

• SOFIA 88 achieved target access in 82.7% of cases, often with smaller catheter support.
• First-pass effect was observed in 39.5% of the overall cohort and 47.8% with successful access.
• High rates of final complete (82.7%) and successful (97.5%) reperfusion were achieved with low complication rates (3.7%).

Conclusions:

• SOFIA 88 is feasible for target access and achieves high reperfusion rates in mechanical thrombectomy.
• The device shows favorable standalone first-pass performance and acceptable safety.
• Further studies are needed to optimize patient selection and its role in thrombectomy.