[The History of Evolution of Mechanical Thrombectomy Device Design and Introduction to Japanese Market]

Endovascular recanalization therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) began with local fibrinolysis therapy using the development of microcatheters. Subsequently, mechanical thrombectomy therapy began with the development of the Merci retriever, which uses a shape-memory spiral wire to entangle thrombi in intracranial arteries. Then the stent retriever appeared and the effectiveness of endovascular recanalization therapy for occlusion of the internal carotid artery and proximal middle cerebral artery was confirmed by clinical trials. And the Penumbra system, which uses a large-diameter catheter to aspirate thrombi was developed. Currently, many stent retrievers and aspiration catheters are developed and launched. Through the development and improvement of equipment and the accumulation of clinical research, the scope of thrombectomy therapy has expanded. Improvements to devices continue to this day with the goal of developing equipment that can safely and efficiently and rapidly recanalize occluded intracranial arteries.