Combined transcatheter thrombectomy system for treatment of acute ischaemic stroke

Background. Since 1996, thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator has traditionally been the first-line treatment for patients with ischaemic stroke. However, the results of recent randomised trials have shown the advantage of mechanical thrombectomy over thrombolytic therapy for successful revascularisation of brain arteries and improvement of clinical outcomes. Owing to the development of endovascular surgery, mechanical thrombectomy has now become an effective and safe method for treating ischaemic stroke resulting from the occlusion of large cerebral arteries. Aim. The main aim of this study was to develop a prototype for a combined transcatheter system to be used for mechanical thrombectomy. Methods. During the implementation of the project, we first analysed the data on the problems to justify the choice of standard sizes of a stent retriever and an aspiration catheter and to determine the basic set of physical-mechanical, functional and biomedical characteristics of the system. A prototype of a combined transcatheter system for mechanical thrombectomy, which comprises an aspiration catheter and a stent retriever, was manufactured. Moreover, preclinical tests were conducted to study the physical properties of the developed prototype and assess its effectiveness. Results. Data from preclinical tests showed a level of radial stiffness of the prototype that was comparable to that of a similar device on the market, satisfactory visualisation under angiography and high efficiency while performing mechanical thrombectomy in vitro and in vivo tests. Conclusions. Studies on the prototype of the combined transcatheter system for thrombectomy have shown positive results in preclinical trials.