AQURE PASSPORT Intracranial Catheter for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Abstract

Objective—We report the first experience with a new intracranial catheter as an adjunct to mechanical
thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients.
Methods—We prospectively determined technical success, intended procedure (device delivery at target
lesion) completion without a need for a different catheter, technical ease, and intended procedure comple‐
tion without the occurrence of ≥3 unsuccessful attempts in acute ischemic stroke patients with intracranial
occlusion. The initial site of occlusion and recanalization was graded based on Qureshi grading scheme.
Grade 0 was used to define complete recanalization.
Results—A total of four procedures were performed in four patients with a mean age of 63.5 years (range
50–81 years). The occlusion was in the proximal middle cerebral artery in two patients, and posterior cere‐
bral artery and basilar artery in one patient each. The procedures were technically successful and met the
definition of technical ease in all patients. The distal-most segment where AQURE PASSPORT intracranial
catheter was placed was in the supraclinoid internal carotid artery, proximal posterior cerebral artery, proxi‐
mal middle cerebral artery, and proximal basilar artery in the four patients. Stent retrievers were used in
three patients and primary angioplasty was performed in two patients. Complete recanalization was ach‐
ieved in all four patients. The primary operator rated the performance of guide catheter as superior in all
cases.
Conclusion—The present study demonstrates the feasibility of performing mechanical thrombectomy for
intracranial arterial occlusion with a new intracranial catheter having superior performance.