Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Recent literature continues to demonstrate the successful role of large-bore aspiration catheters in thrombus ingestion during mechanical thrombectomy. However catheter-to-microwire step-off and distal navigation are ongoing challenges in thrombectomy. A new to market 0.035' macrowire (Aristotle 35 Colossus Guidewire, Scientia Vascular, West Vale City, UT) may address such challenges. We report here our early experience in 30 mechanical thrombectomy cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed a prospectively maintained database of the senior authors to identify cases utilizing a 0.035' macrowire with 0.035' aspiration catheters for mechanical thrombectomy. RESULTS: Thirty consecutive cases were identified. Seventeen (57%) patients were female with an average age of 75.3 ± 2.2 years (range 55-97). Average presenting NIHSS was 13.0 ± 1.7. Thrombus locations included 7% (n = 2) in the cervical ICA, 47% (n = 14) in the M1, 43% (n = 13) in the M2, and 3% (n = 1) in the P1. An 088' ID aspiration catheter was navigated to at least the M1 segment in all anterior circulation cases and the basilar in the posterior circulation case. The 0.035' macrowire was placed proximal to the occlusion in all cases allowing coaxial 035' and 071' catheter aspiration passes. TICI 2C/3 was achieved in 87% of cases (n = 26) and TICI 2B in the remaining cases. There were no wire-related perforations or vessel dissections. CONCLUSION: The Colossus 0.035' macrowire may offer advantages over its smaller counterparts by reducing ledge effect and the need to cross the thrombus. Further comparative studies against currently available microwires in various anatomies are warranted.