Abstract
BACKGROUND: The optimal therapeutic approach for acute ischaemic stroke due to distal medium vessel occlusion remains uncertain. The use of endovascular therapy in this context is restricted by challenges in navigating distal vessels with available devices. This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Red43 aspiration catheter (Penumbra, Alameda, CA) in patients experiencing stroke due to distal medium vessel occlusion. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke at a single high-volume comprehensive stroke center from April 2023 to March 2024. Patients were included if they had an acute ischemic stroke with distal medium vessel occlusion and were treated using the Red43 aspiration catheter. RESULTS: The Red43 aspiration catheter successfully reached the occlusion site in 94% of cases. modified treatment in cerebral ischemia 2b-3 reperfusion was achieved in 77% of patients following initial use of the Red43 catheter, whereas modified treatment in cerebral ischemia 2c-3 reperfusion was observed in 66%. No cases of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, vessel perforation, or dissection occurred during the procedure. CONCLUSION: The Red43 aspiration catheter demonstrated a high rate of successful reperfusion with a favorable safety profile in the treatment of distal medium vessel occlusion stroke.