The NeVa Net stent-retriever - initial report of 20 cases from two high volume centres.

Background: Various different technologies have been developed to optimise the mechanical thrombectomy procedure and first pass recanalisation. We report our initial experience with the NeVa NET - a novel stent-retriever with built in distal microfiltration net.

Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained databases to identify all patients treated with the NeVa NET 4 × 30 mm device. We recorded the baseline demographics, NIHSS, ASPECT score and clot characteristics, first pass and final eTICI scores, complications and 90 day mRS.

Results: We identified 20 patients (50% male), average age 67.9 ± 16.2 yrs, and median NIHSS 18 (range 6-29). 30% of patients received tPA. Average clot length was 21.6 ± 8.9 mm and median ASPECT score 9 (range 5-10). In 18 cases the NeVa NET could be tracked into position, however, in 2 cases it could not be tracked into position within the 0,021inch microcatheter. First pass recanalization (eTICI ≥ 2c) was seen in 94% (n = 17) and the average number of NeVa NET passes was 1. A final eTICI score of ≥ 2c was achieved in 17 patients (94%). There were no emboli to new territories. No cases of vessel rupture or dissections occured due to the NeVa NET. 50% of patients achieved mRS 0-2. SAH was seen in 31.3% and SICH in 6.3% of the 16 patients for whom a 24 h CT head was available.

Conclusion: The NeVa Net stent-retriever is uniquely designed to prevent distal embolisation and our initial experience demonstrates a very high FPE and mFPE. We believe this is the first publication on the use of this novel technology and larger studies are warranted.