Recalibrating the COMPASS: Insights from the first global deployment of CEREGLIDE™ 71 Intermediate Catheter in endovascular treatment of stroke.

PurposeEndovascular treatment has become the standard of care for the treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion, however, the optimal first-line strategy for mechanical thrombectomy continues to be debated. Recent advancements in large-bore aspiration catheters have enhanced the efficacy of A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique (ADAPT), offering promising improvements in procedural success. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics and technical outcomes associated with endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke following the inaugural global use of the CEREGLIDE™ 71 Intermediate Catheter at our institution.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective, single-center study, a total of 25 consecutive patients with verified large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation were included from October 2023 to May 2024. All patients were treated with endovascular therapy using a CEREGLIDE™ 71 intermediate catheter. The angiographic outcome was assessed using the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) scale.ResultsA total of 25 patients were included in the study. The mean age at baseline was 72.3 years old, and 52% of patients were female. Mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission was 16.4. Occlusion locations included the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (60%), internal carotid artery terminus (20%), and M2 segment of MCA (16%). The average number of passes per intervention was 2.2. Successful reperfusion (TICI 2b, TICI 2c, and TICI 3) was achieved in 88% of patients.ConclusionsThis report of the first center to implement the CEREGLIDE™ 71 Intermediate Catheter for acute ischemic stroke demonstrated successful recanalization rates. This is largely attributed to the large inner diameter of the catheter, which results in higher aspiration force as well as improved trackability allowing for enhanced navigation through cerebrovascular anatomy.