A single-center study of the RED 72 reperfusion catheter with SENDit technology in proximal large vessel occlusions

BackgroundDelivery assist catheters are a new class of devices designed to better navigate tortuous segments and reach the clot interface in mechanical thrombectomy. The RED 72 aspiration catheter with SENDit technology is one such example. SENDit is a novel tapered obturator used instead of a microcatheter to bring up the RED 72. It was designed to speed materials setup and overcome "ledge" effect. This case series aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and associated materials costs of SENDit in a postmarket study.MethodsThis was a single-institution retrospective case series of endovascular thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusions affecting the internal carotid artery, M1, or M2 treated with SENDit between August 2023 and May 2024. Demographic, clinical, and cost variables were collected.ResultsMedian time from groin puncture to first pass was 14.0 min, and median time from groin puncture to recanalization was 25.0 min. Modified first-pass effect (mTICI ≥2b) was achieved in 51.4% of cases. The final recanalization mTICI ≥2b rate was 91.9%. A stentriever was required for 10.8% of cases. The rate of functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 3 months follow-up was 43.8%. The average materials cost per case was $7517.40 ± $2795.25; 10.8% of patients experienced access site complications. There was no artery dissection, and the rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was 5.4%.ConclusionIn this case series, SENDit achieved a high rate of first pass effect, rapid recanalization, and low stentriever use and materials cost. It is safe given the low rate of procedural complications and favorable clinical outcomes. Delivery assist catheters are a promising alternative to stentrievers.