Raptor Catheter Shows Safety and Efficacy for Treating Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the standard of care for ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). Direct aspiration techniques (ADAPT) have demonstrated efficacy comparable to stent retrievers. Objective To describe the safety and efficacy of the Raptor catheter as a first‐line aspiration device for LVO MT in a national multicenter setting. Methods We prospectively, enrolled 46 patients in a multicenter cohort study with acute ischemic stroke due to LVO. Patients were treated with the Raptor catheter as a first‐line ADAPT technique. Baseline demographic, clinical, and procedural variables were analyzed. Efficacy and safety outcomes were recorded. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Median age was 66 years (IQR 59‐77), with 39.1% women. The median NIHSS at admission was 18 (IQR 13.5‐21), and the M1 segment accounted for 67.4% of the LVOs. First pass effect was achieved in 54.3% (25/46), and final recanalization ≥mTICI 2b in 93.5% (43/46). The median number of passes was 1 (IQR 1‐2), and the mean puncture‐to‐recanalization time was 25.7 ± 28.4 minutes. Rescue stent retrievers were used in 17.4% (8/46). Complications were documented in 5 patients (10.9%) with sICH in 3/46. Ninety‐day mortality was 6.5%. At 90 days follow up, 61.9% were functionally independent. Conclusion The Raptor catheter proved to be safe and effective as a first‐line strategy for LVO MT, with recanalization and FPE rates comparable to other large‐bore aspiration devices with low rates of intracranial complications and mortality. Comparative and more extensive studies are needed to validate these findings.