BACKGROUND:  Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the US, following heart disease and cancer, and the leading cause of adult disability. Because of the devastation and financial burden that stroke outcomes can have on patients, their families, and the health care infrastructure, there is a strong need to create newer and more effective acute stroke interventions to decrease the substantial mortality rates associated with current treatments. For acute ischemic stroke, which makes up approximately 80% of stroke diagnoses, thrombectomy (mechanical retrieval of the clot), with or without IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), has been shown to be the most efficacious course of treatment in the acute stroke setting. Although a few devices have been developed, only the MERCI system (UCLA) has been properly established to date. However, this system is not without difficulties: Only half of the patients with vessel occlusion can be recanalized with this device.

INNOVATION:  Using the invaluable lessons learned from the MERCI device trials, researchers at UCLA have created a system, device and method that allows for the mechanical extraction of a clot from an arterial or venous vessel that improves upon the current thrombectomy treatments available in both safety and efficacy.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• For use as a means of thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusions

ADVANTAGES

• Increase the number of patients that respond to acute stroke intervention to reduce the overall cost associated with stroke by decreasing the incidence of long term care
• Avoid endothelial injury often associated with current mechanical retrieval therapies
• Increases the likelihood of clot retrieval on first pass
• Adequate support and fixation of the vessel during removal to prevent vessel "kinking"

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE: Device is currently in the conceptual stage.

Related Papers (Selected)

• Smith WS et al. Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: final results of the Multi MERCI trial. Stroke. 2008 Apr;39(4):1205-12. [more]

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2008-034