Evaluation of the JRecan device for thrombus retrieval: efficacy and safety in a swine model of acute arterial occlusion

Objective To evaluate the recanalization efficacy and safety of a novel stent retriever in a swine model of acute arterial occlusion. Methods The JRecan thrombectomy device, a stent retriever with a weaving stent design, was evaluated in 18 occluded cervicocerebral vessels of swine. The flow restoration effect immediately upon deployment, the reperfusion rate after retrieval, thromboembolic events, and complications were assessed. The histologic structure of the renal arteries after retriever passage was measured to further assess the safety of JRecan. Results Immediate flow restoration was achieved in 66.7% of occlusions (12/18). The reperfusion rate was 94.4% (two Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b and 15 TICI 3). Distal thromboembolic events did not occur. Microscopic examination of the arteries after retrieval showed mild degrees of endothelial loss in 96.6% (29/30), fibrin or platelet deposition in 53.3% (16/30), and disruption of the internal elastic lamina in 10% (3/30), without severe pathologic lesions. Conclusions The JRecan is highly effective at clot removal with a favorable safety profile and merits further development as a stent retriever for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.