Initial clinical experience with the Bendit steerable articulating tip microcatheter for intracranial access and intervention.

BACKGROUND: The increasing complexity and sophistication of neurovascular implants and other therapeutic devices depend on access and delivery systems. Advancements in access technologies are required to improve minimally invasive endovascular procedures. Steerable catheters have been available in other disciplines, however, their implementation in neurovascular interventions has been a barrier previously due to issues with miniaturization and vascular caliber/complexity.

METHODS: A retrospective review of the neurovascular stroke database was conducted in accordance with local IRB to identify patients that received neurointerventional endovascular procedures using a novel first iteration 0.021'' microcatheter with controlled articulating tip flexion. Indications, management, demographics, comorbidities, and clinical and technical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Primary operator feedback on the novel catheter was collected and reviewed.

RESULTS: Ten consecutive patients receiving treatment that involved a novel steerable 0.021'' microcatheter were identified and analyzed. No complications were reported. Novel useful features of the catheter were reported on a case-by-case basis.

CONCLUSIONS: Initial clinical experience with the controlled articulation that permits flexion at the tip of the microcatheter demonstrated it to be safe. Access to difficult proximal origin curves, and distal clinoidal/ophthalmic segment anatomy may be improved due to the high torque transmission, and acute angulation of this microcatheter. Further experience with the delivery of therapeutic devices will be necessary to better understand the potential role that the present catheter may play in modern neurointerventional procedures.