Thrombectomy Using the EmboTrap Clot-Retrieving Device for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Glimpse of Clinical Evidence

BACKGROUND: The EmboTrap Recanalization Device is a novel stent retriever for thrombectomy in the setting of acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to summarize the safety and efficacy of the EmboTrap Recanalization Device in acute ischemic stroke–large-vessel occlusion through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES: Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to April 2022.

STUDY SELECTION: Nine observational studies using the EmboTrap Recanalization Device were selected.

DATA ANALYSIS: We adapted effect size with 95% CIs for dichotomous data. P value <.05 was statistically significant.

DATA SYNTHESIS: The estimated rate of successful recanalization (modified TICI 2b–3) was 90% (95% CI, 86%–95%; I² = 82.4%); 90-day favorable outcome (mRS 0–2), 53% (95% CI, 42%–63%; I² = 88.6%); modified first-pass effect, 43% (95% CI, 35%–51%; I² = 63.7%); and first-pass effect, 36% (95% CI, 29%–46%; I² = 10.7%). The rate of any intracerebral hemorrhage was 19% (95% CI, 16%–22%; I² = 0.0%); symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 5% (95% CI, 1%–8%; I² = 84.6%); and 90-day mortality, 14% (95% CI, 9%–19%; I² = 79.3%). Subgroup analysis showed higher rates of complete recanalization for EmboTrap II than for the EmboTrap System.

LIMITATIONS: The included studies are single-arm without direct comparison with other stent retrievers. Some of the studies recruited had a small sample size and were limited by the retrospective study design. In addition, the uncertain heterogeneity among studies was high.

CONCLUSIONS: The EmboTrap Recanalization Device is safe and efficient in treating acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion.