New Stroke Catheter Showed Improved Clot Removal Success
A bench study found the Millipede88 device outperformed standard aspiration methods in clearing blockages.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Stroke
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The Millipede88 catheter achieved an 88% success rate in initial attempts to clear simulated middle cerebral artery blockages during recent bench testing. This device, which received FDA clearance in March 2026, is currently slated for a broader commercial rollout across the U.S.
Why it matters
Improving first-pass success rates is critical for restoring blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible during an acute stroke. Faster revascularization can lead to better clinical outcomes, making device advancements in clot removal a priority for hospital stroke centers.
This bench study evaluated the catheter against 34 ovine clot analogs per arm to assess its efficacy compared to existing methods. The device achieved an 88% first-pass success rate, while also demonstrating a 91% final complete revascularization rate within three passes.
The players
Perfuze
An Ireland-based medical technology company focused on developing devices for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
The details
The Millipede88 catheter, which measures 0.088 inches, functions by navigating through complex vascular anatomy like the aortic arch and Circle of Willis to reach large vessel occlusions. During testing, it demonstrated an 82% rate of complete clot ingestion, allowing for more efficient mechanical thrombectomy compared to conventional or cyclic aspiration techniques. These findings build on prior research conducted by the company on more than 180 patients.
Timeline
March 2026: The Millipede88 received FDA clearance.
2025: Perfuze secured $24 million in funding and Zipline catheter clearance.
Health Landscape
This development represents a shift toward more specialized aspiration tools in the ongoing evolution of mechanical thrombectomy. It contributes to the broader effort to refine endovascular interventions for stroke, building upon standard-of-care mechanical thrombectomy procedures.
While these bench study results highlight technological progress, they do not replace the need for discussions with your physician regarding emergency stroke care and hospital capabilities. Families should focus on recognizing stroke symptoms, as time-sensitive access to high-performance facilities remains the most important factor in recovery.
The takeaway
The Millipede88 demonstrated high success in laboratory tests, suggesting a potential future improvement in stroke intervention speed. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke—such as sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty—is the most vital step in ensuring a patient reaches a facility equipped for rapid treatment.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment standards, visit the Stroke section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MassDevice.
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