Large Bore Catheter Facilitates Stroke Revascularization

A novel reperfusion catheter leverages advanced tracking technology to deliver maximum aspiration power for extracting thrombii.

The ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheter is indicated for use in the revascularization of patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to intracranial large vessel occlusive disease--within the internal carotid, middle cerebral – M1 and M2 segments, basilar, and vertebral arteries—and within eight hours of symptom onset. The ACE 68 features a unique coil winding geometry along 16 transitions for optimal force transmission and kink resistance, a reinforced stainless steel coil construction to optimize pushability, and nitinol coil reinforcement for supple navigation.


The design creates an optimal profile to ensure easy tracking through tortuosity that is typical in acute ischemic stroke patients. The ACE 68 is intended for use with the Penumbra System, which offers a complete line of reperfusion catheters sized optimally for large vessel occlusions, and the aspiration power of the Penumbra Pump MAX to extract occluding clots en masse. The ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheter and the Penumbra System are products of Penumbra (Alameda, CA, USA), and have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“With the ACE68 Reperfusion Catheter, I can easily deliver full aspiration power to the occlusion,” said assistant professor of neurology, neurosurgery, and radiology Johanna Fifi, MD, of Mount Sinai Hospital (New York, NY, USA). “The ACE68’s large lumen increases the likelihood of capturing the clot fully within the catheter or the canister, potentially reducing the number of passes to achieve complete revascularization and minimize embolization to new territory.”

“The tracking technology of the ACE68 Reperfusion Catheter is the most advanced. In my clinical experience with the ACE68, I saw the device easily navigate difficult tortuosity that would have challenged other devices,” said Blaise Baxter, MD, chief of radiology at Erlanger Hospital (Chattanooga, TN, USA). “ACE68’s tracking performance, combined with a large aspiration lumen to enable efficient clot removal, make ACE68 the most compelling frontline device in stroke intervention.”

Related Links:
Penumbra