Study Results from ANAIS, conducted by Anaconda Biomed, published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology
The ANA funnel catheter, developed by Anaconda Biomed, continues to garner attention in the medical community as a potential game-changer in the treatment of large vessel occlusion (LVO) acute ischemic stroke.
Key Features of the ANA Funnel Catheter
The ANA funnel catheter is an aspiration catheter designed with a large distal lumen and a flexible shaft, enabling faster and more effective clot aspiration. Its innovative funnel-shaped distal tip improves clot engagement and minimizes distal embolization. The catheter is primarily used in mechanical thrombectomy procedures, either alone or in combination with stent retrievers.
Latest Updates and Ongoing Research
Clinical Studies and Registries
Multiple ongoing clinical registries have been monitoring the real-world performance of the ANA funnel catheter across various stroke centers worldwide. Preliminary data suggest improved rates of first-pass effect (successful reperfusion on the first attempt) compared to some other aspiration catheters. Comparative studies in Europe and Asia are evaluating its effectiveness and safety profile relative to standard devices in the direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT).
Technical Enhancements and Device Versions
Anaconda Biomed has been iterating on the ANA funnel design, introducing versions with enhanced trackability and compatibility with smaller guide catheters. These improvements aim to increase the catheter’s usability in more tortuous vascular anatomies common in stroke patients. Development is ongoing for versions that optimize distal lumen size while maintaining maneuverability.
Collaborative Multi-center Trials
There are a few multi-center, prospective trials currently underway or nearing completion that compare the ANA funnel catheter’s performance to other aspiration catheters and combined aspiration-stent retriever techniques. These studies focus on endpoints such as recanalization success rates (measured by modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] scores), functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale at 90 days), procedural times, and safety (rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage).
Stroke Guidelines and Expert Consensus
The ANA funnel catheter is increasingly mentioned in stroke intervention guidelines as a recommended tool, especially in centers employing aspiration-first strategies for large vessel occlusions. Expert panels and neurointerventionalists acknowledge the potential of the ANA funnel to reduce procedure times and improve reperfusion rates, which can translate to better patient outcomes.
Summary
The ANA funnel catheter remains a promising device for mechanical thrombectomy in LVO stroke. Current updates indicate ongoing trials and registry data supporting its safety and efficacy. Device modifications continue to enhance performance. Full results of large controlled studies are anticipated soon to better define its role compared with other neurothrombectomy tools.
For more detailed results or ongoing trial identifiers, academic publications and conference proceedings from recent stroke and neurointervention meetings would be the best sources for very specific data. The ANA5 catheter facilitates the delivery of intravascular devices such as stent retrievers and microcatheters. The primary efficacy endpoint—successful reperfusion (eTICI 2b50-3) within three passes—was achieved in 70% of patients in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population and 81% in the per-protocol (PP) population. The ANA5 catheter may enhance clot removal during acute ischemic stroke thrombectomy procedures, particularly when used in combination with stent retrievers.
The ATHENA clinical trial is the first randomized stroke trial to include FPE as a primary outcome measure. The ANA funnel catheter is a novel device designed to work in conjunction with stent retrievers to arrest blood flow and reduce the risk for clot fragmentation during mechanical thrombectomy. Anaconda Biomed has enrolled the first U.S. patient in the ATHENA study. The ANA5 is a funnel catheter designed to aid in neurovascular procedures. When the ANA device was deployed in the ICA C2-C3 segment and continuous aspiration was applied, first pass effect, or FPE, (eTICI 2c-3) was achieved in 83% of the cases, with successful reperfusion within three passes in 100% of this population.
Anaconda Biomed has received CE Mark for the ANA5 Funnel Catheter. The ANA5 catheter features a radiopaque, self-expanding funnel covered with a continuous sealing coating. No severe device-related adverse events or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages were observed at 24 hours. Anaconda Biomed has appointed a new CEO. The large lumen of the ANA5 catheter matches the diameter of the target artery. Upon deployment, the ANA5 catheter temporarily restricts local flow.
The ANAIS Study, published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology, evaluated the safety and performance of Anaconda Biomed's ANA funnel catheter in the endovascular treatment of large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke. The high rates of FPE observed in the ANAIS study are being implemented in the ongoing ATHENA clinical trial. Hendrik Lambert, Chief Medical Officer at Anaconda Biomed, expressed gratitude to the investigators, centers, and patients who contributed to the ANAIS study. Dr. Alejandro Tomasello, principal investigator and Head of Neurointerventional Neuroradiology at Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, stated that the ANAIS results represent a significant step forward in refining mechanical thrombectomy interventions.
- The ANA funnel catheter, with its growing usage in large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke treatment, has opened new avenues in the medical-conditions of neurological-disorders, particularly in the field of health-and-wellness and neurological-disorders.
- Technology advancements and innovative designs, such as the ANA funnel catheter, contribute significantly to the improvement of treatments for conditions like acute ischemic stroke, illustrating the intertwined relationship between science, technology, and medical-conditions.
