FDA Clears Neurovascular Retriever for Use in Stroke Patients

Concentric Medical has obtained FDA 510(k) clearance for its Merci L6 Retriever, a device that restores blood flow to ischemic stroke patients. The Merci Retriever is designed to restore blood flow by engaging, capturing and removing blood clots. It is a shaped wire constructed of nitinol, a memory wire, which allows delivery of the Retriever in linear form using standard catheterization techniques. A small puncture in the groin is used to introduce the Merci Retriever into an artery leading to the brain. Upon reaching the targeted area, the Retriever returns to its original shape when deployed. The Merci L6 Retriever joins the L family of retrievers, incorporating a 2.7-mm cylindrical helix with attached filaments. The filaments provide an additional mechanism for securing the clot during retrieval.