Q’Apel Launches 072 Hippo Aspiration System for Stroke Thrombectomy

December 12, 2023—Q’Apel Medical Inc. announced the launch of the 072 Hippo system. The device is the company’s new-generation aspiration technology for emergent neurovascular intervention. It was developed to treat stroke caused by a large vessel occlusion.

The system, which recently received FDA clearance, is composed of the 072 Hippo aspiration catheter and its Cheetah companion.

According to the company, the adaptive tip of the Hippo catheter allows precise clot engagement and removal, ensuring tailored performance for varying clot morphologies and sizes. The tip also provides real-time visibility and control during the critical phases of the procedure.

The Cheetah flexible guiding companion is designed to accelerate delivery of Hippo to the face of the clot.

The combination of features is designed to ensure speed, precision, and integration in thrombectomy procedures. The 072 Hippo aspiration system complements the company’s Walrus balloon guide catheter, noted Q’Apel Medical.

“Our initial experience with the Hippo aspiration system really demonstrated outstanding system performance,” commented Raymond Turner, MD, in the company's announcement. “In my opinion, the impact of a highly visible and adaptive catheter tip is superior to other aspiration systems.”

Dr. Turner, who is an endovascular neurosurgeon at Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina, continued, “I can determine when my catheter is engaged with the clot, as I could see the tip conforming to the thrombus. Once the thrombus was removed, the petals returned to their original state, so I knew I had success. This adaptive and visible tip aids physicians in making informed decisions in real time, that leads to a successful thrombectomy outcomes for patients.”

“When every minute during a stroke kills 2 million neurons, speed is essential,” added Elad Levy, MD. “The Hippo Cheetah combination allows for expediency with a high rate of first pass recanalization rates.” Dr. Levy is Professor and Chairman of Neurosurgery, Professor of Radiology, Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York.

“Hippo’s ability to adapt to various clot morphologies is impressive,” said Omar Tanweer, MD. “Regardless of angulation I can confirm engagement of the catheter on the clot, as I can now visualize this—which has never been possible before in an aspiration catheter. Paired with the Cheetah delivery tool, this was a fast and easy system to use, and has the potential to be practice-changing and cost-saving.” Dr. Tanweer is Director of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.