Q’Apel Medical has announced the receipt of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its Zebra neurovascular access system, with a full US launch of the device now being prepared.
Available in 6Fr and 7Fr sizes, Zebra is indicated for the introduction of interventional devices into the peripheral vasculature and neurovasculature. The 7Fr system accommodates 0.072-inch aspiration catheters, and the 6Fr design expands intraprocedural options and product compatibility to maximise procedural versatility for the complexity of today’s neurovascular interventions, as stated in a Q’Apel press release.
“Fuelled by an ageing population and environmental factors, we continue to see an increase in neurovascular conditions, such as stroke and cerebral aneurysms, that require delicate interventions,” commented Jan-Karl Burkhardt (Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, USA). “The tortuous anatomy can be challenging to access, requiring a balance of flexibility and support, which many traditional access catheters fail to deliver. I continue to be impressed by Zebra’s dynamic flexibility with each additional case. Its hallmark stripes provided stable support and maintained pushability throughout my procedures. I look forward to the versatility this novel design offers and expect it to become a mainstay for my neurovascular access cases.”
Purpose-built from a single, full-length hypotube, the Zebra neurovascular access system features a distinctive pattern of laser-cut stripes. According to Q’Apel, this pattern is designed to deliver high-performance catheter construction with greater dynamic flexibility from tip to tail, providing support and flexibility where needed. In addition, its unique inner-diameter-to-outer-diameter ratio maximises the inner lumen—without ledges—to provide optimal support during device delivery.
“The Zebra neurovascular access system was engineered to easily track through the tight bends of this delicate anatomy while maintaining lumen integrity, allowing for atraumatic deliverability in neurovascular applications,” said Jeff Krolik, chief technology officer for Q’Apel. “I applaud our talented team for their commitment to this milestone, and their continued passion to deliver meaningful clinical advancements for our customers and their patients.”
Q’Apel notes that its Zebra neurovascular access system will be on display in Booth 409 during the upcoming Society for NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) annual meeting (14–18 July, Nashville, USA).
