Von Vascular has announced the first international presentation of data on its Algo smart pump at the 2024 BRAIN conference (2–4 December, London, UK). The preclinical studies—presented by Von Vascular chief executive officer (CEO) Manning Hanser on behalf of principal investigators Brian Jankowitz (Hackensack Meridian Health, Edison, USA) and Robert Starke (University of Miami, Miami, USA)—demonstrated the device’s potential to improve outcomes in mechanical thrombectomy procedures for acute ischaemic stroke patients.
Von Vascular’s Algo smart pump introduces a dual-modality approach to cyclical aspiration technology for mechanical thrombectomy. The pump offers two distinct aspiration modes: adaptive pulsatile aspiration (APA) and an enhanced static mode. A recent press release from the company notes that this design acknowledges the fact that different clots may respond better to specific types of aspiration, providing clinicians with tailored options to optimise treatment. The goal is to achieve complete clot ingestion (CCI) into the aspiration catheter while minimising the risk of generating micro-emboli, the release adds.
“It was great to share these promising results at the BRAIN conference,” said Hanser. “Algo has the potential to address the critical gap between high recanalisation rates and suboptimal functional outcomes in stroke patients. By reducing micro-emboli formation and improving clot ingestion efficiency, we aim to enhance long-term neurological recovery and overall patient care.”
Early preclinical studies have highlighted the Algo smart pump’s “significant advantages” over conventional aspiration systems in achieving CCI and reducing emboli formation, the release further claims. Both the APA and static modes of the pump demonstrated improved CCI rates, with the APA mode showing the most pronounced impact. In comparative testing, 77.2% of clots were successfully ingested using Algo’s APA mode, compared to just 36.7% with conventional aspiration systems (p<0.001). Additionally, the Algo smart pump reduced aspiration time—a factor previously linked to improved patient outcomes.
The release states that this innovative, dual-mode approach and investment in preclinical studies reflect Von Vascular’s dedication to advancing stroke thrombectomy technology, and enhancing care for patients globally.
“The novel approach presented by Von Vascular is a significant advancement in mechanical thrombectomy technology,” said BRAIN conference director Paul Bhogal (Royal London Hospital, London, UK), commenting on the presentation. “Reducing micro-emboli formation is crucial for improving patient outcomes.”
Von Vascular’s recent release concludes by noting that the Algo smart pump’s potential to positively impact 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores by addressing microvascular occlusions represents a “noteworthy development” in stroke intervention—and the company hopes to further validate these findings in a clinical setting, and bring this technology to physicians and patients worldwide.
