U.S. patient joins ATHENA study conducted by Anaconda Biomed
In the ongoing fight against stroke, a significant development has taken place with the launch of the ATHENA clinical trial. This global study, led by medical technology company Anaconda Biomed, is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of their proprietary ANA Funnel Catheter in patients suffering from large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke.
The ANA Funnel Catheter is designed to assist in stent retriever-based thrombectomy, a common procedure used to remove blood clots in the brain. The device works by restricting blood flow during clot retrieval, enabling simultaneous aspiration, and minimising the risk of clot fragmentation. This design aims to improve the success rate and safety of mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients, potentially reducing disability and improving recovery outcomes.
The anticipated benefits for stroke patients include enhanced clot retrieval precision, reduced risk of clot fragmentation, and support for faster and safer thrombectomy that aligns with current trends favouring minimally invasive approaches for stroke intervention.
The ATHENA clinical trial involves 327 patients and is a pivotal study that will provide critical data on the device's performance. Anaconda Biomed aims to complete enrollment in the ATHENA IDE study by the first half of 2026.
It's important to note that stroke remains one of the top three leading causes of death and the primary cause of serious long-term disability. One in four people over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime, with about 87% of cases classified as ischemic events caused by emboli or thrombotic occlusions in the neurovasculature. With the aging population, the number of people experiencing stroke is expected to rise significantly, with a 34% increase in events projected by 2035.
The ANA Funnel Catheter features the largest capture diameter currently available for neuroendovascular thrombectomy. High rates of reperfusion and first-pass success, along with a strong safety profile, have been demonstrated in feasibility studies with the device.
The ATHENA clinical trial, which includes the ATHENA IDE study, is a continuation of previous research on the ANA Funnel Catheter. Anaconda received IDE approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September 2024 to evaluate the device in the ATHENA trial.
As the ATHENA clinical trial progresses, it represents a critical step in validating this novel device to improve stroke care by potentially increasing the effectiveness and safety of mechanical clot removal for large vessel occlusion strokes.
Reference: [1] Market.us report on Neurothrombectomy Devices Market, 2025.
- The ANA Funnel Catheter, designed for use in neuroendovascular thrombectomy, could revolutionize health-and-wellness for those affected by medical-conditions like stroke, considering its potential to increase the success rate and safety of mechanical thrombectomy.
- As the ATHENA clinical trial continues, it presents a significant opportunity for science to address the rising medical-condition of stroke, potentially improving recovery outcomes for cancer patients and the general population, as this disease remains one of the leading causes of death and disability.
