Stryker (NYSE: SYK), through its recently acquired Inari Medical division, has introduced the Artix Thrombectomy System, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of peripheral arterial thromboembolism. The system represents the company's first venture into arterial applications, building upon their established expertise in venous thrombectomy.
Clinical Need and System Capabilities
Arterial blood clots in the legs present life- and limb-threatening emergencies requiring immediate intervention. Current treatment approaches have faced several challenges, including ineffective clot retrieval, significant blood loss, and high rates of thrombolytic use leading to complications.
The Artix system addresses these challenges through a dual-action approach, combining both mechanical thrombectomy and aspiration capabilities. This innovative design enables physicians to tackle a broad spectrum of clots, from acute to chronic, within a single procedural session.
Technical Innovation and Design Features
The system's architecture includes several breakthrough features:
- An 8 Fr. low-profile, aspiration-capable sheath available in 65cm and 90cm lengths
- A specialized over-the-wire mechanical element for effective clot retrieval
- A covered nitinol mesh funnel designed to minimize arterial clot migration
- Kink-resistant sheath construction enabling complex and distal interventions
Early Clinical Experience
Dr. Jonathan Bowman, Chief of Vascular at Norwalk Hospital, performed the first commercial procedure with Artix in October 2024. "With Artix, I finally have a solution that effectively addresses a wide range of clots while enabling me to maintain vessel access and retain control throughout the entire case," noted Dr. Bowman. "I expect Artix will take the place of open surgical repair in many of my arterial cases."
Clinical Impact and Future Implications
Dr. Tom Tu, Chief Medical Officer of Inari Medical, emphasized the system's potential impact: "There is a real clinical need to address chronic thrombi and decrease the risk of clot migration. Artix will raise the bar of effective arterial thrombectomy."
The system's comprehensive approach to arterial thrombectomy represents a significant step forward in addressing the limitations of existing therapies. By providing physicians with enhanced procedural control and versatility, Artix aims to improve patient outcomes while potentially reducing the need for open surgical interventions or amputation.
The launch of Artix follows Stryker's February 2025 acquisition of Inari Medical, reinforcing the company's commitment to advancing medical technologies for improved patient care. The system is specifically indicated for use in peripheral vasculature, offering healthcare providers a new tool in their arsenal for treating arterial blood clots.
