Route 92 Medical, Inc. has successfully resolved its patent infringement dispute with Q'Apel Medical, resulting in Q'Apel permanently withdrawing its competing neurovascular intervention products from the market. The settlement marks a significant victory for Route 92 Medical in protecting its intellectual property in the specialized neurovascular device sector.
The litigation, initially filed in October 2024 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, alleged that Q'Apel's Hippo aspiration system and Cheetah delivery tool infringed on five U.S. patents protecting Route 92 Medical's Tenzing® delivery catheter portfolio. As part of the settlement, Q'Apel has agreed to permanently remove these products from the market.
"We are pleased with the resolution of this litigation," said Tony Chou, M.D., founder and chief executive officer of Route 92 Medical. "With more than 140 patents protecting our innovations worldwide, and numerous studies showing the best-in-class performance of our Tenzing-powered neurovascular intervention solutions, we remain committed to vigorously defending our intellectual property position should companies seek to replicate our products."
Innovative Catheter Technology
The Tenzing delivery catheters, which first entered clinical use in 2019, feature a proprietary design that addresses key challenges in neurovascular interventions. Protected by a global portfolio of patents including 26 U.S. patents, these catheters incorporate a unique tapered tip specifically engineered to significantly reduce ledge effect and provide atraumatic tracking in the neurovasculature.
This design enables consistent navigation to targeted locations in the brain without requiring a guidewire, representing a significant advancement in neurovascular intervention techniques. The technology allows for more precise and potentially safer procedures when treating conditions such as stroke, aneurysms, and other cerebrovascular pathologies.
Comprehensive Neurovascular System
Route 92 Medical's product portfolio extends beyond the Tenzing delivery catheters to include a comprehensive system for neurovascular interventions. The Tenzing catheters are available in three sizes and are designed to work seamlessly with the company's HiPoint® and FreeClimb® catheters, creating an integrated system that enhances procedural effectiveness.
The clinical value of these devices has been substantiated through ten independent, peer-reviewed studies evaluating their performance across multiple vessel sizes and device lengths. This robust clinical evidence supports the company's claims of superior performance compared to conventional neurovascular intervention tools.
Commitment to Innovation in Neurovascular Care
Founded by physicians, Route 92 Medical has positioned itself as a leader in neurovascular intervention technology through its focus on addressing unmet clinical needs. The company collaborates with leading neurovascular clinicians to develop solutions for the most significant challenges in neurointervention.
The successful defense of its intellectual property reinforces Route 92 Medical's market position and validates its investment in innovative medical device technology. As neurovascular interventions continue to advance as preferred treatment options for various cerebrovascular conditions, protecting novel technologies becomes increasingly important for companies pioneering in this field.
This settlement demonstrates the company's determination to defend its innovations while continuing to develop new technologies that improve outcomes for patients undergoing neurovascular procedures. For medical technology companies, particularly those in specialized fields like neurovascular intervention, intellectual property protection remains a critical component of business strategy and sustainable innovation.
