Semmes Murphey Physicians Publish Two Major Studies Advancing Stroke Treatment Research

Research contributes important evidence to guide the future of mechanical thrombectomy and highlights the need for continued clinical investigation.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Physicians from Semmes Murphey Clinic have published two significant studies evaluating technologies used in mechanical thrombectomy, the minimally invasive procedure that removes blood clots from the brain to restore blood flow after an acute ischemic stroke. Together, the publications represent one of the most comprehensive evaluations to date of aspiration catheter performance and contribute valuable evidence to the ongoing advancement of stroke care.

The research includes a multicenter international study published in Neurosurgery (an official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons) and a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery. The article, “Superlarge-Bore Versus Large-Bore Aspiration Catheters in Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Multicenter Propensity-Matched Analysis,” is published as part of Neurosurgery’s High-Impact Manuscript Service (HIMS).

Semmes Murphey vascular neurologist Nitin Goyal, MD, served as senior author on both publications, while Ali Alawieh, MD, PhD, a stroke and neurointerventional fellow at Semmes Murphey Clinic, served as a lead author alongside collaborators from leading stroke centers around the world.

Mechanical thrombectomy has transformed the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, dramatically improving outcomes for patients with large vessel occlusions. As new technologies continue to emerge, physicians and researchers are working to better understand how different devices perform across a variety of clinical situations. The two studies provide important comparative data that add to the growing body of evidence guiding treatment decisions and identifying opportunities for future research.

The multicenter study analyzed more than 2,000 patients treated at 34 international stroke centers, while the companion systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated findings from 39 published studies involving nearly 4,000 additional patients. Together, the publications offer a broad evaluation of contemporary aspiration catheter technologies used during mechanical thrombectomy.

"Advancing stroke care depends on generating high-quality clinical evidence," said Dr. Goyal. "These studies represent an important step in understanding the performance of current technologies while also highlighting the need for larger prospective clinical trials that help physicians determine which approaches are best suited for individual patients."

Dr. Alawieh said the research reflects the importance of continually evaluating new technologies as stroke care evolves.

"As new devices become available, it is essential that we continue building the evidence needed to guide treatment decisions," said Dr. Alawieh. "Our goal is to help physicians match the right tools to the right patients based on high-quality clinical data, ultimately improving outcomes for people affected by stroke."

The studies reflect Semmes Murphey’s longstanding commitment to advancing neuroscience through clinical research, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The Semmes Murphey Foundation supports this commitment by helping advance research and education that allow physicians and fellows to investigate important clinical questions and contribute new evidence to the field.

By participating in international research efforts and contributing meaningful scientific evidence, Semmes Murphey physicians and fellows continue to help answer important questions that shape the future of neurovascular care.

"Research is an essential part of delivering the best possible care," Dr. Goyal said. "Every study helps move the field forward and brings us closer to more informed, individualized treatment for patients experiencing stroke."

To read the full Neurosurgery article, click here