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A Comparison of Cyclic Manual Direct Aspiration Thrombectomy (Plunger Technique) vs. Static Manual Direct Aspiration Thrombectomy for Treatment of Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Plunger Stroke Trial: A Comparison of Cyclic Manual Direct Aspiration Thrombectomy (Plunger Technique) vs. Static Manual Direct Aspiration Thrombectomy for Treatment of Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke With the Raptor Aspiration Catheter

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

\- Acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the terminal ICA or M1 segment of the MCA, Treatment can be initiated within 24 hours of symptom onset, Age 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of acute intracranial hemorrhage prior to treatment, Failure to obtain informed consent

About the study

This prospective, randomized controlled trial will compare two manual aspiration techniques for treating acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion: cyclic aspiration (Plunger technique) and static aspiration. Both techniques use FDA-approved devices (Raptor Aspiration Catheters and VacLok syringes) and are standard of care. Approximately 500 participants across 20 sites will be randomized to one of the two techniques. The primary endpoint is First Pass Effect (TICI 2c/3 after first attempt), with secondary endpoints including overall recanalization and 90-day functional outcomes. Results will address a critical gap in optimizing aspiration thrombectomy techniques.

What is being tested

• Plunger Technique (procedure)
• Static Manual Aspiration Thrombectomy (procedure)

Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Participants: 500 · Started: Aug 10, 2026

Contact the study team

• Michael T Froehler · Phone: 6154210300

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07231380

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Ischemic Stroke

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 29, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.