Abstract

Direct aspiration thrombectomy is often employed for endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke because it rapidly achieves recanalization. Ideally, the clot is completely or nearly completely ingested into the aspiration catheter. Static aspiration is typically used, either with an electrical pump1 or with a handheld syringe, which applies a fixed vacuum. However, cyclic or oscillating aspiration may lead to additional deformation of the clot, which allows for additional ingestion into the catheter.2–4 This video describes the use of the ‘plunger’ technique, wherein a 60 mL locking syringe is used to apply on/off vacuum force to the occlusive clot. This technique provides a simple, manual approach to cyclic aspiration for stroke thrombectomy (video 1).