ERIC™ Thrombectomy Device: Interlinked Spherical Cage Stent Retriever for LVO Acute Ischaemic Stroke
By Modern Medical Solutions Editorial Team
The ERIC™ from MicroVention Terumo features an interlinked spherical cage architecture in three sizes (3, 4, 6 mm) for large-vessel occlusion stroke, delivers through Headway 17, and achieves highest first-pass recanalization rates when combined with SOFIA or SOFIA 88 aspiration in SOLUMBRA technique.
What Is the ERIC™?
The ERIC™ (Endovascular Revascularization with InterChained Elements) is a stent-retriever thrombectomy device from MicroVention Terumo for acute ischaemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion (LVO). Unlike conventional stent retrievers using a flat laser-cut scaffold, ERIC uses interlinked spherical cages — a sequence of bulb-shaped mesh elements connected end-to-end. Each cage expands within the thrombus and creates localised high-radial-force zones that mechanically integrate the clot into the mesh interstices during the dwell period, improving thrombus capture compared to flat-mesh retrievers.
ERIC is delivered through a Headway 17 microcatheter via a 203 cm pusher wire. Three sizes cover the full range of LVO vessels: ERIC 3 (3.0 mm, 15/20 mm) for MCA M2/small M1; ERIC 4 (4.0 mm, 24/30 mm) for standard MCA M1 and ICA terminus; ERIC 6 (6.0 mm, 35/44 mm) for large ICA and tandem occlusions.
SOLUMBRA: The Combination Technique
SOLUMBRA — simultaneous aspiration (SOFIA/SOFIA 88) and stent retriever (ERIC) withdrawal — is the optimal thrombectomy configuration for LVO stroke. SOFIA 88 is positioned at the proximal thrombus face; ERIC is deployed through Headway 17 (passed through SOFIA 88) across the full clot length; simultaneous aspiration during ERIC withdrawal captures thrombus from both the cage structure and the aspiration face. Multiple RCTs confirm combined aspiration-retriever technique is superior to single-modality thrombectomy for first-pass recanalization and distal embolization reduction.
ERIC’s Headway 17 delivery is compatible with both SOFIA 6F and SOFIA 88 lumens, enabling both moderate (SOFIA 6F + ERIC) and maximum-bore (SOFIA 88 + ERIC) SOLUMBRA configurations depending on clot burden and vessel calibre.
ERIC™ vs. Competing Stent Retrievers
Solitaire (Medtronic) and Trevo (Stryker) use flat mesh scaffold architectures. The ERIC’s interlinked spherical cage geometry creates a three-dimensional thrombus trapping mechanism that operators report as particularly effective for hard fibrin-rich thrombi that resist engagement by flat-mesh retrievers. In rescue cases where Solitaire or Trevo has failed on initial passes, ERIC provides a mechanically distinct alternative with documented rescue success.
All three ERIC sizes deliver through Headway 17 — including ERIC 6 — providing a lower-profile delivery system than most competing 6 mm retrievers, which often require 0.021 in compatible microcatheters.
Technique Tips
After Headway 17 crosses the occlusion, deploy ERIC by retracting the microcatheter while holding the pusher. Allow 3–5 minutes dwell time for maximum thrombus integration into the spherical cage structure before initiating SOLUMBRA withdrawal. Position SOFIA 88 at the proximal clot face and inflate Chaperon balloon (if in use) before beginning retrieval.
Withdraw ERIC and Headway 17 as a single unit through SOFIA, maintaining SOFIA position. Once ERIC is within SOFIA, withdraw both as a unit through the guide catheter. Do not release aspiration until ERIC is fully within the guide catheter.
Ordering Through Modern Medical Solutions
Modern Medical Solutions is the authorised MicroVention Terumo distributor for Tajikistan and Afghanistan. ERIC is available in all three sizes and both length options for stroke programmes in Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
Contact Modern Medical Solutions to discuss ERIC as part of a complete SOLUMBRA stroke kit including Chaperon, SOFIA 88, and Headway 17, sourced from a single regional partner.
