Exceed Medical launches revolutionary MissilEX® intracranial thrombectomy stent

In today's rapidly evolving medical field, innovation is the core driver of industry progress and shapes future development. As a groundbreaking neurointerventional device, intracranial thrombectomy stents have revolutionized the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), saving countless patients' lives.

However, with the accelerating aging of the population, the global burden of stroke continues to rise, accompanied by increasing complexity and diversity of cases. Traditional thrombectomy stents still face certain limitations when dealing with complex scenarios, resulting in suboptimal procedural outcomes. Issues such as poor wall apposition and thrombus dislodgement directly impact surgical success rates and patient prognosis.

In this context, the MissilEX® Intracranial Thrombectomy Stent System, independently developed by Hangzhou Exceed Medical Technology Co., Ltd ("Exceed Medical"), received its NMPA registration certificate and was officially launched in August 2025. The product incorporates innovative design concepts such as a combined open-close loop structure, helical external wings, distal finishing, and full-body visibility, significantly improving the procedural success rate. It demonstrates superior performance in key metrics such as first-pass effective reperfusion rate and revascularization time compared to existing similar products on the market.

There is no doubt that the launch of MissilEX® not only offers a more efficient and safer treatment option for patients with acute ischemic stroke, but also marks another significant leap forward in Exceed Medical's innovative capabilities in the field of neurointervention in China.

Currently, stroke has become the second leading cause of death globally and the third largest contributor to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost. As the most common type of stroke, acute ischemic stroke accounts for 69.6% to 72.8% of newly reported stroke cases in China.

In the field of neurointervention, both stent retrieval and aspiration thrombectomy are first-line treatments for acute large vessel occlusion stroke. Stent retrieval primarily functions by engaging and removing thrombi obstructing large vessels, thereby restoring circulatory patency. Consequently, the structural design of thrombectomy stents must emphasize the following aspects: the ability of the stent cell structure to engage and capture thrombi, radial force to ensure adequate wall apposition, flexibility and deliverability in tortuous vessels, and visibility during interaction with thrombi.

Based on this technical background and clinical needs, Exceed Medical has adhered to the philosophy and corporate spirit of "Innovation Empowering Lives" since its establishment in 2020. The company closely integrates product development with clinical pain points, aiming to improve patient outcomes and clinical prognosis through innovative intracranial thrombectomy stent design.

Dr. Huang Jiaping, R&D Director of Exceed Medical, stated in an interview: "The design inspiration for MissilEX® originally came from the common clinical challenges faced by interventional physicians in both China and the United States during thrombectomy procedures. Based on these frontline needs, our R&D team collaborated closely with physicians to translate key issues of traditional stents—such as inadequate wall apposition and thrombus dislodgement in complex vascular anatomies—into actionable engineering tasks. Through multiple rounds of testing and continuous validation, we systematically addressed these challenges and ultimately developed the revolutionary thrombectomy stent, MissilEX®."

As a perfect integration of clinical needs and engineering innovation, MissilEX® delivered outstanding results in the pivotal clinical trial conducted across 17 clinical sites in China — demonstrating superior first-pass recanalization rate and shorter revascularization time compared to traditional stents in the control group.

Dr. Huang further emphasized, "MissilEX® achieves a 10% higher first-pass recanalization rate compared to the control product, meaning more patients can restore blood flow during the initial thrombectomy procedure. Additionally, it reduces revascularization time by 16 minutes. For patients with acute cerebral infarction, these 16 minutes are critical—time is 'brain.' Every minute saved in reopening the vessel helps preserve more neurological function."

Professor Liu Jianmin from the Changhai Hospital of Shanghai commented: "Our team observed in clinical applications that the MissilEX® thrombectomy stent demonstrates superior wall apposition in complex tortuous vessels compared to traditional designs. Its distal dual-layer protection structure also plays a positive role in reducing thrombus fragment dislodgement. Particularly in an era emphasizing first-pass successful reperfusion, MissilEX®'s ability to achieve this level of performance represents a technological leap for domestic thrombectomy devices and reflects China's capability to align with global technical standards."

As an innovative thrombectomy device, the MissilEX® Intracranial Thrombectomy Stent System incorporates groundbreaking designs such as a combined open-close loop structure, helical outer wings, distal finishing, and full-body visibility. These features significantly enhance procedural safety and efficiency, particularly demonstrating excellent wall apposition in complex tortuous vessels and superior thrombus capture capability, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

Dr. Huang Jiaping emphasized, "Exceed Medical's original intention in developing this thrombectomy stent was to revolutionize device design, enabling physicians to perform thrombectomy procedures more safely and efficiently, ultimately benefiting more stroke patients." Specifically, the innovative design and advantages of MissilEX® are reflected in the following four aspects.

The main body of MissilEX® incorporates an open-close loop design with a multi-segment structure, enabling optimized capture of diverse thrombus types—including stable, friable, and hard thrombi—significantly improving thrombectomy success rates.

MissilEX® features a unique helical outer wing structure that enhances vessel wall apposition, effectively preventing thrombus dislodgement during navigation through tortuous and complex vasculature. Dr. Huang emphasized: "The angle of the helical wings was meticulously designed and tested to ensure efficient thrombus capture without causing additional stimulation to the vascular endothelium."

MissilEX® incorporates a dual-layer design at the stent's distal end. The four staggered petal-like structures of the distal wings significantly reduce the risk of thrombus dislodgement from both inside and outside the stent, thereby preventing re-occlusion in distal small vessels and substantially improving procedural success rates.

MissilEX® also incorporates a full-body radiopaque marker design. During the procedure, physicians can clearly observe the stent's position and deployment status through these markers, ensuring precise operation. Additionally, the MissilEX® thrombectomy stent is available in four specifications, with the smallest model (EX-SRS-3015) compatible with 0.017-inch microcatheters, offering flexibility for thrombectomy in vessels as small as 1.5mm in diameter.

Professor Guan Sheng from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University commented: "In our center's initial experience, the unique outer wing structure of the MissilEX® stent, along with its open-close loop design and varied cell sizes, has validated its intended performance—effectively improving first-pass success rates, particularly with organized or fibrous thrombi. This contributes significantly to reducing procedure time and lowering complication risks. Moreover, the design excels in thrombectomy within tortuous, multi-branch vessels, where the stent deploys more readily compared to fully closed-loop designs. In summary, this new product integrates the advantages of many existing thrombectomy stents, representing a new height in China's neurointerventional device design capabilities. We look forward to further validation in broader clinical applications."

Professor Hu Wei from the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC commented: "The innovative structural design of the MissilEX® stent is particularly impressive, especially its combination of helical outer wings and distal dual-layer protection. This not only enhances stable wall apposition in tortuous vessels but also improves complete thrombus encapsulation and capture capability, fundamentally reducing the risk of distal embolization. Our department has observed positive feedback during clinical use, with outstanding performance in first-pass success rates and intraoperative visibility. It demonstrates strong potential for widespread adoption across stroke care centers at various levels."

Exceed Medical is committed to providing comprehensive procedural solutions for neurointerventionalists. In addition to the newly approved MissilEX® thrombectomy stent, the company offers a full range of products including guide catheters, distal access catheters, microcatheters, microwires, intracranial balloon dilatation catheters, balloon guide catheters, and mechanically detachable coils. This portfolio establishes a complete and efficient therapeutic device system, supporting clinicians in addressing diverse and complex surgical needs.

While building a comprehensive product portfolio, Exceed Medical continues to deepen its technological R&D and platform development.

As a technology enterprise focused on the research, innovation, and application of medical devices in the pan-vascular intervention field, the company adopts a clinical needs-driven approach and has established six core technology platforms: stent, catheter, balloon, drug-coated product R&D and production platforms, product testing and evaluation platform, and finite element analysis combined with surgical simulation platform, enabling end-to-end development capabilities. Additionally, the company has built thousands of square meters of cleanrooms and laboratories, equipped with multi-production line R&D and manufacturing facilities, allowing efficient collaboration throughout the entire product lifecycle and strongly supporting the rapid translation and industrial application of innovative products.

As of August 2025, Exceed Medical has obtained 9 Class III medical device registration certificates in China and accumulated over 70 intellectual property rights, including more than 60 authorized invention patents.

In innovation and R&D, Exceed Medical will continue to focus on the pan-vascular intervention field, developing more innovative products such as an intracranial venous sinus stenosis treatment system, a peripheral below-the-knee arterial stenosis treatment system, and peripheral venous thrombectomy devices.

Exceed Medical is dedicated to establishing itself as a globally influential interventional device platform company, actively promoting the registration and market expansion of the MissilEX® thrombectomy stent in international markets. Dr. Huang Jiaping stated: "We have officially initiated the U.S. FDA registration process for MissilEX®. We plan to use this revolutionary product as a pioneer, leveraging international collaborations and capital resources to accelerate our global expansion, bringing more Chinese-original interventional devices to the global market and benefiting more patients. Simultaneously, through partnerships with renowned medical institutions and experts worldwide, we aim to develop Exceed Medical into a global innovation platform."

Professor Adnan Siddiqui from the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, also highly praised MissilEX®: "The design of the MissilEX® thrombectomy stent resembles a missile—its unique wing structure enables efficient and complete extraction of various thrombus types, demonstrating exceptional first-pass rates and thrombectomy efficacy. The product has already obtained invention patents in both China and the United States, and is currently undergoing U.S. FDA approval. I extend my warmest congratulations to the Exceed Medical team on this extraordinary achievement, and I am honored to be part of this effort."

In China, as the clinical advantages of interventional thrombectomy become increasingly evident and the construction of stroke centers advances comprehensively, the neurointerventional device market has entered a period of rapid expansion. Historically, this sector was long dominated by overseas giants. However, in recent years, with the gradual maturation of domestic companies' technological and innovative capabilities, coupled with the deep implementation of volume-based procurement policies, a market restructuring centered on domestic substitution has officially begun.

Looking ahead, in this global competition, Exceed Medical will continue to uphold the philosophy of "Innovation Empowering Lives," actively promote the integration of medicine and engineering, and engage in deep collaborations with global institutions such as the Gates Vascular Institute, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, and the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. These partnerships will advance clinical translation and technological innovation, continuously developing high-end interventional medical devices with international competitiveness, and providing safer, more effective "Chinese Solutions" for patients worldwide.