Inclusion Criteria:  Age ≥18 years Acute ischemic stroke presenting with a neurological deficit of (NIHSS ≥2) Intracranial arterial occlusion of the distal internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (M1/M2 segments) demonstrated with on clinical neuroimaging such as: computed tomography angiogram (CTA), magnetic resonance imaging angiogram (MRA), or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). ASPECTS score of >4 or by locally accepted ischaemic core/penumbra mismatch using computed tomography perfusion or magnetic resonance (CTP or MR) imaging. modified Rankin Scale, mRS<3 Intention to treat with aspiration only or combination technique of stent-retriever + aspiration in the first pass attempt during endovascular thrombectomy  Exclusion Criteria:  Severe stenosis (>90%), or tandem occlusion of the ipsilateral extracranial internal carotid artery. Previously deployed stents in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. Dissections of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. Unlikely to be available for 90 days follow-up (e.g. no fixed home address, visitor from overseas). Subject participating in a study involving an investigational drug or device that would impact this study.