Number of stentriever passes and outcome after thrombectomy in stroke

Background and purposesStroke secondary to emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVO) involving the anterior circulation can be treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) or thrombectomy. Data regarding the influence of the number of stentriever passes needed for vessel recanalization on outcome is lacking.Patients and methodsWe prospectively accrued data on consecutive patients with ELVO that were treated with thrombectomy. Procedural details including the number of stentriever passes needed to achieve vessel recanalization and clot length were collected. Functional outcome was determined with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days post stroke with mRS ≤ 2 considered favorable outcome. Data on demographics, risk factors, stroke severity, survival, and occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was also collected.ResultsOn univariate analysis more than one pass needed to achieve recanalization impacted survival and functional outcome after 90 days as did age, stroke severity and collateral and reperfusion status. On multivariate logistic regression the number of passes needed to achieve revascularization (OR: 10.0, 95% CI: 2.28–43.94, P = 0.002), age (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84–0.96, P = 0.001) and collateral status (OR: 7.90, 95% CI: 1.87–33.35, P = 0.005) remained significant modifiers for favorable outcome. On logistic regression the only variable associated with the need to perform more than a single stentriever pass was time from symptom onset to target vessel recanalization (OR: 1.007, 95% CI: 1.002–1.012).ConclusionsThe number of passes needed to achieve target vessel recanalization modifies outcome after thrombectomy and successful recanalization after a single pass is associated with favorable outcome.     

Mechanical thrombectomy with a novel stent retriever with multifunctional zones: Initial clinical experience with the NeVa™ thrombectomy device

Background and purposeThe NeVa™ (Vesalio, Nashville, Tennessee) thrombectomy device is a CE-approved novel hybrid-cell stent retriever with offset enlarged openings coupled with functional zones and a closed distal end. The device was designed to incorporate and trap resistant emboli. The purpose was to determine the safety and efficacy of the NeVa™ stent.MethodsProspective data was collected on the first thirty consecutive patients treated at four stroke centers with NeVa™ as first line treatment between December 2017 and May 2018. Clinical outcome measures included re-perfusion scores after each pass, complications (per-procedural complications, device related adverse events, all intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and symptomatic ICH (sICH) on follow up imaging), 24 hour NIHSS, mRS at discharge and 90 days. Baseline data as well as treatment parameters were documented.ResultsMean presenting NIHSS was 16. Sites of primary occlusion were 10 ICA, 16 M1-MCA, 3 M2-MCA and one basilar. There were five tandem occlusions. Reperfusion outcomes after each NeVa pass; TICI ≥ 2b after first pass 63%, after 1 or 2 passes 83%, after 1 to 3 passes 90%. TICI 2c-3 after first pass 47%, after 1-2 passes 57%, after 1–3 passes 60%. TICI ≥ 2b after final pass 93%; TICI 2c-3, 63%. There were no device related serious averse events and no sICH. Clot material was partially or completely incorporated into the device after 70% passes. The mean 24 hour NIHSS was 7 and the 90 day mRS was 0–2 in 53%.ConclusionsThe NeVa™ device demonstrated a high rate of first pass complete reperfusion effect, a good safety profile and favorable 90 day clinical outcomes in this initial clinical experience.     

Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with proximal occlusions and low NIHSS: Results from a large prospective registry

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy is now standard of care for treatment of acute ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion in the setting of high NIHSS. We analysed a large nationwide registry focusing on patients with large vessel occlusion and low NIHSS on admission to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrombectomy in this patient populationMethods2826 patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy were included in a multicentre registry from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. We included patients with large vessel occlusion and NIHSS ≤ 6 on admission. Baseline characteristics, imaging, clinical outcome, procedure adverse events and positive and negative outcome predictors were analysed.Results134 patients were included. 90/134 had an anterior circulation and 44 a posterior circulation stroke. One patient died before treatment. Successful revascularization (mTICI 2b-3) was achieved in 73.7% (98/133) of the patients. Intraprocedural adverse event was observed in 3% (4/133) of cases. Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage rate was 5.3% (7/133). At three months, 70.9% (95/134) of the patients had mRS score 0-2, 15.7% (21/134) mRS 3-5 and 13.4% (18/134) mRS 6. Age and successful recanalization were significant predictors of a good clinical outcome on both univariate (p= 0.005 and p=0.007) and multivariable (p=0.0018 and p=0.009 [nat log]) analysis. Absence of vessel recanalization and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were independent predictors of poor outcome (p=0.021) .ConclusionsOur study suggests that patients with large vessel occlusion and low NIHSS score on admission can benefit from mechanical thrombectomy. Randomized trials are warranted.     

Safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire device in large artery occlusion

Background and Purpose: Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) has limited efficacy in proximal large vessel occlusions. This study was to assess the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy with a retrievable Solitaire stent in acute large artery occlusions . Materials and Methods: This is a single center study enrolling patients treated with Solitaire-assisted thrombectomy between November 2010 and March 2011. Inclusion criteria were severe stroke of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥10, treatment initiation within 6 hours from onset, and an angiographically verified occlusion of proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) or internal carotid artery (ICA). The primary outcome was recanalization defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarct (TICI) reperfusion grade 2b/3. Secondary outcomes were good functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≤2), early substantial neurological improvement (NIHSS score improvement ≥8 at 24 hours), and symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (SHT). Results: Ten patients were consecutively enrolled: Age: 72.4 ? 5.7 years; female: 70%; baseline median NIHSS score: 19.5; and ICA occlusion in 50% and M1 portion of MCA occlusion in 50%. Six patients received intravenous TPA before intra-arterial treatment, and five patients were treated with adjuvant intra-arterial urokinase. Successful recanalization was achieved in 7 (70%) patients. Four (40%) patients had a good functional outcome at 3 months, and three (30%) patients had an early substantial neurological improvement. SHT occurred in two patients (20%), and 3-month mortality rate was 30%. There was no procedure-related complication. Conclusions: Mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire device can effectively recanalize proximal large vessel occlusions, and potentially improves clinical outcome.     

Impact of age on mechanical thrombectomy and clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Background and purposeMechanical thrombectomy is less effective in patients aged 80 years or older. Our goal was to better understand the impact of age in general on recanalization rates and clinical outcome.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of our prospective database of adult patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions, who had undergone mechanical thrombectomy between 2019 and mid-2021. The cohort was categorized into five age groups: 18 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 69, 70 – 79 and ≥ 80 years. Our primary outcome measure was clinical outcome at three months after mechanical thrombectomy, measured by the mRS score. Secondary outcomes were procedure times and rates of successful recanalization, defined by mTICI ≥ 2b.ResultsData of 264 patients were analyzed. There were no significant differences in procedure times (p = 0.46) or in rates of successful recanalization (p = 0.49) between age groups. There was a significant association of age and mRS score at three months (p < 0.0001): From youngest to oldest group, odds of functional independence (mRS ≤ 2) decreased (80.0% vs. 21.3%) and odds of death (mRS 6) increased (13.3% vs. 57.3%). Increasing age was significantly associated with lower rates of functional independence (OR 0.93; [95% CI 0.90 – 0.95]), higher rates of care dependency (OR 1.04; [95% CI 1.01 – 1.07]) and higher mortality rates (OR 1.06; [95% CI 1.04 – 1.09]).ConclusionHigher age had no significant impact on recanalization times or recanalization rates but was strongly associated with worse clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy.     

Mechanical thrombectomy of M2 occlusions with distal access catheters using ADAPT

Background and purposeThe direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) using distal access catheters (DAC) has proven to be an effective and safe endovascular treatment strategy of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusions (LVO). However, data about direct aspiration using DAC in M2 segment occlusions is limited.We assess the safety and efficacy of DACs in acute M2 occlusions using ADAPT with large bore (5 French /6 French) aspiration catheters as the primary method for endovascular recanalization.Materials and methodsFrom January 2017 to July 2018, 52 patients with an acute ischemic stroke due to M2 occlusions underwent mechanical thrombectomy using ADAPT with DACs (SOFIA 5 French/Catalyst 6) as frontline therapy. Patient demographics, technical parameters and outcome data were recorded.ResultsMedian National Institutes of Health Strokes Scale (NIHSS) Score was 12 at admission. Successful revascularization to mTICI 2b-3 with ADAPT alone was achieved in 45 of 52 patients (86.5%) with mTICI 3 achieved in 32 patients (61.5%). Additional stent retrievers were used in 6 patients and led to an overall successful revascularisation of 92.3% (48/52). Median NIHSS at discharge was 4. 29 of 52 (55.8%) patients had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score 0–2 at three months. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage did not occur.ConclusionDACs can safely be used for mechanical thrombectomy of acute M2 occlusions by the ADAPT approach. Their use alone can be a high efficacious treatment of distal intracranial thromboembolic occlusions.     

Sex-Related Differences after Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the ‘Real World’

BackgroundGender differences are often reported in the field of ischemic stroke, although most of such discrepancies were observed in randomized trials involving highly selected populations. We therefore explored gender differences regarding 90-day outcomes in large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes receiving endovascular treatment in a real world setting.MethodsThis prospective registry included anterior and/or posterior circulation LVO strokes admitted between January 2014 and December 2019 who received mechanical thrombectomy up to 24 hours from symptoms onset or last known to be well. We explored sex-related differences in rates of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale, mRS, ≤2) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included “National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale” (NIHSS) at 24 hours, successful reperfusion defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scale 2b/3, death, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).ResultsA total of 288 LVO stroke patients comprised the study population, involving 148 (51.4%) women. Females were older (71.4±15.7 vs. 66.1±14.0 years, p=0.003) and had lower rates of coronary artery disease (15% vs. 24%, p=0.05). The median time from symptoms onset to hospital arrival was 315 min (IQR 139.5-495.0) in females and 255.0 (IQR 117.0-405.0) in males (p=0.052). Rates of mRS ≤2 at 90 days were comparable (females 46% vs. males 49%, p=0.50). Successful reperfusion was achieved in 82% of females and 89% of males (p=0.10). Rates of sICH (females 10% vs. males 13%, p=0.47) and death (females 18% vs. males 21%, p=0.50) at 90 days were similar. NIHSS at 24 hours was the strongest predictor of functional independence at 90 days (area under ROC curve 0.92 (95%CI 0.87; 0.95)].ConclusionsOur prospective registry involving a real world setting suggests that females are equally likely to achieve good outcomes after endovascular treatment despite being older and having delayed hospital arrival compared to males. In addition, we found that NIHSS at 24 hours was the strongest predictor of functional independence at 90 days, sICH, and death.     

Endovascular thrombectomy with or without intravenous thrombolysis in acute basilar artery occlusion ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis

IntroductionIt is poorly understood if endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) with or without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) better facilitates clinical outcomes in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) ischemic stroke.MethodsA systematic literature review and meta-analysis was completed to investigate the outcomes of EVT with IVT versus direct EVT alone in acute BAO. Data was collected from the literature and pooled with the authors’ institutional experience. The primary outcome measure was 90-day modified Rankin sale (mRS) of 0-2. Secondary measures were successful post-thrombectomy recanalization defined as mTICI ≥2b, 90-day mortality, and rate of symptomatic ICH.ResultsOur institutional experience combined with three multicenter studies resulted in a total of 1,127 patients included in the meta-analysis. 756 patients underwent EVT alone, while 371 were treated with EVT+IVT. Patients receiving EVT+IVT had a higher odds of achieving a 90-day mRS of ≤ 2 compared to EVT alone (OR: 1.50, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.95, P =0.002, I² =0%). EVT+IVT also had a lower odds of 90-day mortality (OR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.89, P=0.01, I²=24%). There was no difference in sICH between the two groups (OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.56 to 1.79, P=0.99, I²=0%). There was also no difference in post-thrombectomy recanalization rates defined as mTICI ≥2b (OR: 1.11, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.75, P = 0.65, I²=37%).ConclusionsOn meta-analysis, EVT with bridging IVT results in superior 90-day functional outcomes and lower 90-day mortality without increase in symptomatic ICH. These findings likely deserve further validation in a randomized controlled setting.     

Multicenter initial experience with the EmboTrap device in acute anterior ischemic stroke

Background and purpose

Mechanical thrombectomy predominantly using stent retrievers effectively restores cerebral blood flow and improves functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy using the EmboTrap device.

Impact of recanalisation by mechanical thrombectomy in mild acute ischemic stroke with large anterior vessel occlusion

BackgroundThe net clinical benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients presenting acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion (AIS–LVO) and mild neurological deficit is uncertain.AimsTo investigate efficacy and safety of MT in patients with acute AIS–LVO and mild neurological deficit by evaluating i) the influence of recanalisation on three-month outcome and ii) mortality, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and procedural complications.MethodsWe included consecutive patients with acute AIS–LVO and National Institute of Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score < 8, treated by MT at Lille University Hospital. Recanalisation was graded according to modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score, mTICI 2b/2c/3 being considered successful. We recorded procedural complications and classified intra-cerebral hemorrhages (ICH) and sICH according with European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS) and ECASS2 criteria. Three-month outcome was evaluated by modified Rankin scale (mRS). Excellent and favourable outcomes were respectively defined as mRS 0–1 and 0–2 (or similar to pre-stroke).ResultsWe included 95 patients. At three months, 56 patients (59. 0%) achieved an excellent outcome and 69 (72, 6%) a favourable outcome, both being more frequent in patients with successful recanalisation than in patients without (excellent outcome 71, 1% versus 10, 5%, P < 0.001 and favourable outcome 82.9% versus 31.6%, P < 0.001). The difference remained unchanged after adjustment for age and pre-MT infarct volume. Similar results were observed in patients with pre-MT NIHSS ≤ 5. Death occurred in five patients (5.3%), procedural complications in 12 (12.6%), any ICH in 38 (40.0%), including 3 (3.2%) sICH.ConclusionsAchieving successful recanalisation appears beneficial and safe in acute AIS–LVO patients with NIHSS < 8 before MT.     

Number of Stent Retriever Passes Associated with Clinical Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between the number of stent retriever (SR) passes and clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).MethodsWe retrospectively analyze data collected from consecutive patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in anterior circulation treated with MT. Baseline characteristics, number of SR passes, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), clinical outcome measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days after MT were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between number of SR passes and patients’ clinical outcome.Results134 patients with LVO achieved successful reperfusion (mTICI 2B/3) were enrolled. Univariate analysis showed that patients with favorable outcomes were less likely to need more than three passes of SR (9.8%vs39.7%, p = 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, baseline NIHSS score (OR 0.922, 95%CI 0.859∼0.990, p = 0.025), more than three passes of SR (OR 0.284, 95%CI0.091∼0.882, p = 0.030) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR 0.116,95%CI0.021∼0.650, p = 0.014) each independently predicted poor outcome after MT at 90 days.ConclusionThe need for more than three passes of SR may be used as an independent predictor of poor outcome after MT in patients with acute ischemic stroke at 90 days.     

Thrombectomy or intravenous thrombolysis in patients with NIHSS of 5 or less?

Background and purposeTo compare outcomes of minor stroke patients with intracranial vessel occlusions (IVO) underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus those treated with intravenous thrombolysis alone (IVT).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed two large prospective stroke databases from two European centers searching for patients admitted with minor stroke (i.e. NIHSS Score░≤░5), baseline mRS░=░0 and occlusion of the M1–M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Groups receiving (A) IVT alone and (B) MT+/-IVT were compared. Primary outcome measures were MT safety, successful recanalization rate (mTICI 2b-3) and NIHSS shift (discharge NIHSS minus admission NIHSS); secondary outcomes included discharge rates and excellent outcome (mRS 0-1) at 3 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.ResultsThirty-two patients were enrolled in Group B (19░MT alone; 13 MT░+░IVT) and 24 in Group A. Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b-3) was obtained in 100% of cases in Group B vs 38% in Group A. Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation rate did not differ between the two groups. Multivariate analysis reported MT as the only predictor of early (<░12░h) favorable NIHSS shift and lower NIHSS at discharge. Moreover, discharge at home and excellent outcome at 3-month follow-up were statistically associated with MT.ConclusionsMT in patients with minor strokes and intracranial vessel occlusion (IVO) is safe and can determine a rapid improvement of NIHSS Score. MT seems also associated with a higher rate of patients discharged at home after hospitalization and better clinical outcome at 3-month follow-up. Larger randomized trials are warranted to confirm these results.     

大脑中动脉M2段急性闭塞机械取栓临床疗效评估

目的 评估机械取栓应用于大脑中动脉（middle middle cerebral artery,MCA）M2段急性闭塞的有效 性和安全性。 方法 回顾性收集MCA M2段急性闭塞并实施机械取栓患者的临床资料,以90 d mRS评分分为良好 结局（mRS评分0～2分）与不良结局（mRS评分＞2分）组,比较两组基线临床资料、入院NIHSS评分、是 否合并静脉溶栓、闭塞部位、颅内出血（symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage,SICH）、再通时间等资料 的差异。 结果 共入组行机械取栓术的MCA M2段急性闭塞患者12例（男女各6例）。平均年龄（71.4±8.1)岁, 入院NIHSS评分中位数为18分,术后即刻血管再通[改良的脑梗死溶栓（modified thrombolysis in cerebral i nfarcti on,mTI CI ）2b～3级]11例（91.6%）,出血3例（25.0%）,其中SI CH 1例（8.3%）,24 h时血管再通11 例（91.6%）。90 d良好结局组4例,不良结局组8例。良好结局组入院NIHSS评分低于不良结局组（中位 数14分 vs 22分,P =0.038）,两组间其余因素差异无统计学意义。 结论 MCA M2段急性闭塞机械取栓的有效性及安全性有待观察,患者入院时NIHSS评分较低与 90 d预后良好有关。     

急性基底动脉闭塞超时间窗支架取栓术治疗的疗效分析

目的 探讨急性基底动脉闭塞超时间窗Solitaire支架机械取栓术治疗的安全性和有效性。方法 回顾性分析2016年10月至2018年10月超时间窗Solitaire 支架机械取栓术治疗的8例基底动脉闭塞病人的临床资料。结果 8例经Solitaire 支架机械取栓后均成功获得再通。术前NIHSS评分为（24.83±2.71）分,术后30 d为（14.12±2.48）分,术后90 d为（8.12±2.48）分,两两比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。术后3个月改良Rankin量表 评分1分1例,2分1例,3分2例,4分2例,5分2例。MRA或CTA复查显示,1例血管闭塞（左侧大脑后动脉）,余7例无开通血管再闭塞。结论 超时间窗Solitaire 支架机械取栓术治疗急性基底动脉闭塞是有效的、相对安全。     

应用Trevo ProVue支架取栓治疗前循环脑动脉急性闭塞的初步经验

目的探讨应用Trevo ProVue支架对前循环脑动脉急性闭塞进行支架取栓治疗的安全性及有效性。方法回顾本中心13例采用Trevo ProVue支架取栓治疗前循环脑动脉急性闭塞患者的临床资料。应用改良脑梗死溶栓(modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction,mTICI)分级评估闭塞血管再通情况,比较患者术前及术后24 h美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institute of Health stroke scale,NIHSS)评分。并于术后90 d进行临床随访,采用改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin scale,mRS)评分评估患者独立生活情况。结果 13例患者中,术后即刻8例获得mTICI分级2b～3级再通,4例mTICI分级2a级再通,1例血管无法开通mTICI分级0级。患者入院时NIHSS评分15.0(9.5～21.0)分,术后24 h NIHSS评分7.0(5.5～16.0)分,比较差异具有统计学意义(t=2.38,P=0.035)。90 d临床随访,mRS评分0～2分6例(46.15%),3分2例,4分2例,5分1例,6分(死亡)2例。结论应用Trevo ProVue支架取栓治疗前循环脑动脉急性闭塞是安全、有效的。     

Aspiration-Retriever Technique for Stroke with Large Bore Intermediate Catheter : A Single Center Experience

ObjectiveEarly successful reperfusion is associated with favorable outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The purpose of this study was to achieve successful recanalization by a combined mechanical thrombectomy technique, the Aspiration-Retriever Technique for Stroke (ARTS), which is composed of a flexible large lumen distal access catheter and a retrievable stent as the first-line strategy of mechanical thrombectomy. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 62 patients with AIS who underwent mechanical thrombectomy from 2018 to 2019 at our institute by a senior neurointerventionalist. Among them, patients who were treated using the ARTS technique with the soft torqueable catheter optimized for intracranial access (SOFIA^®; MicroVention-Terumo, Tustin, CA, USA) as the first-line treatment were included. Patients who had tandem occlusions or underlying intracranial artery stenosis were excluded. The angiographic and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The angiographic outcome was analyzed by the rate of successful recanalization, defined as a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b or 3 at the end of all procedures and the rate of successfully achieving the first pass effect (FPE), defined as complete recanalization with a single pass of the device. The clinical outcomes included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and mortality. ResultsA total of 27 patients (mean age, 59.3 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The successful recanalization rate was 96% (n=26) while the FPE rate was 41% (n=11). The mean post-procedural NIHSS change was -3.0. Thirteen patients (48%) showed good clinical outcomes after thrombectomy with the ARTS technique (mRS at 90 days ≤2). Postoperative complications occurred in seven of 25 patients : hemorrhagic transformation in six patients (22%) and distal embolization in one patient (4%). Mortality was 15% (n=4). ConclusionAlthough the clinical outcomes using the ARTS technique with a flexible large lumen distal access catheter performed as the frontline thrombectomy in patients with AIS were not significantly superior than those of other studies, this study showed a high rate of successful endovascular recanalization which was comparable to that of other studies. Therefore, ARTS using the SOFIA^® catheter can be considered as the first choice of treatment for AIS due to large vessel occlusion.     

External validation of TICI-ASPECTS-glucose score as a predictive model for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage following mechanical thrombectomy

IntroductionThe indication for mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to large vessel occlusion has substantially increased in the past few years, but predictors of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) remain largely unstudied. A recent study assessing these predictors, led to the development of the TICI-ASPECTS-glucose (TAG) score, an internally validated model to predict sICH following thrombectomy.MethodsTo externally validate this scoring system and identify other potential risk factors for hemorrhagic conversion following endovascular therapy for AIS, 420 consecutive patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy from 2014-2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected pertaining to admission factors, procedural metrics, and functional outcomes. The components comprising the TAG score consist of modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score (mTICI 0-2a=2 points; 2b-3=0 points), Alberta stroke program early CT (ASPECTS) score (<6=4 points, 6-7=2 points, ≥8=0 points), and glucose (≥150 mg/dL=1 point, <150 mg/dL=0 points). Statistical analyses including univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis, and area under the receiver-operating curve (AUROC) were performed to validate the predictive capability of the model.ResultsThe patients with sICH presented with lower ASPECTS (8.13±1.55 v 9.16±1.24, p < 0.001), but no significant correlation with mTICI scores and admission glucose was observed. Decreasing ASPECTS correlated with increased risk of sICH (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.25-1.96, p < 0.001), and increasing TAG score was associated with increased sICH (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.11-1.94, p < 0.01). AUROC of the model was 0.633. Stratifying patients into low (TAG 0-2), intermediate,^3,4 and high^5-7 risk groups identified similar results to the original study with sICH risks of 5.2%, 10.5%, and 33.3%, respectively.ConclusionThe TICI-ASPECTS-glucose (TAG) score adequately predicts sICH following mechanical thrombectomy, and appropriately stratifies individual patient risk. Further inclusion of additional predictors of sICH would likely yield a more robust model.     

Thrombectomy in ischemic stroke patients with alberta stroke program early computed tomography score 4-5 and 0-3: Factors associated with favorable outcome

ObjectivesRecently published results of the ANGEL-ASPECT and SELECT2 trials suggest that stroke patients presenting with low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) benefit from mechanical thrombectomy. Purpose of this retrospective study was to identify factors that are associated with a favorable outcome in patients with low ASPECTS of 4-5 and 0-3 undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.Material and methodsAll patients reported in the quality registry of the German Society for Neuroradiology that were treated between 2018 and 2020 were analyzed. Favorable outcome was defined as a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of less than 9 at dismissal. Successful recanalization was defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥ 2b. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of baseline and treatment variables with favorable outcome.Results621 patients were included in the analysis, thereof 495 with ASPECTS 4-5 and 126 with ASPECTS 0-3. In patients with ASPECTS 4-5patients with favorable outcome had less severe neurological symptoms at admission with median NIHSS of 15 vs. 18 (p<0.001), had less often wake-up strokes (44% vs. 81%, p<0.001), received more often iv-lysis (37% vs. 30%, p<0.001), had more often conscious sedation (29% vs. 16%, p<0.001), had a higher rate of successful recanalization (94% vs. 66% and lower times from groin puncture to recanalization. In multivariate regression analysis lower NIHSS at admission (aOR 0.87, CI 0.89-0.91) and successful recanalization (aOR 3.96, CI 2-8.56) were associated with favorable outcome. For ASPECTS 0-3, patients with favorable outcome had lower median NIHSS at admission (16 vs. 18 (p<0.001), lower number of passes (1 vs. 3, p=0.003) and a higher rate of successful recanalization (94% vs. 66%, p<0.001) and lower times from groin puncture to recanalization. In multivariate regression analysis lower NIHSS at admission (aOR 0.87, CI 0.81-0.94) and successful recanalization, (aOR 11.19, CI 3.19-55.53), were associated with favorable outcome.ConclusionFull recanalization with low groin punction to recanalization times and low number of passes were associated with favorable outcome in patients with low ASPECTS.     

Critical Use of Balloon Angioplasty after Recanalization Failure with Retrievable Stent in Acute Cerebral Artery Occlusion

Objective

Sudden major cerebral artery occlusion often resists recanalization with currently available techniques or can results in massive symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after thrombolytic therapy. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanical recanalization with a retrievable self-expanding stent and balloon in acute intracranial artery occlusions.

Methods

Twenty-eight consecutive patients with acute intracranial artery occlusions were treated with a Solitaire retrievable stent. Balloon angioplasty was added if successful recanalization was not achieved after stent retrieval. The angiographic outcome was assessed by Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) and the clinical outcomes were assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results

At baseline, mean age was 69.4 years and mean initial NIHSS score was 12.5. A recanalization to TICI 2 or 3 was achieved in 24 patients (85%) after stent retrieval. Successful recanalization was achieved after additional balloon angioplasty in 4 patients. At 90-day follow-up, 24 patients (85%) had a NIHSS improvement of ≥4 and 17 patients (60%) had a good outcome (mRS ≤2). Although there was sICH, there was one death associated with the procedure.

Conclusion

Mechanical thromboembolectomy with a retrievable stent followed by additional balloon angioplasty is a safe and effective first-line therapy for acute intracranial artery occlusions especially in case of unsuccessful recanalization after stent thrombectomy.     

“Real life” impact of anesthesia strategy for mechanical thrombectomy on the delay,recanalization and outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients

Background and purposeChoice of anesthesia type on outcome for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke remains controversial. The goal of our research was to study the impact of anesthesia strategy on the delay, angiographic and neurological outcome of MT performed under general anesthesia (GA) vs. conscious sedation (CS).MethodsThis prospective, single-center observational study included patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO) strokes treated with MT within 6 hours of symptom onset. All time metrics were evaluated. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed by recanalization rate (mTICI) and 3-month functional independence (mRs). Complications and mortality rate were recorded as safety outcomes.ResultsIn total, 303 consecutive thrombectomies were performed, 86.8% under GA. NIHSS was higher in GA, with median of 19.0 for GA and 16.5 for CS (P = 0.049). Median time from arrival in hospital (door) to groin puncture was 83 min (IQR = 45.0–109.5) for GA compared to 72 min (IQR = 35.0–85.3) for CS, P = 0.170). Median time from arrival in the angiosuite to groin puncture was 20 min (IQR = 15.0–29.0) for GA compared to 15 min (IQR = 10.0–20.0) for CS, P = 0.017). There were no significant differences in recanalization time metrics, successful revascularization rate, functional independence and mortality rate at three months.ConclusionsGA induced a 5 to 10 minutes delay for groin puncture, without impact on recanalization time metrics, or neurological outcome at 3 months. Our results demonstrate that a well-organized workflow is associated with reasonable delay in performing GA for MT, without effect on outcome compared to sedation.