Arterial Recanalization Research Articles

Clinical Significance of Prehospital Telecommunication Defined as the Critical Stroke Call Pathway in Acute Ischemic Stroke Requiring Intra-Arterial Recanalization Therapy.

To reduce the door-to-puncture time, which is a prognostic factor for the clinical outcome after intra-arterial recanalization therapy, we established a prehospital telecommunication strategy between neurointerventionalists and emergency medical technicians, namely, the critical stroke call pathway. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical significance of the critical stroke call pathway by comparing the door-to-puncture time and clinical outcome of the critical stroke call pathway with those of the routine stroke pathway. From January 2018 to June 2020, one hundred seventy-one patients with anterior circulation occlusion who underwent arterial recanalization therapy via the emergency department were included in this study. Patients were divided into the critical stroke call pathway group (n = 75, 43.9%) and the routine stroke pathway group (n = 96, 56.1%). The critical stroke call pathway group exhibited a shorter door-to-puncture time than the routine stroke pathway group (median, 87 minutes; interquartile range, 63-107 minutes; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, a good clinical outcome (3-month mRS, 0-2) was independently associated with a shorter door-to-puncture time (adjusted OR, 0.998; adjusted 95% CI, 0.996-1.000; P = .027). In patients with an NIHSS score on admission of ≤11, an excellent clinical outcome (3-month mRS, 0-1) was more frequently achieved in the critical stroke call pathway group than in the routine stroke pathway group (22/33, 66.7%, versus 21/48, 43.8%; P = .042). In our study, compared with the routine stroke pathway, the critical stroke call pathway remarkably reduced the door-to-puncture time for arterial recanalization therapy, with better clinical outcomes, especially in patients with a relatively good clinical status.

Management and outcome of hepatic artery thrombosis with whole-liver transplantation using donors less than one year of age

Background/purposeThe incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) in recipients is high after pediatric LT using young donors. In this study we investigated the management and outcome of HAT after whole-LT using donors less than one year of age. And evaluate the safety of pediatric donors, and increase the utilization of pediatric donors overall. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data encompassing children who underwent whole-liver transplantation in our department from January 2014 to December 2019. Recipients receiving a liver from a donor ≥1 month and ≤12 months were included, and a total of 110 patients were included in this study. ResultsThe results showed an incidence for HAT of 20% and the median time to HAT diagnosis was 3.0 (2.0, 5.3) days post-operation. Anticoagulant therapy was used for 19 cases and 94.7% of them achieved hepatic artery recanalization or collateral formation. The median time of recanalization was 12 (5, 15) days. Bile leakage and biliary strictures occurring in the HAT group were higher than in the non HAT group (13.6% vs. 1.1% and 31.8% vs. 3.4%). There were no significant differences in the survival rates of recipients or grafts among the two groups (P = 0.474, P = 0.208, respectively). ConclusionWe confirmed that the incidence of HAT in LT recipients use donors less than 1 year is high, but recanalization can be performed using anticoagulant therapy. Although biliary complications increased significantly after HAT, the survival rates of patients and grafts were satisfactory. Level of evidenceLevel III.

MiR-375-3p Promotes Cardiac Fibrosis by Regulating the Ferroptosis Mediated by GPX4.

Although coronary artery recanalization after myocardial infarction improves patient outcomes, inadequate ventricular remodeling following ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and secondary cardiac fibrosis (CF) are common and can lead to heart failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in cardiovascular disorders. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of miRNAs in the occurrence and progression of CF has not been fully elucidated. Herein, through the construction of an I/R rat model and an angiotensin II-induced CF cell model, we evaluated the role of miR-375-3p in the progression of CF. In the I/R rat model and CF cell model, miR-375-3p promoted fibrosis by accelerating the ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes through mediating glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Furthermore, we treated the rats or cell model with miR-375-3p antagomir (or inhibitor) and ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). The results showed that miR-375-3p antagomir (or inhibitor) and Fer-1 promoted the antioxidant capacity of cardiac fibroblasts, reduced GPX4-mediated ferroptosis process and alleviated I/R-induced CF. In conclusion, this study revealed that miR-375-3p directly targeted GPX4—an inhibitor of the ferroptosis pathway. Meanwhile, miR-375-3p can be a new potential biomarker for the prevention and treatment of CF.

Interobserver Reliability on Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Imaging in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Noninvasive perfusion-weighted imaging with short scanning time could be advantageous in order to determine presumed penumbral regions and subsequent treatment strategy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Our aim was to evaluate interobserver agreement and the clinical utility of intravoxel incoherent motion MR imaging in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We retrospectively studied 29 patients with AIS (17 men, 12 women; mean age, 75.2 [SD, 12.0 ] years; median, 77 years). Each patient underwent intravoxel incoherent motion MR imaging using a 1.5T MR imaging scanner. Diffusion-sensitizing gradients were applied sequentially in the x, y, and z directions with 6 different b-values (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 1000 seconds/mm2). From the intravoxel incoherent motion MR imaging data, diffusion coefficient, perfusion fraction, and pseudodiffusion coefficient maps were obtained using a 2-step fitting algorithm based on the Levenberg-Marquardt method. The presence of decreases in the intravoxel incoherent motion perfusion fraction and pseudodiffusion coefficient values compared with the contralateral normal-appearing brain was graded on a 2-point scale by 2 independent neuroradiologists. Interobserver agreement on the rating scale was evaluated using the κ statistic. Clinical characteristics of patients with a nondecreased intravoxel incoherent motion perfusion fraction and/or pseudodiffusion coefficient rated by the 2 observers were also assessed. Interobserver agreement was shown for the intravoxel incoherent motion perfusion fraction (κ = 0.854) and pseudodiffusion coefficient (κ = 0.789) maps, which indicated almost perfect and substantial agreement, respectively. Patients with a nondecreased intravoxel incoherent motion perfusion fraction tended to show recanalization of the occluded intracranial arteries more frequently than patients with a decreased intravoxel incoherent motion perfusion fraction. Intravoxel incoherent motion MR imaging could be performed in < 1 minute in addition to routine DWI. Intravoxel incoherent motion parameters noninvasively provide feasible, qualitative perfusion-related information for assessing patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Transcatheter arterial embolization of abnormal neovessels in a swine model of knee arthritis

BackgroundIn recent years, transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using imipenem/cilastatin (IPM/CS) has attracted attention as a treatment for relieving osteoarthritis (OA) pain. However, IPM/CS is not approved by Japanese medical insurance for use as an embolic material. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new embolic materials for TAE to relieve OA pain. The purpose of this study was to develop a swine model of knee arthritis and embolize abnormal neovessels (ANs) using two different embolic materials. We compared the embolic effects and tissue damage in knees. MethodsKnee arthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of papain into 12 knees in six female swine. The swine were divided into two groups of three swine each (six knees per group) for embolization of ANs in the knees with either IPM/CS or soluble gelatin sponge particles (SGSs). Three days after embolization, we compared the embolic effects using angiography and the tissue damage histopathologically. ResultsANs were observed in all 12 knees at 42 days after papain injection. The ANs disappeared and the patent arteries were recanalized 3 days after TAE in all 12 knees. Histopathological evaluation revealed synovitis changes, such as synovial thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration, in all 12 knees. There was no evidence of skin or muscle necrosis in either group. The appearance of ANs, recanalization of the parent arteries, and histopathological outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. ConclusionSGSs were as safe as IPM/CS for TAE of ANs in this swine model of knee arthritis.

Retrograde Open Coeliac Stenting to Treat Foregut Ischaemia

A 72 year old patient with occlusion of the superior mesenteric (SMA) and coeliac arteries (A) had acute mesenteric and foregut ischaemia causing an ischaemic gastroduodenal ulcer, splenic infarction, and pancreatitis. After SMA recanalisation, bowel resection, and failed antegrade coeliac artery recanalisation, retrograde open coeliac stenting was performed through a right subcostal approach with exposure of the liver (#) and duodenum (asterisk) (B). Through the intercostal space, the sheath was introduced into the hepatic artery (white arrow) just upstream of the gastroduodenal artery (black arrow) and advanced into the coeliac aorta, allowing retrograde coeliac recanalisation and stenting.Image 1

Mechanical thrombectomy with retrievable stents and aspiration catheters for acute ischaemic stroke: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Retrievable stents and aspiration catheters have been developed to provide more effective arterial recanalisation in acute ischaemic stroke. The aim of this analysis was to test the effect of mechanical thrombectomy on mortality and long-term neurological outcome in patients presenting with acute large-vessel anterior circulation ischaemic stroke. A structured search identified randomised controlled trials of thrombectomy (using a retrievable stent or aspiration catheter) versus control on a background of medical therapy which included intravenous thrombolysis if appropriate. The primary endpoint was disability at 90-day follow-up as assessed by the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage. A Bayesian mixed-effects model was used for analysis. Twelve trials met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 1,276 patients randomised to thrombectomy and 1,282 patients to control. Randomisation to thrombectomy significantly reduced disability at 90 days (odds ratio [OR] 0.52, 95% credible interval [CrI] 0.46 to 0.61, probability(control better)<0.0001). Furthermore, thrombectomy reduced the odds of functional dependence at 90 days, indicated by an mRS score >2 (OR 0.44, CrI 0.37 to 0.52, p<0.0001). Thrombectomy reduced all-cause mortality at 90 days (16.1% vs 19.2%, OR 0.81, 95% CrI 0.66 to 0.99, p=0.024). The frequency of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage was similar between thrombectomy (4.2%) and control (4.0%) (OR 1.12, 95% CrI 0.76 to 1.68, p=0.72). In patients with an acute anterior circulation stroke, modern device thrombectomy significantly reduces death and subsequent disability. The magnitude of these effects suggests that universal access to this treatment strategy should be the standard of care.

INVOLVED CULPRIT ARTERIES AND PROPORTION OF SPONTANEOUS ARTERIAL RECANALIZATION IN ACUTE LATERAL WALL MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION ADULT PATIENTS IN PAKISTAN

Objectives: To elucidate the involved culprit arteries and proportion of spontaneous arterial recanalization (SAR) in acute lateral wall myocardial infarction (ALWMI) patients in Pakistan. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care cardiac center from February 2019 to July 2019. Patients meeting selection criteria of ALWMI were included. Key angiographic outcomes were recorded for each patient. Proportion of SAR in terms of involved culprit arteries was assessed. Results: One hundred fifty two (152) patients were included, out of which 81% (124) were males. Mean age was 54.73 ± 11.03 years. Most (46.4%) of the study patients presented with single vessel disease. Overall, 89 (59%) patients showed SAR with settled ECG changes. Of them 73 (66%), 8 (33%) and 8 (47%) patients had diagonal artery involvement, 1st obtuse marginal artery involvement and ramus intermedius artery involvement respectively. Statistical significance (p=0.006) is observed for relationship of involved culprit arteries and SAR in ALWMI patients. Conclusion: This cross-sectional study reports the proportion of arterial recanalization in terms of involved culprit arteries. Diagonal was the culprit artery (~ 73%) in most patients presented with ALWMI. SAR proportion is also highest in patients with diagonal artery involvement. This tendency of SAR was more in single vessel diseases patients compared to double vessel and triple vessel diseases patients.

Usefulness of Self-Expandable Stent for Recanalization of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease: Preliminary Experience with Enterprise Stent.

PurposeThe purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Enterprise stent for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) in patients who presented with acute stroke due to vessel steno-occlusion and in patients with symptomatic disease despite optimum medical management.Materials and MethodsA retrospective data analysis was performed on 15 consecutive patients who were treated with Enterprise stenting for recanalization of symptomatic intracranial steno-occlusive arteries due to underlying ICAD. Their clinical and radiological data were reviewed to evaluate procedural results, periprocedural and postprocedural complications, and clinical outcome.ResultsEnterprise stents were deployed as a rescue method in 15 patients for recanalization of steno-occlusion. All patients achieved final modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score improvement (53.3% with a mTICI score from 0 to 2b or 3, 46.7% with a mTICI score from 1 to 3). Two postprocedural complications (1 symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 1 severe brain edema, 13.3%) occurred among 15 patients. Among 12 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 6 patients (50%) had improvement in their National Institute of Health Stroke Scale of more than 4 at discharge. Seven patients (58.3%) had a good functional outcome with 3-month modified Rankin Score (mRS)≤2, and mortality occurred (mRS=6) in 2 patients (16.7%). None of the 10 AIS and 3 transient ischemic attack patients experienced further ischemic events attributable to the treated steno-occlusion during the follow-up period (ranged from 4 to 36 months, median 12 months).ConclusionThis retrospective study suggests that Enterprise stenting can effectively and safely achieve recanalization in symptomatic steno-occlusive intracranial arteries.

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during urgent surgical extracranial internal carotid artery recanalization

ObjectiveThe clinical outcome of surgical extracranial internal carotid artery (eICA) recanalization may be adversely affected by intraoperative ischemia. Median nerve somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) amplitude correlates well with cerebral blood flow.Our study presents the value of intraoperative SEP and selective shunting in the prevention of intraoperative ischemia development during urgent eICA recanalization. MethodsProspective recruitment of patients with acute unilateral eICA occlusion. All underwent surgical recanalization with intraoperative monitoring of scalp median SEPs. Preoperative clinical findings, cerebral collaterals, and 3 month functional outcome were evaluated. ResultsThe cohort consisted of 33 patients. Intraoperative SEP amplitude decreased significantly in 6 (18.2%). An intraluminal shunt was inserted twice (6.1%), surgical complications occurred in 6 (18.2%), intracerebral hemorrhage was not found.Favorable outcome 3 months after surgery according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS 0–2) was achieved in 28 (84.8%), 3 patients died (9.1%). ConclusionsIntraoperative SEP during urgent eICA recanalization seems to be beneficial.Thanks to the effective measure based on the intraoperative SEP changes, the clinical outcome in four(12.1%) could be positively affected. SignificanceThe results suggest that selective shunting based on intraoperative median SEPs may prevent intraoperative ischemia and may improve overall outcome of urgent eICA recanalization.

Editor's Choice – Hybrid vs. Open Surgical Reconstruction for Iliofemoral Occlusive Disease: A Prospective Randomised Trial

The aim of this non-inferiority randomised trial was to compare the short and midterm safety and efficacy of hybrid repair (HR) and open reconstruction (OR) for patients with co-existing iliac and common femoral artery (CFA) occlusive disease. The study was registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov register (identifier: NCT02580084). From 2015 to 2017, eligible patients presenting with combined iliac and CFA occlusive disease were randomised to either HR or OR. HR group patients underwent recanalisation and stenting of iliac arteries combined with CFA endarterectomy and patch angioplasty. The OR group underwent aortofemoral bypass with simultaneous CFA endarterectomy. Short (30 day) and midterm (36 month) outcomes including morbidity, mortality, and patency rates were compared between groups. Of 427 patients assessed, 202 were randomised (102 HR and 100 OR). The average hospital length of stay was shorter in the HR group (8.2 ± 4.2 days HR group vs. 15.7 ± 6.9 days OR group, p < .001); the 30 day peri-operative morbidity rate was 8.8% in the HR group vs. 21% in the OR group (p= .030). There was no significant difference in the 36 month mortality rate (p= .16). The cumulative primary patency rates were 93% (HR) vs. 93% (OR) at 12 months and 91% (HR) vs. 89% (OR) at 36 months (p= .38). The limb salvage rates were 99% (HR) vs. 99% (OR) at 12 months and 98% (HR) vs. 97% (OR) at 36 months (p= .49). The results of this first non-inferiority randomised study support the safety and midterm efficacy of hybrid procedures for patients with iliofemoral peripheral arterial disease. HR patients had a shorter length of stay with reduced peri-operative morbidity and similar medium term patency rates.

Long-Term Sonographical Follow-Up of Arterial Stenosis Due to Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection.

PurposeLittle is known about the long-term course of arterial stenosis after spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCAD). We analyzed changes over time and evaluated factors potentially associated with these changes and recurring sCAD.Materials and MethodsAdult patients with sCAD, admitted to our neurological department between 2004 and 2018, were included. All patients underwent initial and follow-up repetitive neurovascular ultrasound for a mean duration of 15.3 ± 21 months. Clinical and imaging data were registered for each patient.ResultsA total of 259 sCADs were diagnosed in 224 patients. Either internal carotid arteries (n = 133, 59.4%), vertebral arteries (n = 58, 25.9%), or multiple arteries (n = 33, 14.7%) were affected. In 93 out of 183 patients (51%), and in 117 out of 210 arteries under investigation (55.7%), vascular stenosis decreased over time. Occluded arteries recanalized early in 34 (54%) and stayed occluded in 29 patients (46.0%). Of 145 initially hemodynamically relevant stenosis, 77 (53.1%) improved over time. Overall, 12 patients (5.4 %) had a recurring sCAD during follow-up. Pseudoaneurysms were found in 19 patients.ConclusionThe sonographical course of sCAD is highly dynamic within the first year after disease onset and should be monitored carefully. Decreasing degrees of stenosis and recanalization of occluded arteries occurred in half of all patients. Recurrent sCAD was a rare event in our cohort.

Abstract 63: Recanalization Treatments In Pediatric Stroke: Safety And Efficacy Data Issued From The French KidClot Study

Background: Safety and efficacy of recanalization treatments, i.e. intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or mechanical thrombectomy (MT), have to be refined in pediatric stroke. Methods: The French KIDCLOT multisourcing nationwide retrospective study (NCT03887143) collected data of consecutive children aged &gt;28 days and &lt;18 years old with acute arterial ischemic stroke who had a recanalization treatment, during a 41 month-period. Results: 68 patients, 44 boys (64.7%), median age at stroke onset 11.5 years old, were included. Pre-stroke mRS was 0 for 89.7%. Main stroke etiologies were cardio-embolic (30.9%), focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA, 25%), cervical (carotid/vertebral) arteriopathy (13.2%), and thrombotic (11.8%). 70 pediatric procedures were recorded: IVT alone (n=31), MT alone (n=23), combined IVT and MT (n=14), and DSA without recanalization treatment (n=4). Median stroke onset to first recanalization treatment delay was shorter in adult stroke units than in pediatric wards (188 vs. 264 minutes respectively, p=0.0087). An early complication was reported for 6 procedures, including two significant intracranial hemorrhages. After MT, cardio-embolic stroke patients achieved good arterial recanalization more frequently than FCA patients (88.9% vs 33.3%). Although high initial severity markers (median NIHSScore=13.5, decreased consciousness in 52.2%, decompressive craniectomy in 17.1%), outcome was relatively good in the 65/68 survivors (median mRS=1 and PSOM=1.2 at 12 month-follow-up). Conclusions: This study provides encouraging safety data despite severe stroke presentations. It suggests potential ways to improve recanalization treatments efficacy in children: reducing management delays in pediatric wards and optimizing etiological orientation since the hyperacute phase, as cardio-embolic strokes seem to display a better recanalization rate profile.

A Case Series and Literature Review of Vertebral Artery Stump Syndrome.

PurposeStump syndrome refers to cerebral ischaemic symptoms caused by an embolus from a previously occluded ipsilateral artery that occludes a down-stream artery. It can be divided into two types: carotid stump syndrome and vertebral artery stump syndrome (VASS). At present, there is limited clinical experience with VASS. We aimed to propose a more precise diagnostic standard for VASS, and to share our experience with handling this condition.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively collected data of patients who were treated with endovascular thrombectomy in the stroke centre of the First Hospital of Jilin University from January 2016 to March 2020. After screening patients with posterior-circulation acute ischaemic stroke, we selected patients who had an acute occlusion of an intracranial artery in the context of a previously occluded ipsilateral vertebral artery origin, as confirmed by digital subtraction angiography.ResultsEleven patients met our inclusion criteria. Nine patients achieved recanalization of both extracranial and intracranial occluded arteries, one patient had modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 3, and eight patients had grade 2b. Residual stenosis of recanalized intracranial arteries was less than 30% in all cases, while three patients had embolism of distal arteries. No dissection or subarachnoid haemorrhage occurred. Two patients didn't reach vascular recanalization. Among the nine patients with recanalized artery, four had a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 3 (favourable outcome), and four patients died; As for the two non-recanalized patients, one had a mRS score of 5 and one died.ConclusionVASS is a clinical syndrome caused by embolic occlusion of a distal intracranial artery occluded ipsilateral extracranial vertebral artery. Antegrade blood flow from the collateral vessels, distal embolic occlusion and mild or no residual stenosis of the occluded intracranial artery after recanalization are notable features of this clinical event. Endovascular thrombectomy may be effective for treating VASS.

Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients Younger than 18 Years

Abstract Purpose Rapid and effective revascularization is very important in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Endovascular treatment is a promising modality in the management of AIS in young patients. Methods We evaluated the clinical and imaging records in 14 patients younger than 18 years presenting within 6 hours of AIS. They received endovascular therapy (ET) either by mechanical thrombectomy, thromboaspiration, or both (Solumbra) between July 2017 and June 2021. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was calculated on admission and before the discharge of all patients. The 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score on disability-free outcome was also evaluated. Results The mean preprocedure NIHSS score was 10.78 ± 2.11 that improved to 4.5 ± 1.88 after the procedure. Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade 2b and 3 blood flow could be established in 12 (85.72%) patients. One patient had TICI 2a flow and one patient had recurrent occlusion despite repeated recanalization (TICI grade 0). The disability-free outcome, mRS score at 90 days was 0 to 1 in 12 (85.72%) patients, mRS score 2 in one (7.14%) patient, and mRS score 3 in one patient (7.14%). We did not have any major complication related to the procedure. Conclusion ET provides high rates of arterial recanalization and favorable disability-free outcomes in young patients with AIS.

Carotid Artery Perivascular Adipose Tissue Density Relates to Recanalization and Clinical Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy.

Background: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) imaging can be used in clinical practice as a surrogate marker of vascular disease. We aimed to analyze the association between the density of carotid artery PVAT and clinical features and outcomes in stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy.Methods: A total of 183 consecutive patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion were retrospectively included from January 2016 to May 2021. The density of carotid artery PVAT was evaluated by preoperative computed tomography angiography. Successful arterial recanalization was defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b-3 on the final angiographic examination. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score > 2 at 3 months after stroke. We assessed the independent effect of carotid artery PVAT density on revascularization, functional outcome, and mortality using logistic regression models adjusted for relevant confounders.Results: Patients with large artery atherosclerotic stroke have higher carotid artery PVAT density than patients with other stroke etiologies (–65.82 ± 12.96 vs. –75.77 ± 13.44, P < 0.001). Higher carotid artery PVAT density was associated with unsuccessful recanalization [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% CI), 2.968 (1.292, 6.819), P = 0.010], and poor outcome [AOR (95% CI), 2.704 (1.610, 4.541), P < 0.001] and mortality [AOR (95% CI), 1.894 (1.040, 3.449), P = 0.037] at 3 months in stroke patients treated with thrombectomy.Conclusion: Higher carotid artery PVAT density before mechanical thrombectomy is an indicator of worse postprocedural arterial revascularization and a worse functional outcome in acute stroke patients.

Efficacy and safety of direct balloon angioplasty in the treatment of large atherosclerotic stroke

ObjectiveBased on the unclear safety and effectiveness of direct balloon angioplasty as a first-line treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), our paper would center on investigating the safety and effectiveness of this novel strategy. Patients and methodsA consecutive series of acute ischemic stroke patients due to intracranial atherosclerosis and short thrombus who underwent thorough direct balloon angioplasty from October 2019 to March 2021 were enrolled. The primary end point included arterial recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI]: 2b-3), and 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale[mRS]: 0–2). The secondary end point was symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and perioperative restenosis and re-occlusion of offending vessel. Results68 patients were included. Mean time from onset to groin puncture was 342.5 min and 50 min for groin puncture to successful recanalization. 61 (89.7%) patients achieved successful recanalization and 41 (60.3%) acquired functional independence. 11 (16.0%) patients experienced ICH and only 3 (4.4%) for sICH. 8 (11.8%) patients developed symptomatic restenosis or re-occlusion within seven days after the operation. In addition, 16 (23.5%) patients received rescue stenting and 3 (18.8%) of this subgroup appeared immediate intra-stent thrombosis. ConclusionDirect balloon angioplasty may be a safe and effective method for the treatment of stroke caused by intracranial large arteriosclerosis occlusion.

Abstract 10207: Association Between Age and the Von Willebrand Factor-ADAMTS13 Axis in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: The incidence of arterial thrombosis increases with age, but its underlying mechanisms are unclear. Myocardial infarction is associated with increased von Willebrand factor (VWF) and decreased a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motif 13 (ADAMTS13) levels. We aimed to examine the relationship between the VWF-ADAMTS13 axis and age in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: Patients who underwent endovascular arterial recanalization for STEMI or acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and had aspirated thrombi at our institute between June 2019 and August 2020 were enrolled. Seventy-one patients were divided into two age groups—&lt;65 years (n = 23) and ≥65 years (n = 48). The ADAMTS13 and VWF antigen levels were evaluated. Results: Among all patients (STEMI and AIS), ADAMTS13 levels were significantly lower in the ≥65 years group than in the &lt;65 years group (0.77 ± 0.16 vs. 0.67 ± 0.16 U/mL, p = 0.024). The VWF antigen/ADAMTS13 levels were significantly higher in the ≥65 years group (319 ± 223 vs. 359 ± 160, P = 0.032). Among patients with STEMI, compared to the &lt;65 years group, the ≥65 years group had significantly lower ADAMTS13 levels and a significantly higher VWF antigen-ADAMTS13 ratio. Among patients with AIS, there were no significant differences in ADAMTS13 and WVF antigen levels and VWF antigen-ADAMTS13 ratio between the &lt;65 and the ≥65 years groups. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated low ADAMTS13 levels in elderly patients with STEMI, but not in those with AIS. The VWF-ADAMTS13 axis may be more involved in the pathogenesis of STEMI than in that of AIS among elderly patients.

Predictors of favorable outcome after endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in young patients.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) became a standard of care for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with its efficacy demonstrated by meta-analysis and randomized studies. Although ischemic stroke is associated more with older patients, it may also have devastating neurological effects on young patients. To present our experience with stroke patients aged <50 years treated with endovascular means and to evaluate clinical and procedural factors associated with outcome and mortality. This study was conducted on 34 young stroke patients treated with MT. Clinical features including baseline results, radiological imaging, procedural details, and outcome results were documented and evaluated. Recanalization was assessed according to the TICI score. The clinical condition was evaluated after three months using mRS. Mortality rate was calculated. The rate of successful recanalization (TICI ≥2c) was 79% (27/34). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was observed in 5 (15%) patients. After 90 days, the mortality rate was 12%. Favorable clinical outcome (mRs 0-2) was regained in 65% of the patients whereas satisfactory clinical outcome was seen in 85%. Poor clinical outcome (mRs >2) was observed in 9 (23.7%) patients. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that MT for AIS in young patients is feasible and provides an excellent rate of arterial recanalization and high rate of favorable outcomes. Statistical analysis showed that shorter time from onset to arrival and reperfusion, successful recanalization and absence of hemorrhagic transformation are the predictors of favorable clinical outcome and overall survival rate.

Successful repeated uterine artery embolization in postpartum hemorrhage with disseminated intravascular coagulation: a case report and literature review

BackgroundPostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially fatal condition requiring urgent and appropriate intervention. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has a high hemostatic capacity for PPH, but it may fail. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has been reported as a risk factor associated with the failure of UAE.Case presentationA 37-year-old primigravida with dichorionic diamniotic twins and placenta previa underwent cesarean section. The blood loss during surgery was 4950 mL. Hemostasis was achieved using an intrauterine balloon tamponade device. However, she lost a further 2400 mL of blood 5 h after surgery. We embolized both uterine arteries using gelatin sponges and confirmed hemostasis. She was suffering from DIC and received ample blood transfusions. However, a further 1300 mL of blood was lost 18 h after surgery and we performed repeated UAE, with complete recanalization of the uterine arteries on both sides and re-embolization with gelatin sponges. Her DIC was treated successfully by blood transfusions at this time, and she showed no further bleeding after the repeated UAE.ConclusionsDIC is a risk factor for the failure of UAE. Repeated UAE may be effective after sufficient improvement of the hematological status in patients with PPH and DIC.