Balloon Guide Catheter Research Articles

Impact of Periprocedural and Technical Factors and Patient Characteristics on Revascularization and Outcome in the DAWN Trial.

Background and Purpose- Because of unique attributes of mechanical thrombectomy performed between 6 and 24 hours after symptom onset in acute ischemic stroke patients, it is not known if predictors of angiographic recanalization and favorable outcome in patients treated with thrombectomy in the late (6-24 hour) time window are similar to those treated in the early time window. Methods- We analyzed data from the DAWN trial (DWI or CTP Assessment With Clinical Mismatch in the Triage of Wake-Up and Late Presenting Strokes Undergoing Neurointervention With Trevo) which enrolled patients with symptom onset 6 to 24hours after last known well and occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery or proximal middle cerebral artery with a mismatch between severity of clinical deficit and infarct core volume as identified by computed tomography-perfusion or diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated the effect of tandem occlusions, periprocedural heparin use, procedural speed (from puncture to procedure completion), general anesthesia, balloon-guide catheters, thrombectomy device size, and number of passes on substantial reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3) and on likelihood of obtaining a modified Rankin Scale at 3 months indicating functional independence. Results- Of 107 patients who underwent MT in the interventional arm of DAWN, substantial reperfusion and modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2 at 3 months was seen in 90 (84%) and 52 (49%), respectively. In univariate analysis, general anesthesia (odds ratio [OR] 0.27; P=0.042) and ≥3 passes with stent retriever (OR, 0.17; P=0.002) were inversely associated with substantial reperfusion. In multivariate analyses, only ≥3 passes were associated with lack of revascularization (OR, 0.17; P=0.002). in univariate analysis ≥3 passes (OR, 0.24; P =0.003) and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >17 (OR, 0.19; P<0.001) were inversely associated with functional independence at 3 months. In multivariate analyses, ≥3 passes (OR, 0.24; P=0.003) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >17 (OR, 0.19; P<0.001) remained inversely associated with favorable outcome at 3 months. Conclusions- Patients requiring ≥3 thrombectomy passes had reduced substantial reperfusion and favorable outcome at 3 months in DAWN. Whether or not additional thrombectomy techniques beyond ≥3 thrombectomy passes with the Trevo stent retriever are beneficial for patient outcomes in this patient population remains to be clarified by future studies. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02142283.

Role of Balloon Guide Catheter in Modern Endovascular Thrombectomy.

Proximal flow control achieved with a balloon guide catheter (BGC) during endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke is reviewed in this article. In clinical practice, BGCs offer a multi-faceted approach for clot retrieval by creating proximal flow arrest, reducing embolic burden, and shortening procedure time. Evaluation of frontline thrombectomy procedures with BGCs revealed advantages of combined use over the conventional guide catheter (CGC), notably in the significant reduction of distal emboli to both the affected and previously unaffected territories. Recently, new measures of early and complete reperfusion at first thrombectomy pass have been identified as independent predictors of improved outcomes, which were consistently demonstrated with use of BGC as a safe and effective option to minimize number of passes during intervention. Prior randomized controlled trials reported the positive correlation between BGC-treated patients and a lower risk of mortality as well as shortened procedure time. While BGC use is more common in stent retriever-mediated mechanical thrombectomy, preliminary data has shown the potential benefit of device application during contact aspiration thrombectomy to achieve successful recanalization. However, the question of which major endovascular strategy reigns superior as a frontline remains to be answered. Along with clinical case assessments, BGC performance during in-vitro simulation was analyzed to further understand mechanisms for optimization of thrombectomy technique.

Recent Trend for Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Balloon Guide Catheter.

Recent Trend for Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Balloon Guide Catheter.

GUide sheath Advancement and aspiRation in the Distal petrocavernous internal carotid artery (GUARD) Technique during Thrombectomy Improves Reperfusion and Clinical Outcomes.

Adjunctive techniques to stent retriever thrombectomy include balloon-guide catheters and/or distal access catheters for aspiration. We describe a novel technique using a flexible, 6 French 088 distal guide sheath advanced past the skull base to augment mechanical thrombectomy. We studied the relative safety and efficacy of this technique in the setting of a combined stent retriever-distal access catheter aspiration thrombectomy protocol. We performed a retrospective case-control study of intracranial internal carotid artery or M1-M2 middle cerebral artery occlusions requiring mechanical thrombectomy. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on thrombectomy techniques: conventional stent retriever with distal access catheter aspiration without (standard) and with adjunctive GUide sheath Advancement and aspiRation in the Distal petrocavernous internal carotid artery (GUARD). Using propensity score matching, we compared procedural safety, reperfusion efficacy using the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale and clinical outcomes with the modified Rankin Scale. In comparing the GUARD (45 patients) versus standard (45 matched case controls) groups, there were no significant differences in demographics, NIHSS presentations, IV rtPA use, median onset-to-groin puncture times, procedural complications, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, or mortality. The GUARD group demonstrated significantly higher successful mTICI ≥2b reperfusion rates (98% versus 80%, P = .015) and improved functional mRS ≤2 outcomes (67% versus 43%, P = .04), with independent effects of the GUARD technique confirmed in a multivariable logistic regression model. The GUARD technique during mechanical thrombectomy with combined stent retrieval-distal access catheter aspiration is safe and effective in improving reperfusion and clinical outcomes.

Efficacy of Combining Proximal Balloon Guiding Catheter and Distal Access Catheter in Thrombectomy with Stent Retriever for Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke.

ObjectiveWe evaluated efficacy of combining proximal balloon guiding catheter (antegrade flow arrest) and distal access catheter (aspiration at the site of occlusion) in thrombectomy for anterior circulation ischemic stroke. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 116 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with stent retriever. The patients were divided by the techniques adopted, the combined technique (proximal balloon guiding catheter and large bore distal access catheter) group (n=57, 49.1%) and the conventional (guiding catheter with stent retriever) technique group (n=59, 50.9%). We evaluated baseline characteristics (epidemiologic data, clinical and imaging characteristics) and procedure details (the number of retrieval attempts, procedure time), as well as angiographic (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score, distal thrombus migration) and clinical outcome (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at discharge, modified Rankin Scale [mRS] at 3 months) of them. ResultsThe number of retrieval attempts was lower (p=0.002) and the first-pass successful reperfusion rate was higher (56.1% vs. 28.8%; p=0.003) in the combined technique group. And the rate of final result of TICI score 3 was higher (68.4% vs. 28.8%; p<0.01) and distal thrombus migration rate was also lower (15.8% vs. 40.7%; p=0.021) in the combined technique group. Early strong neurologic improvement (improvement of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥11 or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≤1 at discharge) rate (57.9% vs. 36.2%; p=0.02) and favorable clinical outcome (mRS at 3 months ≤2) rate (59.6% vs. 33.9%; p=0.005) were also better in the combined technique group. ConclusionThe combined technique needs lesser attempts, decreases distal migration, increases TICI 3 reperfusion and achieves better clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of the Intracranial Flow Alteration during Manual Syringe and Continuous Pump Aspiration

GoalsWhile mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute large vessel occlusions, adjunctive measures, such as balloon guide catheters (BGC) and aspiration techniques, are utilized heterogeneously. Clarifying the effects of aspiration applied to the anterior cerebral circulation with proximal flow arrest can shed light on embolic protection during MT. Materials and MethodsManual and pump aspiration were applied through a BGC in a synthetic cerebrovascular model with a 60 ml syringe and a Penumbra pump, respectively. Flow direction was observed during the procedure with fluorescent particles and ultraviolet light. Flow rates were monitored at the simulated internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery (MCA). FindingsBoth aspiration methods produced retrograde flow in all the modeled cerebrovascular segments. In the syringe aspiration methods, an interval phase occurred during the experimental trial in which suction forces paused and MCA flow became anterograde through posterior communication artery collateral circulation. ConclusionFlow patterns vary with different methods of aspiration. With proximal flow arrest, continuous aspiration methods induce constant retrograde flow in all vessels, whereas manual aspiration demonstrates various flow changes, including periods of anterograde flow during the procedure, which may be less effective at distal re-embolization prevention.

Longer 6-mm Diameter Stent Retrievers Are Effective for Achieving Higher First Pass Success with Fibrin-Rich Clots

First pass success (FPS) can be defined as in vitro retrieval of clot in a single pass during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO). Despite advancements in MT technology, retrieval of fibrin-rich clots remains a challenge. Therefore, the effect of stent retriever length on FPS for fibrin-rich clots was investigated by using Solitaire^TM 6 × 40 versus 6 × 30 mm devices with a balloon guide catheter (BGC) or distal access catheter (DAC) and sheath, in an in vitro model of anterior circulation neurovascular anatomy. Additionally, vascular safety of the Solitaire^TM 6 × 40 versus 6 × 30 mm devices was evaluated in a porcine model for differences in: luminal thrombus, inflammation, endothelial coverage, fibrin deposits, smooth muscle cell loss, elastic lamina and adventitia disruption, intimal hyperplasia, and lumen reduction, at 0, 30, and 90 days post-treatment. In vitro overall FPS was measured as: Solitaire^TM 6 × 40 (95%) and Solitaire^TM 6 × 30 (67%). FPS for clot location in middle cerebral artery was: (a) BGC (6 × 40 mm: 100%; 6 × 30 mm: 100%; n = 8); (b) DAC with 088 sheath (6 × 40 mm: 83%; 6 × 30 mm: 33%; n = 12). FPS for clot location in internal carotid artery was: (a) BGC (6 × 40 mm: 100%; 6 × 30 mm: 80%; n = 11); (b) DAC with 088 sheath (6 × 40 mm: 100%; 6 × 30 mm: 67%; n = 10). Stent length had a significant effect (Fisher’s exact test; p < 0.05) on FPS. In vivo evaluation in the porcine model showed no difference in vascular safety parameters between the Solitaire^TM 6 × 40 and 6 × 30 mm devices (p > 0.05) at all time points in the study. Longer stent retrievers may be safe and effective in improving FPS for fibrin-rich clots in in vitro and in vivo models of LVO.

The Effects of Balloon-Guide Catheters on Outcomes after Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Strokes : A Meta-Analysis.

ObjectiveMechanical thrombectomies with balloon-guide catheters (BGC) are thought to improve successful recanalization rates and to decrease the incidence of distal emboli compared to thrombectomies without BGC. We aimed to assess the effects of BGC on the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic strokes. MethodsStudies from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library database from January 2010 to February 2018 were reviewed. Random effect model for meta-analysis was used. Analyses such as meta-regression and the “trim-and-fill” method were additionally carried out. ResultsA total of seven articles involving 2223 patients were analyzed. Mechanical thrombectomy with BGC was associated with higher rates of successful recanalization (odds ratio [OR], 1.632; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.293–2.059). BGC did not significantly decrease distal emboli, both before (OR, 0.404; 95% CI, 0.108–1.505) and after correcting for bias (adjusted OR, 1.165; 95% CI, 0.310–4.382). Good outcomes were observed more frequently in the BGC group (OR, 1.886; 95% CI, 1.564–2.273). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality did not differ significantly with BGC use. ConclusionOur meta-analysis demonstrates that BGC enhance recanalization rates. However, BGC use did not decrease distal emboli after mechanical thrombectomies. This should be interpreted with caution due to possible publication bias and heterogeneity. Additional meta-analyses based on individual patient data are needed to clarify the role of BGC in mechanical thrombectomies.

Impact of Balloon-Guiding Catheter Location on Recanalization in Patients with Acute Stroke Treated by Mechanical Thrombectomy.

Mechanical thrombectomy with proximal flow control and forced aspiration may improve the outcome of endovascular revascularization therapy for patients with acute stroke. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of balloon-guiding catheter locations in patients treated for anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke using mechanical thrombectomy. The influence of the balloon-guiding catheter location (proximal, balloon-guiding catheter tip proximal to C1 vertebral body; distal, between the skull base and the C1 vertebral body) was analyzed in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke treated with stent-retriever thrombectomy. The baseline angiographic/clinical characteristics, time intervals, recanalization rates, and clinical outcomes were compared. The clinical analysis included 102 patients (mean age, 69.5 ± 12.8 years; male/female ratio = 52:50). The balloon-guiding catheter was located distally in 49 patients and proximally in 53 patients for flow control and forced aspiration during stent retrieval. The puncture-to-recanalization time was shorter in the distal group than in the proximal group (40 versus 56 minutes, P = .02). Successful and complete recanalizations were more frequently achieved in the distal group compared with the proximal group (98.0% versus 75.5%. P = .003; 67.3% versus 45.3%, P = .04, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the distal catheterization location was independently associated with successful recanalization (adjusted OR, 13.4; 95% CI, 2.4-254.8; P = .02). Location of the balloon-guiding catheter has a significant impact on recanalization in patients with acute stroke. The balloon-guiding catheter should be positioned as distally as safely possible in the cervical ICA for maximally effective thrombectomy.

Experience of the New FlowGate2 Device as a Balloon Guide Catheter for Ischemic Stroke Intervention

We report the experience of the FlowGate2 (FG2) as a new balloon guide catheter in endovascular stroke intervention. We evaluated the various outcomes and complications of patients with intracranial large artery occlusion undergoing endovascular stroke intervention with FG2 at our center. Baseline characteristics (failure rate of device application, sex, age, risk factors, arterial occlusion sites, and time intervals) were reviewed. Outcomes were evaluated according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, number of stent passages required, and Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score. The incidence of hemorrhage, vessel damage, distal emboli, and mortality rate were evaluated as indicators of complications. Overall, 70 patients were enrolled, except the 2 patients with application failure of FG2. Seventy patients with a median age of 69 years were treated with FG2. Arterial occlusion involved the M1 (50%) and M2 (14.3%) segments, internal carotid artery (25.7%), and posterior circulation (10%). Median value of mRS at 90 days was 2.8, and 37 patients (52.8%) had a mRS score ≤2. The recanalization rate in patients with a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b or 3 was 91.4%. The hemorrhage rate was 5.7%, but none were symptomatic. In terms of complications, distal emboli occurred in 4.3% of cases. Endovascular stroke intervention with the FG2 is safe and effective with good accessibility and less occurrence of distal emboli. Its trackability, stability, and luminal size make the FG2 suitable for stroke intervention.

Impact of Balloon Guide Catheter Use on Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes in the STRATIS Stroke Thrombectomy Registry.

Background and Purpose- Mechanical thrombectomy has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, the impact of balloon guide catheter (BGC) use is not well established. Methods- STRATIS (Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke) was a prospective, multicenter study of patients with large vessel occlusion treated with the Solitaire stent retriever as first-line therapy. In this study, an independent core laboratory, blinded to the clinical outcomes, reviewed all procedures and angiographic data to classify procedural technique, target clot location, recanalization after each pass, and determine the number of stent retriever passes. The primary clinical end point was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2) at 3 months as determined on-site, and the angiographic end point was first-pass effect (FPE) success rate from a single device attempt (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction, ≥2c) as determined by a core laboratory. Achieving modified FPE (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction, ≥2b) was also assessed. Comparisons of clinical outcomes were made between groups and adjusted for baseline and procedural characteristics. All participating centers received institutional review board approval from their respective institutions. Results- Adjunctive technique groups included BGC (n=445), distal access catheter (n=238), and conventional guide catheter (n=62). The BGC group had a higher rate of FPE following first pass (212/443 [48%]) versus conventional guide catheter (16/62 [26%]; P=0.001) and distal access catheter (83/235 [35%]; P=0.002). Similarly, the BGC group had a higher rate of modified FPE (294/443 [66%]) versus conventional guide catheter (26/62 [42%]; P<0.001) and distal access catheter (129/234 [55%]; P=0.003). The BGC group achieved the highest rate of functional independence (253/415 [61%]) versus conventional guide catheter (23/55 [42%]; P=0.007) and distal access catheter (113/218 [52%]; P=0.027). Final revascularization and mortality rates did not differ across the groups. Conclusions- BGC use was an independent predictor of FPE, modified FPE, and functional independence, suggesting that its routine use may improve the rates of early revascularization success and good clinical outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02239640.

03:09 PM Abstract No. 161 6-French/088 distal guide sheath access into the petrocavernous internal carotid artery to optimize mechanical thrombectomy

Modern stent retriever-based thrombectomy techniques for emergent large vessel occlusions contributed to the successful clinical trials on endovascular acute ischemic stroke intervention. Various adjunctive techniques have been described including the use of a balloon guide catheter (BGC) and/or distal access catheter (DAC) aspiration to improve first pass recanalization, complete reperfusion, and clinical outcomes. We describe a novel technique using a flexible 6French/088 distal guide sheath (DGS), defined as advancement into the petrocavernous internal carotid artery (ICA), to limit antegrade flow without a BGC and reduce the distance/tortuosity for clot extraction. We studied the relative safety and efficacy of DGS placement during standard stent retriever with DAC aspiration thrombectomy A retrospective review of 85 consecutive patients with intracranial ICA or M1-M2 middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions underwent stent retriever with DAC aspiration thrombectomy over a 30-month period. Patients were divided based on thrombectomy techniques, conventional stent retriever with DAC aspiration group (traditional group) and using an adjunctive DGS technique (target group). We compared recanalization efficiency (procedure time and passes), reperfusion efficacy using the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) scale, and clinical outcomes of functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin score 0-2). We identified 36 patients (median age 69 years with NIHSS 18) in the target group and 49 patients (median age 73 years with NIHSS 20) in the traditional group (p=0.11 and 0.12 respectively). There was a trend towards lower groin to revascularization time (53 minutes vs 61 minutes) and lower mean number of thrombectomy attempts in the target group (2.2 vs 2.6), yet those trends did not reach statistical significance. The target group offered higher rates of TICI ≥2 b reperfusion (97% vs 84%; P-value 0.046) that corresponded with increased functional independence at 90 days (65% vs 38%; P=0.03). Optimizing mechanical thrombectomy techniques by advancing a DGS into the petro-cavernous ICA may confer higher reperfusion rates and improved clinical outcomes.

Institutional and provider variations for mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke: a survey analysis

IntroductionStent retriever combined with aspiration, or the ‘Solumbra technique’, has recently emerged as one of the popular methods of mechanical thrombectomy (MT). However, the variations in understanding and implementation of...

Effect of balloon guide catheter on clinical outcomes and reperfusion in Trevo thrombectomy

IntroductionThe Solitaire stent retriever registry showed improved reperfusion, faster procedure times, and better outcome in acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion treated with a balloon guide catheter (BGC) and...

Abstract 7: Procedural Approaches and Angiographic Signs Predicting First-Pass Recanalization in Patients Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: First pass recanalization via mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been associated with improved clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, the optimal approach to achieve First Pass Effect (FPE) remains unclear. No study has evaluated angiographic features associated with the FPE. We aimed to determine the procedural approaches and angiographic signs that may predict FPE. Methods: We performed a prospective, multi-center, observational, study in patients with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation treated with MT between February and June 2017. MT was performed using different devices, deployment manoeuvres (standard unsheathing versus the “Push and Fluff” technique), Proximal Balloon Guide Catheter (PBGC), Distal Aspiration Catheter (DAC), or both. The Angiographic Clot Protrusion Sign (ACPS) was recorded. The modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scale was used to score different levels of revascularization: FPE was defined as mTICI2b-3 and complete FPE (cFPE) as mTICI2c-3 after first pass. Associations were sought between FPE/cFPE and procedural approaches and angiographic signs. Adjusted logistic regression model was used to define independent predictors of succesful recanalization. Results: A total of 193 patients were included. FPE was achieved in 97 (50.3%) and cFPE in 74 (38.3%) patients. When the interventionalist decided to combine a PBGB and the Push and Fluff technique, FPE was achieved in 75% vs 47% of other cases (p&lt;0.01) and cFPE in 64% vs 34% respectively (p&lt;0.01). When the combination concurred with APCS, higher incidence of FPE (91% vs 47% p&lt;0.01) and cFPE (82% vs 35% p&lt;0.01) were observed. The use of PBGC (OR 3.81, 95%CI:1.41-10.22, p&lt;0.01), the use of Push and Fluff technique (OR 3.45, 95%CI:1.28-9.29, p=0.01) and the record of ACPS (OR 4.71, 95%CI:1.78-12.44, p&lt;0.01) were independently associated with higher rates of cFPE. Conclusions: In our experience, the concurrence of the PBGC, the Push and Fluff technique, and the ACPS was associated with the highest rates of FPE and cFPE. Appropriate selection of the thrombectomy device and deployment technique may lead to better procedural outcomes. ACPS could be used to assess clot integration strategies in future trials.

Internal Carotid Artery Injury due to Aspiration Technique from Balloon Guide Catheter on Acute Thrombectomy: A Case Report

Internal Carotid Artery Injury due to Aspiration Technique from Balloon Guide Catheter on Acute Thrombectomy: A Case Report

Angiographical Features of Acute Stroke Patients with Carotid Artery Embolic Occlusion Recanalized by Suction with Syringe via Balloon Guiding Catheter

Angiographical Features of Acute Stroke Patients with Carotid Artery Embolic Occlusion Recanalized by Suction with Syringe via Balloon Guiding Catheter

Increased Success of Single-Pass Large Vessel Recanalization Using a Combined Stentriever and Aspiration Technique: A Single Institution Study

Extensive evidence supports mechanical thrombectomy using stentrievers (SR) for acute large vessel occlusion (aLVO). Aspiration is also used as a first pass or adjunct technique during clot removal. Here we report technical results from mechanical thrombectomy cases using SR alone, aspiration alone (AD), or a combination of SR and aspiration (SA) as a first pass for aLVO. An institutional stroke database was reviewed for patients presenting to a single academic institution with anterior circulation aLVO and who were treated with mechanical thrombectomy from 2011 to 2017. Patients managed with SR alone, AD, or a combination of these 2 techniques (SA) were identified. The rate of successful recanalization after the first thrombectomy attempt was compared between the 3 groups. A total of 353 patients were analyzed, including 215 in SR, 32 in AD, and 106 in SA groups. There was no significant difference for age and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale between the groups. Successful recanalization rates after the first pass were 35.8% in the SR group, 34.4% in aspiration as a first pass technique, and 55.7% in SA, with a statistically significant higher rate of first pass success in the SA group (P= 0.002). Using balloon-guide catheter doubled the rate of successful first pass recanalization from 21.3% to 41.6% in the SR group (P= 0.005); however, the SA technique was more effective for first pass recanalization when compared with an SR and balloon-guide catheter combination (55.7% vs. 41.6%, P= 0.025). The combination of SR and catheter aspiration can increase the rate of single pass successful recanalization compared with these techniques individually.

Effect of balloon guide catheter utilization on contact aspiration thrombectomy.

The role of the balloon guide catheter (BGC) has not been evaluated in contact aspiration thrombectomy (CAT) for acute stroke. Here, the authors aimed to test whether the BGC was associated with recanalization success and good functional outcome in CAT. All patients who had undergone CAT as the first-line treatment for anterior circulation intracranial large vessel occlusion were retrospectively identified from prospectively maintained registries for six stroke centers. The patients were dichotomized into BGC utilization and nonutilization groups. Clinical findings, procedural details, and recanalization success rates were compared between the two groups. Whether the BGC was associated with recanalization success and functional outcome was assessed. A total of 429 patients (mean age 68.4 ± 11.4 years; M/F ratio 215:214) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A BGC was used in 45.2% of patients. The overall recanalization and good outcome rates were 80.2% and 52.0%, respectively. Compared to the non-BGC group, the BGC group had a significantly reduced number of CAT passes (2.6 ± 1.6 vs 3.4 ± 1.5), shorter puncture-to-recanalization time (56 ± 27 vs 64 ± 35 minutes), lower need for the additional use of thrombolytics (1.0% vs 8.1%), and less embolization to a distal or different site (0.5% vs 3.4%). The BGC group showed significantly higher final (89.2% vs 72.8%) and first-pass (24.2% vs 8.1%) recanalization success rates. After adjustment for potentially associated factors, BGC utilization remained independently associated with recanalization (OR 4.171, 95% CI 1.523-11.420) and good functional outcome (OR 2.103, 95% CI 1.225-3.612). BGC utilization significantly increased the final and first-pass recanalization rates and remained independently associated with recanalization success and good functional outcome.

Balloon-Guide Catheters Are Needed for Effective Flow Reversal during Mechanical Thrombectomy.

Blood flow management in the carotid artery during mechanical thrombectomy is crucial for safety and effectiveness. There is an ongoing discussion about whether balloon-guide catheters or large-bore sheaths are needed for effective flow management. We compared general flow characteristics of proximal aspiration through a large-bore sheath and a balloon-guide catheter in a porcine in vivo model. We investigated blood flow in a porcine common carotid artery with and without aspiration (VacLok syringe and Penumbra pump, Pump MAX) through an 8F-long sheath and an 8F balloon-guide catheter. Blood hemodynamics were assessed via continuous duplex sonography. Average vessel diameter and baseline blood flow were 4.4 ± 0.2 mm and 244 ± 20 mL/min, respectively. For the 8F sheath, pump aspiration resulted in a significant flow reduction (225 ± 25 mL/min, P < .001), but with a persisting antegrade stream. Manual aspiration resulted in collapse of the vessel in 2 of 7 measurements and oscillatory flow with antegrade systolic and retrograde diastolic components in the remaining 5 measurements. Net flow was antegrade (52 ± 44 mL/min) in 3 and retrograde (-95 ± 52 mL/min) in the remaining 2 measurements. For balloon-guide catheters, balloon inflation always resulted in flow arrest. Additional pump or manual aspiration resulted in significant flow reversal of -1100 ± 230 and -468 ± 46 mL/min, respectively (both, P < .001). Only balloon-guide catheters allow reliable blood flow arrest and flow reversal in combination with aspiration via syringes or high-flow pump systems. Aspiration through an 8F sheath results in either collapse of the vessel or oscillatory flow, which can result in a net antegrade or retrograde stream.