Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Research Articles

Safety and functional outcomes of early antiplatelet therapy within 24 hours following mechanical thrombectomy for secondary prevention in emergent large-vessel occlusion strokes: a registry study.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety and functional outcomes of antiplatelet use within 24 hours following mechanical thrombectomy (MT). A retrospective review of prospectively collected data for consecutive patients who underwent MT for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) between 2016 and 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), antiplatelet use, neurological status, and tissue plasminogen activator use were collected. Patients were stratified into two groups, early (< 24 hours) or late (> 24 hours), based on when antiplatelet therapy was initiated post-MT. The primary outcome was safety, determined based on the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and inpatient mortality. The secondary outcome was functional independence (defined as modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≤ 2) at discharge and 30 days and 90 days postoperatively. The two cohorts were compared using univariate analysis. Multiple imputations were used to create complete data sets for missing data. Multivariable analysis was used to identify predictors for sICH and functional outcomes. A total of 190 patients met inclusion criteria (95 per group). Significant differences between the early and late groups included sex, preoperative intravenous thrombolysis, angioplasty, stent placement, and thrombectomy site. ICH (symptomatic and asymptomatic) and inpatient mortality were not significantly different between the groups. The mRS score was significantly lower at discharge (p < 0.001), 30 days (p = 0.011), and 90 days (p = 0.024) following MT in the early group. Functional independence was significantly higher in the early antiplatelet group at discharge (p = 0.015) and at 30 days (p = 0.006). Early antiplatelet use was independently associated with significantly increased odds of achieving functional independence at discharge (OR 3.07, p = 0.007) and 30 days (OR 5.78, p = 0.004). Early antiplatelet therapy was not independently associated with increased odds of sICH. Early antiplatelet initiation after MT in patients with AIS was independently associated with significantly increased odds of improved postoperative functional outcomes without increased odds of developing sICH.

Prediction of large vessel occlusion for ischaemic stroke by the Van scale

ABSTRACT Background: Rapid and accurate detection of stroke by paramedics or emergency clinicians at the time of first contact is crucial for timely initiation of appropriate treatment. Several stroke recognition scales have been developed to support the initial triage Identification of emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke has become increasingly important with the recent publications of favorable acute stroke thrombectomy trials. Multiple screening tools exist but the length of the examination and the false positive rate range from good to adequate. A screening tool was designed and tested in the emergency department using nurse responders without a scoring system. Methods: Suspected stroke patients admitted by ambulance paramedics directly to an acute stroke unit through a rapid ambulance protocol were examined by a neurologist or admitting stroke physician. The vision, aphasia, and neglect (VAN) screening tool was designed to quickly assess functional neurovascular anatomy, which was used as an LVO screen for all stroke patients. Results: There were 162 consecutive code stroke activations during the pilot study. 60 (37%) of the patients were VAN positive and 128 (79%) had a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≥ 6. NIHSS &gt; 6 was more sensitive (100% vs 93% for VAN) but VAN was more specific (90% vs 74% for NIHSS ≥ 6). Similarly, VAN had 83% positive predictive value while NIHSS ≥ 6 had only a 42% positive predictive value. No patient that was NIHSS &lt; 6 had an LVO (100% negative predictive value), there were 4 patients with VAN negative who had LVO (97% negative predictive value). However, VAN had 91% specificity versus 32% for NIHSS. Conclusions: VAN assessment performed well in identifying patients with LVO. Keywords: Stroke, VAN, NIHSS, Large vessel occlusion.

Comparing a novel Catfish flow restoration device and the Solitaire stent retriever for thrombectomy revascularisation in emergent largevessel occlusion stroke: a prospective randomised controlled study

BackgroundThe Catfish stent retriever is a newly developed mechanical thrombectomy device for rapid recanalisation in emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke. The current trial aimed to assess whether the Catfish...

Abstract WP46: Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion Direct Triage Model Outcomes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

Introduction: There has been a shift in prehospital systems of care to prioritize transporting acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with suspected emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke to thrombectomy capable stroke centers (TSCs), as opposed to primary stroke centers (PSCs) which may be closer and offer intravenous thrombolysis faster. Large scale data on clinical outcomes in direct triage are lacking. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using PRISMA guidelines with the Nested Knowledge AutoLit platform to search PubMed for relevant terms from 01/2015 to 05/2022. Our primary endpoint was proportion of patients with a good clinical outcome [modified Rankin Score (mRS) 0-2] at 90 days. Results: We identified 390 studies, 16 of which compared direct triage to various models and were included. Amongst these, Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU; n=1), Mothership only (n=1), Drip-and-Ship only (n=3), and Mothership + Drip-and-Ship (n=11) were compared to Direct Triage. Among the eleven that reported 90-day functional status outcomes, there were no discernible trends. Four studies that compared 90-day functional outcomes amongst patients who received EVT and compared Direct Triage to Drip-and-Ship + Mothership models were analyzed. Baseline age, sex, and presenting NIHSS were similar. Patients who underwent Direct Triage were more likely to have a good outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90-days (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03-1.76). Conclusions: Amongst patients who received EVT, patients who underwent Direct Triage were more likely to have better functional outcomes at 90 days. Direct Triage of AIS patients is a promising strategy to improve clinical outcomes in patients who undergo EVT. More research is needed in patients who do not receive EVT.

Rescue Intracranial Balloon Angioplasty with or without Stent Placement in Acute Strokes with Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease

Optimal management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) refractory to conventional mechanical thrombectomy remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcome of patients undergoing rescue intracranial balloon angioplasty with or without stent placement in the setting of AIS in our institution. This is a retrospective single-arm observational study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rescue balloon angioplasty with or without stent placement in emergent large vessel occlusion (EVLO) strokes with underlying ICAD. We included all patients undergoing such rescue intervention within 24hours of AIS presentation with EVLO between 2017 and 2021. We further evaluated stent or vessel reocclusion. Of 20 patients undergoing rescue intervention, 3 cases achieved adequate recanalization of artery using balloon angioplasty alone. Seventeen patients required stent placement. Fourteen (70%) procedures resulted in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale improvement in postprocedure and upon discharge. Among 6 (30%) procedures with worsening neurological measures, 3 had reoccluded stent 24-48hours after procedure, 2 had symptomatic hemorrhagic conversion, and 1 had perforator occlusion. Nine patients (45%) had favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) at discharge, unchanged or improved at 3-month follow-up. The median modified Rankin Scale score was 4 (Interquartile range: 1.75-4) at discharge, improving to 3 (Interquartile range: 0-4) at 3-month follow-up. Two patients (10%) died during hospital stay. Rescue angioplasty with or without stenting can lead to significant clinical improvement in patients with ICAD presenting with ELVO and refractory to thrombectomy; however, this procedure is associated with a high rate of morbidity in acute setting.

Bilateral Simultaneous Middle Cerebral Artery Mechanical Thrombectomy for Periprocedural Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Stroke: A Case Report

AbstractMechanical thrombectomy has been described as the prompt procedure for emergent large vessel occlusion strokes resulting from cardioembolic events, arterial lesion-to-artery embolism, or from in situ atherosclerosis. This is the first reported case of an elderly woman who presented with bilateral paresis, progressive drowsiness, and dysarthria due to bilateral middle cerebral arterial occlusion, originating from the aortic valve, after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, leading to stroke. Despite intravenous thrombolysis being begun for this patient, it proved ineffective and she underwent mechanical thrombectomy, which led to complete revascularization of bilateral middle cerebral arteries following which she completely recovered without any deficits.

Updated New York City Emergency Medical Services Acute Stroke Triage Protocol Reduces Interfacility Transfers and Time to Endovascular Thrombectomy for Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Patients.

Updated New York City Emergency Medical Services Acute Stroke Triage Protocol Reduces Interfacility Transfers and Time to Endovascular Thrombectomy for Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Patients.

26 Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Direct Triage Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Out-of-hospital systems of care for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke have evolved in recent years. There has been a shift from transporting all stroke patients to the closest stroke center for potential intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to preferentially transporting patients with a suspected ELVO directly to thrombectomy capable stroke centers (TSCs), potentially bypassing closer primary stroke centers (PSCs). Numerous recent publications have compared transporting patients to PSCs for potential IVT followed by an interfacility transfer to a TSC (Drip-and-Ship) versus bypassing a PSC in favor of a TSC (Direct Triage).

Utility of the novel guide catheter in mechanical thrombectomy for emergent large vessel occlusion stroke.

A number of large bore guide catheters are currently available for use in neuroendovascular surgery. This study represents a multi-institutional retrospective series of patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy with the use of a TracStar Large Distal Platform (LDP) guide catheter and assessed its performance in vivo in 107 patients. To review a multi-institutional initial experience with the TracStar LDP guide catheter during mechanical thrombectomy for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO). A retrospective review was performed at two level one stroke centres to include all patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy and had the TracStar LDP guide catheter used during the intervention. The TracStar LDP guide catheter was successfully used in 107 mechanical thrombectomies. In anterior circulation ELVO, the guide catheter advanced into the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery in 62.6% (62/99) of cases. In posterior circulation cases, the guide catheter advanced to the basilar artery in 87.5% (7/8) of cases. A thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b or greater reperfusion was obtained in 90.7% (97/107). No complications occurred related to the TracStar LDP guide catheter. Three complications occurred with aspiration catheters including a small dissection that did not require further intervention and fracturing of the AXS Catalyst 6 catheter tip in two cases. No thromboembolic events occurred. The TracStar LDP large bore guide catheter is safe and effective at navigating the tortuous vascular anatomy often encountered during mechanical thrombectomy for stroke. The flexible distal and stiffer proximal components provide a good combination of navigability and support for use in neuroendovascular interventions.

Abstract TMP26: Understanding Changes In Thrombectomy Eligibility Among Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Transfers In A Hub-and-spoke Telestroke System

Introduction: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has revolutionized the care of emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke patients. It is, therefore, crucial to optimize its delivery to eligible candidates. Within hub-and-spoke hospital system models, some patients first present to distant spoke hospitals and require transfer to hub hospitals for EVT. We sought to understand changes in EVT eligibility during transfer. Methods: Consecutive EVT candidates presenting to 25 spokes from 2018 to 2020 with pre-transfer CTA-defined ELVO and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score ≥6 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Outcomes of interest included hub EVT, reasons for EVT ineligibility, and 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale, mRS ≤2). Results: Among 258 patients, the median age was 70 years (IQR 60-81) and 50% were female. Forty-four percent underwent EVT upon hub arrival, of which 87% achieved Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b-3 reperfusion. Compared to EVT-eligible patients, ineligible patients were older (73 vs 68 years, p=0.04), had lower NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS, 10 vs 16, p&lt;0.0001), longer LKW-hub arrival time (8.4 vs 4.6 hours, p&lt;0.0001), and received less IV alteplase (32% vs 45%, p=0.04). The clinical reasons cited for becoming EVT ineligible upon hub arrival included large established infarct (49%), mild symptoms (33%), recanalization (6%), distal occlusion location (5%), subocclusive lesion (3%), and goals of care (3%). Becoming EVT ineligible independently reduced the odds of 90-day functional independence (aOR=0.26, 95%CI=0.12,0.56; p=0.001), even when controlling for age, NIHSS, and LKW-hub arrival time. Conclusions: These data support that approaches to increase EVT eligibility among ELVO transfers may improve long term outcomes. Infarct growth represents the primary reason for ineligibility. Possible interventions include direct field triage to the hub when feasible, improving inter-hospital transfer times, supporting ischemic penumbra before EVT, and developing novel agents to slow infarct growth.

Abstract WP150: Influence Of Body Mass Index On Adenosine Deaminase And Infarct Volume In Mechanical Thrombectomy Subjects

Background: Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion (ELVO) strokes are devastating ischemic vascular events for which novel biomarkers and therapies are needed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of Body Mass Index (BMI) on protein expression and signaling at the time of ELVO intervention. Methods: The Blood And Clot Thrombectomy Registry And Collaboration (BACTRAC) is a continually enrolling tissue bank (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03153683) from stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). N=61 human carotid plasma samples were analyzed for inflammatory and cardiometabolic protein expression by Olink Proteomics. Results: The 61 subjects studied were broken into three categories: Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9) which contained 19 subjects, Overweight (BMI 25-30) which contained 25 subjects, and Obese (BMI ≥30) which contained 17 subjects. When compared to Normal weight and Overweight categories, the Obese category had significantly higher levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) expression (p=0.01 and p=0.039, respectively). Elevated levels of ADA were found to have a significant positive correlation with both infarct volume and edema volume (p=0.013 and p=0.041, respectively), and were associated with a more severe stroke (NIHSS on discharge) and greater stroke-related disability (mRS on discharge) with significance of p=0.053 and p=0.032, respectively). When controlling for age and sex, increased infarct volumes were predicted by higher ADA levels in the Obese population (p=0.009), while increased ADA levels were not predictive of increased infarct volumes in the Normal weight category. Conclusions: When examined according to BMI, subjects undergoing MT for ELVO demonstrate significant differences in the expression of certain plasma proteins including ADA. The protein ADA is a deaminating enzyme that degrades adenosine, which has been shown to be neuroprotective in ischemia. Increased levels of ADA in the Obese group were predictive of increased infarct volumes. Further testing will explore the relationship of BMI and ADA on cognitive function outcomes. These data provide novel biomarker candidates as well as treatment targets while increasing the personalization of stroke prognosis and treatment.

Abstract 1122‐000031: Reasons Thrombectomy Candidates Become Ineligible After Transfer for Treatment in a Hub‐And‐Spoke Telestroke Model

Introduction : The care of emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke patients has been revolutionized by endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Given its robust efficacy, it is crucial to optimize delivery to eligible patients. Within hub‐and‐spoke hospital system models, some patients first present to distant spoke hospitals and require transfer to hub hospitals for EVT. We sought to understand reasons EVT candidates become ineligible after transfer for treatment. Methods : Consecutive EVT candidates presenting to 25 spokes from 2018 to 2020 with pre‐transfer CTA‐defined ELVO and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score ≥6 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Outcomes of interest included hub EVT, reasons for EVT ineligibility, and 90‐day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale, mRS ≤2). Results : 258 patients were identified with median age 70 years (IQR 60–81) and 50% female. 44% underwent EVT upon hub arrival, of which 87% achieved Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b‐3 reperfusion. Compared to EVT‐eligible patients, ineligible patients were older (73 vs 68 years, p = 0.04), had lower NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS, 10 vs 16, p&lt;0.0001), longer LKW‐hub arrival time (8.4 vs 4.6 hours, p&lt;0.0001), and received less IV alteplase (32% vs 45%, p = 0.04). The clinical reasons cited for becoming EVT ineligible upon hub arrival included large established infarct (49%), mild symptoms (33%), recanalization (6%), distal occlusion location (5%), subocclusive lesion (3%), and goals of care (3%). Becoming EVT ineligible independently reduced the odds of 90‐day functional independence (aOR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.12,0.56; p = 0.001), even when controlling for age, NIHSS, and LKW‐hub arrival time. Conclusions : Approaches to increase EVT eligibility among ELVO transfers may improve long term outcomes. A primary reason for becoming EVT ineligible is infarct growth. Future studies should explore triaging patients directly to EVT‐capable hubs when feasible, improving inter‐hospital transfer times, supporting ischemic penumbra before EVT, and developing novel neuroprotective agents.

'Drip-and-ship' intravenous thrombolysis and outcomes for large vessel occlusion thrombectomy candidates in a hub-and-spoke telestroke model

BackgroundRandomized trials have not demonstrated benefit from intravenous thrombolysis among patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). However, these trials included primarily patients presenting directly to an EVT capable hub center. We...

IV tPA given in the golden hour for emergent large vessel occlusion stroke improves recanalization rates and clinical outcomes

BackgroundEarly thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) is associated with better clinical outcome. This is thought to be due to greater tissue salvage with earlier recanalization. We explored whether ultra-early administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) within 60 min (Golden Hour) of symptom onset for AIS due to ELVO is associated with a higher rate of recanalization. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of recanalization rates and clinical outcomes in patients with AIS due to ELVO treated with IV tPA, comparing patients who received IV tPA within 60 min of stroke symptom onset with those treated beyond 60 min. ResultsBetween January 2013 and December 2016, 158 patients with AIS due to ELVO were treated with IV tPA. Of these, 25 (15.8%) patients received IV tPA within 60 min of stroke symptom onset, while the remaining 133 (84.2%) patients received IV tPA beyond 60 min. The ultra-early treatment group was found to have a higher rate of complete recanalization (28.0% vs 6.8%, 95% CI 1.78–16.63), better chance of early neurological improvement (76.0% vs 50.4%, 95% CI 1.16–8.65), favorable clinical outcomes (mRS ≤ 2 or return to premorbid mRS) (65.0% vs 36.8%, 95% CI 1.42–9.34), and lower mortality (5% vs 31.1%, 95% CI 0.01–0.74) at 90-day follow-up compared to the later treatment group. ConclusionOur data suggest that ultra-early administration of IV tPA significantly improves recanalization rates and clinical outcomes in patients with AIS due to ELVO.

Mechanical thrombectomy for emergent large vessel occlusion: an Australian primary stroke centre workflow analysis.

Time to successful reperfusion is a critical prognostic factor for acute ischaemic stroke. Mechanical thrombectomy has become the gold standard treatment for emergent large vessel occlusion stroke. The timely delivery of this highly specialised procedure to patients outside of metropolitan centres presents a dilemma of inequity, with limited workflow data hindering benchmarking and service optimisation. To analyse key stroke treatment time parameters from a primary stroke centre existing in a regional centre within a hub-and-spoke delivery model in Victoria, Australia. Retrospective cohort study of patients transferred from a regional primary stroke centre to a metropolitan comprehensive stroke centre for mechanical thrombectomy between July 2016 and December 2018. Time workflow analysis was conducted from symptom onset to primary stroke centre departure. A total of 55 patients was included in this study with an average age of 70.2 years. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 13 (interquartile range (IQR) 7-17). Median pre-hospital time was 68 min (IQR 56-137) and median door-in-door-out time was 120.5 min (IQR 98-150), constituting 36.1% and 63.9% of total median time from symptom onset to primary stroke centre departure (188.5 min) respectively. There were no significant differences across observed cohort characteristics under linear regression analysis. Protracted pre-hospital and primary stroke centre workflow times can delay effective treatment for patients with acute ischaemic stroke in regional areas. A systems-level approach to streamlining processes in these key areas is required to bridge this inequity in best practice care.

Abstract P778: Hypertension and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 Relate To % Change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score in Ischemic Stroke After Mechanical Thrombectomy

Introduction: The University of Kentucky Blood and Clot Thrombectomy Registry and Collaboration (BACTRAC) protocol utilizes thrombectomy to isolate intracranial (i.e. distal to thrombus) arterial blood and systemic (i.e. carotid) arterial blood from thrombectomy procedures to study stroke. Here, we investigate the relationship among Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (VCAM1), hypertension (HTN), and stroke recovery in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke. Methods: Intracranial and systemic plasma samples from 25 subjects underwent cardiometabolic proteomic analysis at Olink Proteomics. Demographic data including HTN status and both admission NIHSS and discharge NIHSS were included. Linear regression analysis was run on both intracranial and systemic VCAM1 expression levels against % change in NIHSS ((Admittance NIHSS - Discharge NIHSS)/Admittance NIHSS)) and two-tailed t-tests were run assessing VCAM1 expression with HTN vs. no HTN. Results: Increased expression of intracranial VCAM1 significantly correlated with a smaller % change in NIHSS (p=0.001). Similarly, increased systemic VCAM1 expression was also found to have a significant relationship with smaller % change in NIHSS (p=0.005). Subjects with hypertension had significantly higher intracranial (p=0.03) and systemic (p=0.001) VCAM1 levels compared to those without HTN. Discussion: VCAM1 mediates leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and has been shown to play a role in stroke. This study takes a novel approach of sampling both intracranial and systemic arterial blood during an ELVO stroke. We found increased intracranial and systemic VCAM1 independently correlate with a smaller % change in NIHSS, an indicator of poorer initial recovery. Although preliminary, these results suggest an informative role of VCAM1 levels at the time of infarct. Additionally, those with HTN had higher levels of intracranial and systemic VCAM1. These data are in line with previous studies suggesting VCAM1 is a marker of endothelial damage due to HTN leading to negative clinical outcomes. To better understand our findings, we plan to perform subset analyses investigating VCAM1 levels in relation to dyslipidemia, infarct time and infarct volume.

Abstract P480: Impact of Intravenous Thrombolysis on Reperfusion Status in Stroke Thrombectomy

Introduction: It remains unclear whether use of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) provides additional benefit to patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We sought to determine the impact of IVT on procedure time, number of passes, and successful reperfusion (SR) during MT. Method: We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent anterior circulation mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of ELVO stroke at our institution from April 2012 to November 2019. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were used to determine independent predictors of poor functional outcome at 90 days,and independent predictors of &gt;2 thrombectomy passes in patients with successful revascularization (SR: TICI 2B, 2C and 3). Results: A total of 400 patients were eligible for analysis. 189 patients received IVT before thrombectomy. Last known well time-to-endovascular therapy was shorter in the IVT group (290.0 min vs 452.75 min; P=&lt;0.001). The IVT group had a trend towards better outcomes at 90 days (mRS 0—2: 44% vs 35%; P=0.076). The number of passes and revascularization status did not significantly differ between IVT and non-IVT patients. The number of patients with any intracranial hemorrhage was higher in the IVT group than non- IVT group [10% vs 4%; p=0.038].Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated ICA occlusion site was an independent predictors of &gt;2 passes relative to M1 occlusion in patients with successful revascularization. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07; p&lt;0.001), NIHSS (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06-1.17; p&lt;0.001), ≥3 thrombectomy passes (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.23-5.00; p=0.011) and intracranial hemorrhage (OR 5.50, 95% CI 1.45-20.84; p=0.012)were independently associated with an increased odds of poor outcome. TICI 2C/3 was associated with reduced odds of poor outcome (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.07-0.35; p&lt;0,001). Conclusion: IVT pretreatment did not increase rates of SR and did not shorten MT procedure time nor number of passes needed to achieve SR during MT in our patient population. Randomized controlled trials are required for further evaluation of the impact of IVT on reperfusion status during MT.

Is Endovascular Therapy for Stroke Cost-Effective Globally? A Systematic Review of the Literature

ObjectivesCost-effectiveness of endovascular therapy (EVT) is a key consideration for broad use of this approach for emergent large vessel occlusion stroke. We evaluated the evidence on cost-effectiveness of EVT in comparison with best medical management from a global perspective. Materials and MethodsThis systematic review of studies published between January 2010 and May 2020 evaluated the cost effectiveness of EVT for patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke. The gain in quality adjusted life year (QALY) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as cost per QALY resulting from EVT, were recorded. The study setting (country, economic perspective), decision model, and data sources used in economic models of EVT cost-effectiveness were recorded. ResultsTwenty-five original studies from 12 different countries were included in our review. Five of these studies were reported from a societal perspective; 18 were reported from a healthcare system perspective. Two studies used real-world data. The time horizon varied from 1 year to a lifetime; however, 18 studies reported a time horizon of >10 years. Twenty studies reported using outcome data from randomized, controlled clinical trials for their models. Nineteen studies reported using a Markov model. Incremental QALYs ranged from 0.09–3.5. All studies but 1 reported that EVT was cost-effective. ConclusionsEvidence from different countries and economic perspectives suggests that EVT for stroke treatment is cost-effective. Most cost-effectiveness studies are based on outcome data from randomized clinical trials. However, there is a need to study the cost-effectiveness of EVT based solely on real-world outcome data.

Optimal transfer paradigm for emergent large vessel occlusion strokes: recognition to recanalization in the RACECAT trial

Of the various forms of stroke, emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke produces the majority of disability and death after stroke,1 but now represents a target for highly efficacious endovascular...

Use of quantitative angiographic methods with a data-driven model to evaluate reperfusion status (mTICI) during thrombectomy.

Intra-procedural assessment of reperfusion during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for emergent large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is traditionally based on subjective evaluation of digital subtraction angiography (DSA). However, semi-quantitative diagnostic tools which encode hemodynamic properties in DSAs, such as angiographic parametric imaging (API), exist and may be used for evaluation of reperfusion during MT. The objective of this study was to use data-driven approaches, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with API maps, to automatically assess reperfusion in the neuro-vasculature during MT procedures based on the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) scale. DSAs from patients undergoing MTs of anterior circulation LVOs were collected, temporally cropped to isolate late arterial and capillary phases, and quantified using API peak height (PH) maps. PH maps were normalized to reduce injection variability. A CNN was developed, trained, and tested to classify PH maps into 2 outcomes (mTICI 0,1,2a/mTICI 2b,2c,3) or 3 outcomes (mTICI 0,1,2a/mTICI 2b/mTICI 2c,3), respectively. Ensembled networks were used to combine information from multiple views (anteroposterior and lateral). The study included 383 DSAs. For the 2-outcome classification, average accuracy was 81.0% (95% CI, 79.0-82.9%), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.86 (0.84-0.88). For the 3-outcome classification, average accuracy was 64.0% (62.0-66.0), and AUROC values were 0.85 (0.83-0.87), 0.74 (0.71-0.77), and 0.78 (0.76-0.81) for the mTICI 0,1,2a, mTICI 2b, and mTICI 2c,3 classes, respectively. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using hemodynamic information in API maps with data-driven models to autonomously assess intra-procedural reperfusion during MT.