Endovascular Thrombectomy In Patients Research Articles

Internal carotid artery rupture during endovascular thrombectomy in patients with tandem occlusion: A two-case report.

Endovascular thrombectomy in patients with tandem occlusions can rarely result in the rupture of the internal carotid artery, leading to subarachnoid haemorrhage and death. However, this complication and its causes are rarely reported and discussed in the literature. We describe two cases of internal carotid artery rupture during endovascular thrombectomy in patients with tandem occlusion. It is hypothesised that the primary approach to the distal lesion, before recanalization, creates a blind alley that faces an intraluminal pressure increase upon manual contrast injection, surpassing the vessel's resistance and resulting in arterial wall rupture. To prevent this complication, approaches such as treating the proximal occlusion first, injecting the contrast through a microcatheter or retracting the endovascular support catheter proximally to the stenosis of the cervical internal carotid artery have been suggested and are discussed.

Exploring the optimal lower blood pressure boundary during endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion

BackgroundCurrent guidelines advocate for maintaining BP level below 180/105 mmHg during EVT, determining the safe lower boundary remains primarily consensus-driven by experts. This study aims to delve into the correlation between various targets of lower boundary for systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) during EVT and 3-month functional outcomes. MethodsA cohort study was conducted across two EVT-capable centers, enrolling patients with large artery occlusion undergoing EVT within 8 h of stroke onset. Mean BP values during EVT were meticulously recorded, and logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the correlation between outcomes and diverse lower boundary targets for SBP and DBP. Additionally, logistic regression models investigated the relationship between periprocedural BP variability and subsequent outcomes. ResultsAmong the 201 patients included, having a SBP higher than 130 or 140 mmHg showed an independent association with increased good functional outcomes at 3 months (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 2.80, 95% Cis, 1.26–6.39 for 140 mmHg; aOR 2.34, 95% Cis, 1.03–5.56 for 130 mmHg). Additionally, an SBP exceeding 130 mmHg was correlated with decreased 3-month mortality (aOR, 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.74). No significant relationship was observed between DBP and functional outcomes. Patients with higher periprocedural SBP coefficient variance exhibited a decreased rate of good functional outcomes at 3 months (aOR, 0.42, 95% CI, 0.18–0.96). ConclusionsA SBP range above 130–140 mmHg could potentially serve as a safe lower boundary during EVT, while minimizing BP fluctuations may correlate with improved post-EVT functional outcomes.

Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Ischemic Strokes with ASPECTS 0-2: aMeta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated atreatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke with large infarct, commonly defined as an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) of 3-5. However, data on endovascular thrombectomy in patients with very low ASPECTS of 0-2 remain scarce. We conducted asystematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing endovascular thrombectomy versus medical treatment alone in acute ischemic anterior circulation stroke with very large infarct, defined as ASPECTS of 0-2. The primary outcome was the shift toward better functional outcomes on the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Random effects meta-analysis was performed using the generic inverse variance method. Literature research identified four RCTs which evaluated the treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy for large infarcts and provided asubgroup analysis of the mRS shift in patients with ASPECTS of 0-2. The pooled analysis showed asignificant shift toward better 90-day mRS scores in favor of endovascular thrombectomy (pooled odds ratio, 1.62, 95% confidence interval, 1.29-2.04, P < 0.001). This meta-analysis suggests atreatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy in specific patients with very low ASPECTS of 0-2, challenging the use of ASPECTS for treatment selection in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. An individual patient meta-analysis of RCTs would strengthen evidence in the treatment of patients with ASPECTS of 0-2.

Does the Ischemic Core Really Matter? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Large Core Trials After TESLA, TENSION, and LASTE

Background The available evidence supporting the use of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke patients with large core has increased with the recent release of the Thrombectomy for Emergent Salvage of Large Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke (TESLA), Efficacy and Safety of Thrombectomy In Stroke with Extended Lesion and Extended Time Window (TENSION), and Large Stroke Therapy Evaluation (LASTE) trials, providing critical information on additional subgroups not included in initial trials. We aimed to study the efficacy and safety of EVT in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large core and stratify by several subgroups including core infarct at presentation, using a comprehensive meta‐analysis of aggregate data. Methods We executed a systematic search to identify randomized controlled trials that compared EVT to medical management (MM) for the treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke with large core, defined as Alberta Stroke Program Early CT [Computed Tomography] Score ≤5 on noncontrast CT and/or estimated ischemic core ≥50 mL on CT‐perfusion/MR diffusion. The primary outcome was the shift analysis in the 90‐day modified Rankin scale (mRS) score. Secondary outcomes included functional independence (mRS score 0–2), independent ambulation (mRS score 0–3), 90‐day mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Pooled odds ratios were calculated for shift mRS score through the random‐effects meta‐analyses, and risk ratios (RRs) were used for the other outcomes, comparing EVT with MM alone. Results Out of 3402 titles and abstracts screened, 6 randomized controlled trials with 1886 patients were included. The EVT group had a higher shift toward a lower mRS than MM alone (odds ratio [OR], 1.49 [95% CI, 1.24–1.79]). Furthermore, the use of EVT was associated with higher rates of functional independence (19.5% versus 7.5%, RR, 2.49 [95% CI, 1.92–3.24]), independent ambulation (36.5% versus 19.9%, RR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.51–2.43]), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (5.5% versus 3.2%, RR, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.01–2.95]) compared with MM. There was no difference between the 2 groups regarding mortality (31.5% versus 36.8%, RR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.72–1.02]). Importantly, EVT was consistently associated with a shift toward a lower mRS score in both Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 3–5 (OR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.10–2.32]) and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 0–2 (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.17–1.80]) when compared with MM alone. Conclusion Our results confirm the efficacy of EVT for acute ischemic stroke with large core and suggest a consistent benefit across all Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score categories. These results represent an important shift in the current large vessel occlusion selection paradigm that currently considers core as an effect modifier for EVT selection.

Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients With Preexisting Disability: A Review

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EVT) drastically reduces disability after acute ischemic stroke due to large‐vessel occlusion, but only a small proportion of patients with stroke are eligible for this powerful treatment. Several ongoing studies are aiming to expand the indications for EVT to further reduce disability after acute ischemic stroke for a larger proportion of patients suffering from large‐vessel occlusion stroke. Patients with preexisting disability, comprising ≈30% of all patients with acute ischemic stroke, were universally excluded from the landmark clinical trials that established EVT efficacy. These patients disproportionally suffer from accumulated disability after stroke, with substantial societal and economic impact. Further, there is significant heterogeneity in current practice of EVT among patients with preexisting disability. Establishing evidence‐based acute stroke treatments for this population is a priority. In this narrative review, we summarize the current literature regarding EVT in patients with preexisting disability. While doing so, we highlight key concepts regarding statistical analysis and discuss opportunities and challenges for future studies focusing on this vulnerable population.

Endovascular thrombectomy with versus without intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The benefit and safety of intravenous thrombolysis before endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains unclear. This article aims to investigate the clinical outcomes and safety of endovascular thrombectomy with versus without intravenous thrombolysis in acute BAO stroke patients. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant literature pertaining to patients with acute BAO who underwent endovascular thrombectomy alone or intravenous thrombolysis bridging with endovascular thrombectomy (bridging therapy), until January 10, 2024. The primary outcome was functional independence, defined as a score of 0-2 on the modified Rankin Scale at 90days. The safety outcome was mortality at 90days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 48h. Effect sizes were computed as risk ratio (RR) with random-effect models. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023462293). A total of 528 articles were obtained through the search and articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. Finally, 2 RCTs and 10 cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings revealed that the endovascular thrombectomy alone group had a lower rate of functional independence compared to the bridging therapy group (29% vs 38%; RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68-0.88, p < 0.001), lower independent ambulation (39% vs 45%; RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.98, p = 0.01), and higher mortality (36% vs 28%, RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.37, p = 0.001). However, no differences were detected in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage between the two groups (6% vs 4%; RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.74-1.71, p = 0.58). Intravenous thrombolysis plus endovascular thrombectomy seemed to led to better functional independence, independent ambulation, and lower risk of mortality without increasing the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage compared to endovascular thrombectomy alone. However, given the non-randomized nature of this study, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Clinical relevance of intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy versus medical management for large core infarct: a secondary analysis of the SELECT2 randomized trial

BackgroundThe incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and its effect on the outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with large core infarcts have not been well-characterized.MethodsSELECT2 trial follow-up imaging was...

Status Epilepticus after mechanical thrombectomy: The role of early EEG assessment in Stroke Unit, clinical and radiological prognostication

BackgroundConvulsive (CSE) and non-convulsive (NCSE) Status Epilepticus are a complication in 0.2–0.3% ischemic strokes. Large stroke and cortical involvement are the main risk factors for developing SE. This study evaluates the prevalence of SE in patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) through EEG recording within 72- h from admission. Moreover, we compared clinical, radiological, and outcome measures in SE and no-SE patients. Materials and MethodsWe collected retrospectively demographical and clinical characteristics of acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent EVT, admitted in the Stroke Unit (SU) of the University Hospital of Trieste between January 2018 and March 2020 who underwent EEG recording within 72- h from the symptoms’ onset. ResultsOut of 247 EVT patients, 138 met the inclusion criteria, of whom 9 (6.5%) showed SE with median onset time of 1 day (IQR 1–2). No difference was found between the two groups as for age, sex, risk factors, grade of recanalization, etiology of stroke, and closed vessel. The no-SE group presented higher NIHSS improvement rate (p=0.025) compared to the SE group. The sum of the lobes involved in the ischemic lesion was significantly higher in SE group (p=0.048). ConclusionSE after EVT in large strokes is a non-rare complication, with most being NCSE. Performing a rapid EEG assessment in a Stroke Unit setting may allow for a prompt recognition and treatment of SE in the acute/hyper-acute phase. SE may be correlated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusion.

Does Ischemic Core Volume Modify the Treatment Effect of Endovascular Thrombectomy?

Imaging-based selection has become integral in guiding endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusive stroke, driven by positive trial outcomes incorporating parenchymal and perfusion imaging criteria. While small-moderate core trials transformed acute reperfusion therapy, uncertainties persisted for large ischemic strokes. This was recently addressed in several treatment trials which demonstrated a benefit of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large ischemic strokes, defined by parenchymal and/or perfusion imaging. Although individual trials suggest treatment benefits regardless of core size, patient-level meta-analyses are essential to clarify this relationship. Our aim was to summarize the imaging ramifications of the major endovascular thrombectomy trials of the past decade focusing on the interaction between the core and the treatment effect, to assist in the design of future meta-analyses. The core-treatment relationship that will be investigated in these meta-anlalyses will likely have major implications in our systems of care designs and in determining the utility of imaging-based selection.

Brain imaging prior to thrombectomy in the late window of large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Optimal imaging modalities to select patients for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in the late window of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions (AIS-LVO) are not known. We conducted a systematic review comparing outcomes of patients selected by non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT)/CT angiography (CTA) vs. those selected by CT perfusion (CTP) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for EVT in these patients. We searched PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from January 1, 2000, to July 15, 2023, to identify studies comparing outcomes of patients selected for EVT by NCCT/CTA vs. CTP or MRI in the late time window for AIS-LVO. Primary outcome was independence (mRS 0-2) at 90days or discharge. Secondary outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and mortality. We pooled data across studies based on an inverse variance method. Six cohort studies with 4208 patients were included. Pooled results showed no significant difference in the rate of independence at 90days or discharge (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.88-1.03) and sICH (RR 1.26, 0.85-1.86) between patients selected by NCCT/CTA vs. CTP or MRI for EVT in the late window of AIS-LVO. However, patients selected by NCCT/CTA vs. CTP or MRI for EVT were associated with a higher risk of mortality (RR 1.21, 1.06-1.39). For AIS-LVO in the late window, patients selected by NCCT/CTA compared with those selected by CTP or MRI for EVT might have a comparable rate of functional independence and sICH. Baseline NCCT/CTA may triage AIS-LVO in the late window.

Abstract 40: Relationship of Collateral Status With Clinical Outcomes in Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Core Stroke: A SELECT2 Subanalysis

Background: Previous studies demonstrating association of collateral status with clinical outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) excluded patients with large core infarcts. We analyzed the association of collateral status with clinical outcomes and EVT treatment effect in SELECT2. Methods: In SELECT2, a central core lab adjudicated CT-angiographic collateral status using collateral scores (CS) by Tan et al. Patients were stratified based on CS into poor (CS 0-1) vs good (CS 2-3) collaterals. The primary outcome was the distribution of modified Rankin Scale score at 90-day follow-up. Models were adjusted for core volume, ASPECTS in addition to age, stroke severity and time to randomization. Results: Of 352 patients, 180 received EVT. Median collateral status was 2(IQR 1-2). Patients presenting &lt;6h after last known well (LKW) (n=100) had poorer collaterals than those presenting at 6-24 hours (n=252), median 1 (1-2) vs 2 (1-2), p&lt;0.001. Collateral status inversely correlated with CTP core volume (Rho=-0.32, p&lt;0.0001), but not with CT ASPECTS (Rho=0.07, p=0.16). Overall, point estimates favored EVT in patients with poor (CS 0-1) [aGenOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 0.98-1.79, p=0.068] and good (CS 2-3) collaterals [aGenOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.43-2.72, p&lt;0.001] without significant heterogeneity [p-interaction=0.094]. However, in the earlier 0-6h time window, there was evidence of treatment effect hetermogeneity with a larger treatment effect when good collaterals were present [aGenOR: 4.10, 95% CI: 1.81-9.29] and an absent treatment effect when only poor collaterals were observed [aGenOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.79-1.99], p-interaction=0.023. In the late time window, (6-12h), the EVT treatment effect did not differ significantly between poor collaterals (aGenOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.91-2.01) and good collaterals (aGenOR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.24-2.56, p-interaction=0.50). Conclusion: Collateral status was worse in large core patients presenting in early (&lt;6 hours) window; and correlated with ischemic core volume but not ASPECTS. Collaterals status modified EVT treatment effect in the early but not the late time window, in which both good and poor collaterals still benefited from EVT. Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT03876457

Abstract 60: Utilization, Workflow, and Outcomes of Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients With versus Without Pre-Morbid Disability in a National Stroke Registry

Background: Given the paucity of high-quality data on acute stroke therapies in patients with pre-morbid disability, they risk being routinely excluded from such therapies. We examined utilization of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), workflow, and outcomes among ischemic stroke patients with vs without pre-morbid disability in a national registry. Methods: We used data for the Czech Republic from 1-January-2016 to 31-December-2020. Pre-morbid disability was defined as pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) &gt;2. We compared receipt of EVT, workflow times, ΔmRS (change from pre-stroke to 3-months), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), mortality, and discharge NIHSS among patients with vs without pre-morbid disability, adjusting for age, sex, baseline NIHSS, and comorbidities, and verified using propensity score-weighting (PSW) for differences in treatment assignment. Results: Among 22,405 patients, 1,712 (7.6%) had pre-stroke mRS &gt;2. Patients with pre-morbid disability were less likely to receive EVT (10.1% vs 20.7%, aOR:0.30, 95%CI:0.24-0.36) and had longer door-to-puncture times (median:75-minutes, IQR:58-100 vs 54, IQR:27-77, adjusted-difference:12.5, 95%CI:2.68-22.3), worse ΔmRS (adjusted rate-ratio, aIRR on PSW:1.57, 1.43-1.72), rates of 3-month mRS 5-6, discharge NIHSS, and mortality (aOR-PSW[mortality]:2.54, 1.92-3.34); ICH rates did not differ. Among those with pre-morbid disability, 32.1% returned to pre-stroke state; this ranged from 19.6% for those &gt;85-years to 66.0% for &lt;65-years. EVT was associated with better outcomes including lower ΔmRS (aIRR-PSW:0.87, 0.83-0.91) and mortality, with no interaction of treatment effect by pre-morbid disability (e.g. mortality p interaction =0.73). EVT recipients with pre-morbid disability did not differ significantly for several key outcomes including ΔmRS (aIRR:0.99, 0.84-1.17), but were more likely to have mRS 5-6 (70.1% vs 39.5%, aOR:1.85, 1.12-3.04). Conclusions: Patients with pre-morbid disability were less likely to receive EVT and had slower treatment and worse outcomes than those without disability. However, patients fared better with EVT versus medical care, and one-third with pre-stroke disability returned to their pre-stroke state.

Abstract TP200: Anticoagulation Use and Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients With Large Core Stroke - A Secondary Analysis of SELECT2 Trial

Introduction: Anticoagulation (AC) use is common in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke and is known to pose challenges to acute reperfusion therapy. However, evidence about association of AC use prior to stroke with endovascular thrombectomy outcomes and post-procedure hemorrhages, especially in those with large strokes is limited. Methods: From SELECT2, patients were stratified based on AC medication use and prior to stroke. Functional outcomes at 90day follow-up and hemorrhagic transformation on follow-up imaging were compared between patients with and without AC in adjusted regression models. Results: Of 352 patients, 29/180 (16%, VKA - 15, DOACs 14) EVT patients and 18/172 (10%, VKA - 3, DOACs 15) MM patients were receiving anticoagulants at baseline. AC patients were older (72 (62-79) y vs 66 (58-75) y), with higher cardiac morbidity (Congestive Heart Failure: 28% vs 10%, Atrial Fibrillation: 70% vs 17%), but had similar NIHSS [20 (16-24) vs 18 (15-23)], time to randomization [511 (350-909) vs 586 (326-920) minutes], CT ASPECTS [4 (3-5) vs 4 (3-5)] and ischemic core estimates [91 (71 -110) vs 103 (71-139) ml, AC vs nonAC respectively]. Within AC patients, EVT did not improve outcomes (Shift: 6 (4-6) vs 5 (4-6), aGenOR: 0.89 (0.53-1.50), mRS 0-3: 11% vs 14%, aRR: 1.27 (0.40-4.05), mRS 5-6: 69% vs 67%, aRR: 1.05 (0.73-1.50)]. Furthermore, EVT patients on AC reported numerically higher rates of any intracerebral hemorrhage [85.7% vs 70.2%, aRR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.98-1.43], but no sICH or parenchymal hemorrhage and demonstrated worse outcome [median mRS: 6 (4-6) vs 4 (3-6), aGenOR: 0.49(0.32-0.74)], mRS 0-3: 14% vs 43%, aRR: 0.36 (0.15-0.86)], and mRS 5-6: 69% vs 43%, aRR: at 90 day follow-up and numerically lower functional independence (mRS 0-2) [3.4% vs 23.3%, aRR: 0.18(0.03-1.21)], AC vs nonAC respectively. Consistent results were observed in patients achieving successful reperfusion. Conclusion: Almost 1/7 th of patients presenting with large stroke in SELECT2 trial demonstrated AC use at baseline, with higher cardiac morbidity. These patients were more likely to have hemorrhagic outcomes and worse clinical outcomes after EVT and successful reperfusion. Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT03876457

Functional long-term outcome following endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the most effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). Yet, long-term outcome (LTO) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in these patients have rarely been addressed, as opposed to modified Rankin scale (mRS) recordings. We analysed demographic data, treatment and neuroimaging parameters in 694 consecutive stroke patients in a maximum care hospital. In 138 of these patients with respect on receipt of written informed consent, LTO and HRQoL were collected over a period of 48 months after EVT using a standardised telephone survey (median 2.1 years after EVT). Age < 70 years (OR 4.82), lower NIHSS on admission (OR 1.11), NIHSS ≤ 10 after 24 h (OR 11.23) and complete recanalisation (mTICI3) (OR 7.79) were identified as independent predictors of favourable LTO. Occurrence of an infection requiring treatment within the first 72 h was recognised as a negative predictor for good long-term outcome (OR 0.22). Patients with mRS > 2 according to the telephone survey more often had complaints regarding mobility, self‐care, and usual activity domains of the HRQoL. Our results underline a sustainable positive effect of effective EVT on the quality of life in LVO stroke. Additionally, predictive parameters of outcome were identified, that may support clinical decision making in LVO stroke.

Abstract WP177: Hemorrhagic Transformation in the Thrombectomy Era: Clinical Predictors, Subtypes and Symptomatic Outcomes

Background: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is the principal adverse event of thrombectomy. Definitions of symptomatic HT developed during the intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) era are outdated in the endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) era but continue to be widely used. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) underestimation may result due to failure to categorize: 1) as sICH-causing hemorrhage types common with EVT but not IVT, such as SAH, IVH; and 2) as sICH-qualifying clinical deterioration patterns common with EVT but not IVT, such as moderate worsening after dramatic initial improvement. Methods: Retrospective, blinded, core lab (2 independent imaging readers), single-center analysis of 149 consecutive thrombectomy patients. Clinical characteristics, technical considerations associated with thrombectomy, severity and subtypes of HT (Heidelberg) and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: HT was adjudicated present in 70 out of 149 (47.0%) consecutive thrombectomy patients. Radiologic subtypes were: hemorrhagic infarction (HI-1) (51.4%), HI-2 (25.7%), parenchymal hematoma (PH-1) (4.3%), PH-2 (4.3%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (34.3%), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (12.8%), and subdural hemorrhage (SDH) (0%). Coexisting subtypes were present in 27.1 % of HT cases. A total of 8 patients had sICH (5.4% of all patients and 11.4% of patients with HT), conservatively defined by a decline in NIHSS of at least 4 points from baseline to 24 hours post thrombectomy. Only 25% of sICH patients were classified as PH-2, while 62.5% had SAH and 12.5% PH-1. Conclusion: Assessment of HT in EVT requires adoption of later-generation, thrombectomy appropriate classification systems. Multiple, co-existing, radiologic subtypes were present in 1 in 4 EVT patients, making single anatomic categorizations infeasible. Symptomatic hemorrhages were due to subarachnoid hemorrhage in more than half and PH-2 in only one-quarter of symptomatic hemorrhages in this EVT series.

Abstract TP203: Effect of SARS-CoV2 Infection on Endovascular Thrombectomy Outcomes - Data From the Florida Stroke Registry

Introduction: The outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in SARS-CoV2 positive patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are not well studied. In the large Florida Stroke Registry we compared in hospital and discharge outcomes of patients with target vessel occlusions treated endovascularly with versus without a SARS-CoV2 positive infection status during their hospitalization. Methods: Data from Get With the Guidelines-Stroke hospitals participating in the Florida Stroke Registry from March 2020 to December 2022 were reviewed. EVT patients with coding for SARS-CoV2 testing during their hospital stay were categorized into SARS-CoV2 positive or negative groups. Associations between SARS-CoV2 status and favorable EVT outcomes of good mRS (0-2) at discharge, discharge to home or to rehabilitation centre, and independent ambulation at discharge were examined using multivariate logistic regression modeling adjusting for demographics, vascular risk factors, and clinical characteristics with generalized estimating equations (GEE). Temporal analyses compared outcomes across the years 2020-2022. Results: A total of 8,778 patients underwent EVT, of these, 193 (2.25%) were SARS-CoV2 positive. The odds of mRS 0-2 and independent ambulation at discharge were OR 0.194 (CI 0.035,1.077) and OR 0.794 (CI 0.168,3.75) in SARS-CoV2 positive relative to negative EVT patients. Outcomes of mRS 0-2 (OR 0.194, CI 0.035,1.077) and ambulation at discharge (OR 0.794, CI 0.168,3.75) were shy of statistical significance. Accounting for baseline differences SARS-CoV2 positive patients were less likely to be discharged home or to a rehabilitation centre (OR 0.671, CI 0.488,0.921) in multivariable analysis with GEE. Temporal analysis of SARS-CoV2 positive patients showed no significant differences across the years studied. Conclusions: In this large muliticentre stroke registry the results suggest that favorable outcomes post thrombectomy may be negatively impacted by SARS-CoV2 infection. Temporal assessment showed similar results across the years studied. These findings provide novel insight from a large database to add to the emerging literature examining outcomes of concurrent SARS-CoV2 infection in the setting of EVT for target vessel occlusion AIS.

The BAND score: A simple model for upfront prediction of poor outcomes despite successful stroke thrombectomy

BackgroundWhile endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is beneficial for patients with acute large vessel occlusion ischemic strokes, a significant portion of patients still do poorly despite successful recanalization. Identifying patients at high risk for poor outcomes can be helpful for future clinical trial design and optimizing acute stroke triage. MethodsConsecutive EVT patients were identified from 2016 to 2021 at a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and clinical information was recorded. Poor outcome was defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 4 or greater despite achieving a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of 2b or greater. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for poor outcomes, and a scoring system was constructed. Results483 patients with successful recanalization were identified. From a randomly selected training cohort (n = 357), the 10-point BAND score was constructed from independent risk factors for poor outcomes: baseline disability (1 point: baseline mRS ≥ 2), age (1 point: 60–69 years, 2 points: 70–79 years, 3 points: 80–84 years, 4 points: 85 years or older), NIHSS (2 points: 13–17, 3 points: 18–22, and 4 points: ≥ 23), and delay from last known normal (1 point: ≥ 6 h). The BAND score was significantly associated with rates of poor outcomes (p < 0.001), and it achieved an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.80 (95 %CI 0.76–0.85) in our training cohort and 0.78 (95 %CI 0.70–0.86) in our validation cohort (n = 126). Overall, the BAND score had a significantly higher AUC value than the widely validated THRIVE score and the THRIVE-EVT calculation (p = 0.001 and 0.029, respectively). Among patients with high BAND scores (7 or higher), 88.2 % had poor outcomes. ConclusionThe BAND score is a simple tool to predict poor outcomes despite successful recanalization. Future studies are needed to confirm the BAND score's external validity.

Comparison of Mothership Versus Drip‐and‐Ship Models for Endovascular Treatment of Basilar Artery Occlusion in the London Metropolitan Area

Background To date it is uncertain whether the drip‐and‐ship (DS) model (transport to the nearest primary stroke centers) or the mothership (MS) model (direct transportation to the comprehensive stroke center) is the best prehospital stroke system of care to deliver endovascular thrombectomy in patients with basilar artery occlusion. In the present analysis, we aim to investigate the impact of MS versus DS model in patients with basilar artery occlusion treated with endovascular thrombectomy in the London metropolitan area. Methods This is a multicenter observational, investigator‐initiated, retrospective study comparing outcomes (functional independence, defined as modified Rankin scale scores of 0 through 2, the rate of successful reperfusion, and the rate of complications postprocedure) in DS versus MS stroke patients with basilar artery occlusion admitted in 5 thrombectomy capable centers in London (United Kingdom). Results Of 113 patients, 38 (33.6%) patients were MS and 75 (66.4%) were DS. Between the 2 groups we did not observe statistically significant differences for most of the clinical characteristics. There was a significant difference regarding the rate of functional independence at 3 months between the MS and DS groups, respectively 47.4% versus 36% ( P = 0.047). Rates of complications postprocedure and successful recanalization did not differ between the 2 groups. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that MS model was an independent predictor of functional independence at 90 days (odds ratio [OR] 1.17; [95% CI, 1.11–1.26]; P = 0.003 and independent negative predictor of postoperative complications (OR, 0.39; [95% CI, 0.16–0.98]; P = 0.045). Conclusion Our study showed that MS model was a predictor of functional independence at 3 months and reduced risk of postoperative complications post‐endovascular thrombectomy in patients with basilar artery occlusion in a metropolitan area.

Perfusion vs non-perfusion computed tomography imaging in the late window of emergent large vessel ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Guidelines recommend the treatment of emergent large vessel ischemic stroke (ELVIS) patients presenting beyond 6 hours of last known well time with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) based on perfusion computed tomography (CT) neuroimaging. We compared the outcomes (long-term good clinical outcomes, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality) of ELVIS patients according to the type of CT neuroimaging they underwent. We searched the following databases: Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and Scopus from January 1, 2015, to June 14, 2023. We included studies of late-presenting ELVIS patients undergoing EVT that had with data for non-perfusion and perfusion CT neuroimaging. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Data were pooled using a random effects model. We found 7 observational cohorts. Non-perfusion versus perfusion CT was not statistically significantly different for both long-term clinical (n = 3,224; RR: 0.96; 95% CI 0.86 to 1.06; I2 = 18%) and sICH (n = 3,724; RR: 1.08 95% CI 0.60 to 1.94; I2 = 76%). Perfusion CT had less mortality (n = 3874; RR: 1.22; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.40; I2 = 0%). The certainty of these findings is very low because of limitations in the risk of bias, indirectness, and imprecision domains of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations. The use of either non-perfusion or perfusion CT neuroimaging may have little to no effect on long-term clinical outcomes and sICH for late-presenting EVT patients. Perfusion CT neuroimaging may be associated with a reduced the risk of mortality. Evidence uncertainty warrants randomized trial data.

Reperfusion therapies for ischemic stroke in dementia and cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) have an unclear benefit in those with pre-stroke dementia or cognitive impairment, as these patients were often excluded from landmark stroke trials. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the outcomes of IVT and EVT in these populations. Our systematic review, conforming to the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines, investigated studies on acute ischemic stroke patients with pre-stroke dementia or cognitive impairment treated with IVT or EVT. Primary outcome was favorable 90-day outcome (mRS 0-2). Secondary outcomes included 90-day mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH), and radiographic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Nine articles were identified, with five observational studies of IVT use in patients with (n = 1078) and without dementia (n = 2805) being selected for the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in favorable outcome (adjusted OR: 0.61, 95% CI 0.24-1.59), mortality (unadjusted OR: 1.19, 95% CI 0.86-1.64), ICH (unadjusted OR: 1.32, 95% CI 0.79-2.19), and symptomatic ICH (unadjusted OR: 0.94, 95% CI 0.70-1.25) for patients undergoing IVT with pre-stroke dementia versus those without. One EVT study (n = 615 with dementia vs n = 9600 without) found no significant differences in outcomes apart from an increased odds of ICH for those with pre-existing dementia (adjusted OR: 1.57, 95% CI 1.03-2.40). A pooled analysis of three IVT studies showed no significant association of cognitive impairment (n = 93 vs n = 211 without) with all assessed outcomes, whereas a study of EVT found that pre-stroke cognitive impairment was associated with poor 90-day outcomes (mRS 3-6). These results suggest no substantial safety issues in the use of IVT or EVT for patients with pre-existing dementia or cognitive impairment compared to those without. However, the efficacy of these therapies in this demographic remains uncertain. Further rigorous studies that include a more nuanced outcome measurement approach are warranted. URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; Unique identifier: CRD42021240499.