Rate Of Intracranial Hemorrhage Research Articles

Comparative Outcome Analysis of Enterprise and Neuroform Stent-Assisted Coiling of Cerebral Aneurysms: A Review of the Literature.

Introduction:One of the popular treatment strategies for complex cerebral aneurysms with wide necks or low dome-to-neck ratios is stent-assisted coiling. The most widely used intracranial stents for stent-assisted coiling are Neuroform (NF) and Enterprise (EP) stents. The purposes of this study are to review the recent literature of the past 5 years to compare outcomes between the EP and NF stent-assist coiling systems so as to comment on the safety, efficacy, complications, and recurrence rate of stent-assisted coiling in general.Methods:PubMed was used to search for all published literature of NF or EP stent-assisted coiling of unruptured cerebral aneurysms from January 2014 to August 2019 with the search terms of “Enterprise stent-assisted coiling,” “Neuroform stent,” and “Neuroform vs. Enterprise stent.”Results:Twenty two publications met the inclusion criteria which encompass 1764 patients and 1873 aneurysms. Out of these 1873 aneurysms, 1007 aneurysms were treated with EP stent and 866 aneurysms were treated with NF stent. The overall outcome was low rates of thromboembolic complications (4.37%) and intracranial hemorrhage (1.13%), low permanent morbidity (1.70%) and mortality (0.40%), and lower rate of recanalization (11%). Data analysis shows an overall higher rate of complication and recurrence of aneurysm and lower overall rate of aneurysmal occlusion in the patients where EP stent was used in comparison to NF stent. However, this difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions:The review of two stent-assisted coiling devices using EP and NF stents including 1873 aneurysms in 1764 patients revealed that overall, it is safe and effective with comparable outcomes.

Former antiplatelet drug administration and consequences of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke.

One of the concerns in patients with acute ischemic stroke with former history of taking antiplatelet drugs is the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage following venous thrombolysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of previous administration of antiplatelet drugs on adverse outcomes of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. In this study, 46 patients with the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke were recruited. Patients were assessed in a period of three hours after stroke and received the standard dose of tPA (0.9 mg/kg). History of antiplatelet drugs, risk factors, demographic information and stroke severity were collected. The severity of the stroke was determined by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The outcome was assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) and Barthel Index (BI) in the days one, 14 and 90. Patients with history of antiplatelet drugs had an increased rate of intracranial hemorrhage [odds ratio (95% CI) = 7.3 (1.3-40.5)]. Stroke severity scores were higher in patients receiving antiplatelet drugs than the other group at discharge day and day 90. In both groups, the severity of the disease decreased with time. Mortality rate was 42.1% in patients received antiplatelet drugs and 18.5% in the other group (P> 0.05). Based on the results of this study, patients with acute ischemic stroke and history of taking antiplatelet drugs have poor outcome following administration of standard dose of tPA.

Ten-year trends in the incidence, treatment and outcomes of patients with mitral stenosis in Korea

ObjectiveMitral stenosis increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. Large data underlying the trend in incidence, treatment and outcomes of mitral stenosis are lacking.MethodsBased on the Health Insurance...

Abstract TMP62: Early Experience Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Shows Significant Reduction in Transfer Times and Length of Stay in a Hub and Spoke Model

Background: Viz.ai artificial intelligence (AI) software utilizes AI powered large vessel occlusion (LVO) detection technology which automatically identifies suspected LVO through CT angiogram (CTA) imaging and alerts on-call stroke teams. We performed this analysis to determine if utilization of AI software can reduce the time interval between CTA at a primary stroke center (PSC) and arrival time at a comprehensive stroke center (CSC). Methods: We compared time interval between CTA and time of arrival for all LVO transfer patients from a single spoke PSC to our CSC prior to (Feb. 2017 to Nov. 2018) and after (Nov. 2018 to May 2019) incorporating Viz.ai. Using a prospectively collected stroke database at a CSC, demographics, transfer time (CTA time to time of arrival at CSC), modified Rankin Scale at discharge (mRS dc), mortality rate at discharge, length of stay (LOS) in hospital and neurological ICU, and intracranial hemorrhage rates were examined. Results: There were a total of 43 patients during the study period (average age 70.77 ± 12.54 yrs., 51.16% women). Analysis of 28 patients from the pre-Viz.ai (average age 71.64 ± 12.28 yrs., 46.4% women), and 15 patients from the post-Viz.ai (average age 69.13 ± 13.29 yrs., 60.0% women); see Table 1 for comparison of baseline characteristics and outcomes. Following implementation of Viz.ai, CTA time at PSC to time of arrival at CSC was significantly reduced by an average of 66 min. (mean CTA to time of arrival, 171 min. vs 105 min; P= 0.0163); significant reductions were also noted in the overall LOS (9.7 days vs 7.2 days; P= 0.0324) and LOS in the neurological ICU (6.4 days vs 2.9 days; P= 0.0039). Conclusions: The incorporation of Viz.ai was associated with a significant improvement in transfer times for LVO patients as well as a significant reduction in the overall hospital LOS and LOS in the neurological ICU. More extensive studies are warranted to expand on the ability of AI technology to improve transfer times and outcomes for LVO patients.

Abstract 168: Outcomes of Intra-Arterial Tissue Plasminogen Activator Rescue Therapy During Stroke Thrombectomy-Insights From the STAR Collaboration

Introduction: Intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (IA-tPA) can be used as rescue therapy during mechanical thrombectomy for stroke patients, mostly in the setting of distal occlusion. The outcomes of IA-tPA has not been assessed in large-scale multi-center studies yet. Methods: We used data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), which included prospectively maintained databases of 11 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. We compared the baseline characteristics, procedural metrics, rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and long-term functional outcomes between thrombectomy patients who received rescue IA-tPA and a control group of thrombectomy patients with matched age, National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) on presentation, location of occlusion and IV-tPA receipt. Results: A total of 2827 thrombectomy patients were included in the STAR registry. Out of those, 205 patients received IA-tPA. We matched 191 patients from the IA-tPA group with a control group of 191 patients (table 1). No difference was seen in age, sex, race, vascular risk factors, or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score between both groups. In addition, procedural metrics, including onset to groin time, the procedure duration, and rate of successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score≥2b) were similar. Finally, similar outcomes were noted in both groups, including the rate of sICH and good 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin scale≤2). Conclusion: The use of IA-tPA as an adjunctive treatment to mechanical thrombectomy was safe but did not result in a higher rate of successful recanalization or good long-term functional outcomes.

Abstract WP12: Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Associated With Cervical Artery Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: Strokes associated with cervical artery dissection have been managed primarily with antithrombotics with poor outcomes. The additive role of endovascular thrombectomy remains unclear. The objective was to perform systematic review and meta-analysis to compare endovascular thrombectomy and medical therapy for acute ischemic stroke associated with cervical artery dissection. Methods: Studies from six electronic databases included outcomes of patient cohorts with acute ischemic stroke secondary to cervical artery dissection who underwent treatment with endovascular thrombectomy. A meta-analysis of proportions was conducted with a random-effects model. Modified Rankin score at 90 days (mRS 0-2) was the primary outcome. Other outcomes included proportion of patients with thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b-3 flow, 90-day mortality rate, and 90-day symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) rate. Results: Six studies were included, comprising 193 cases that underwent thrombectomy compared with 59 cases that were managed medically. Successful recanalization with a pooled proportion of thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b-3 flow in the thrombectomy group was 74%. Favorable outcome (mRS 0-2) was superior in the pooled thrombectomy group (62.9%, 95% CI 55.8-69.5%) compared medical management (41.5%, 95% CI 29.0-55.1%, P=0.006). The pooled rate of 90-day mortality was similar for endovascular vs medical (8.6% vs 6.3%). The pooled rate of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) did not significantly differ (5.9% vs 4.2%, P=0.60). Conclusions: Current data suggest that endovascular thrombectomy may be an option in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to cervical artery dissection. This requires further confirmation in higher quality prospective studies.

Abstract 183: Time to Alteplase and Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Complication Rates

Background/Objective: The American Heart Association’s Target Stroke initiative focuses on reducing door-to-needle time for faster treatment with Alteplase and improved patient outcomes. The concern for reducing door-to-needle time is that there will be an increase in complication rates, specifically the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). This study sought to review whether reduced door-to-needle times were associated with increased rates of complications in Midwest hospitals. Methods: A retrospective review of acute ischemic stroke patients treated with Alteplase was conducted from 2010-2018 in 13 Midwestern states (IN, IL, KS, KY, MI, MN, NO, ND, OH, SD, and WI) using the American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) Stroke database. Percentage of eligible patients treated with Alteplase, treatment times, and complication rates were reviewed. Results: From 2010-2018 the rate of ischemic stroke patients treated with Alteplase in the approved 3-hour window increased from 68.9% to 88.5%. The number of patients treated with Alteplase in 60 minutes increased from 24.1% in 2010 to 74.9% in 2018. The median time to treatment for Alteplase was reduced from 80 minutes in 2010 to 46 minutes in 2018. The rate of complications associated with thrombolytics was 6.5% in 2010 and dropped to 4.5% in 2018. This is statistically significant at a p-value of .05. Conclusions: In the Midwest Region, a reduction in door-to-needle times was not associated with increased complication rates. Interestingly, a reduction in door-to-needle times was associated with a reduction in complication rates. This supports the American Heart Association’s new Target Stroke Phase III initiative which seeks to further reduce door-to-needle times.

Abstract TP10: Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis After Failed Mechanical Thrombectomy: A STRATIS Registry Subgroup Analysis

Background: Limited prospective data exists on the use of intra-arterial (IA) thrombolytics as rescue therapy(RT) after failed mechanical thrombectomy(MT) in acute ischemic stroke(AIS) patients with large vessel occlusions LVO). The aim of this study is to investigate the use of IA recombinant tissue plasminogen activator(IA-rtPA) as RT in the prospective STRATIS Registry. Methods: Data from the STRATIS Registry, a multicenter study of AIS patients treated with the Solitaire stent-retriever as the first choice therapy within 8 hours from symptoms onset, were analyzed. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were compared between patients treated with and without IA-rtPA. Both anterior and posterior circulation occlusions were included in this substudy. Results: Of the 938 STRATIS patients with IA-tPA use reported, 809 and 129 were in the no IA-rtPA(83.2%) and IA-rtPA(13.8%)groups, respectively. No difference was seen in baseline demographics. Site of occlusion was similar between the groups, with the majority occurring in the MCA(72.4% versus 73.6%, p=0.74). IV-rtPA was administered in 63.0% and 70.5% of no IA-rtPA and IA-rtPA patients(p=0.11). Median IA-rtPA dose was 4mg(IQR 2-12). Mean onset to arterial puncture time was shorter in the IA-rtPA group(200.2±104.6 versus 228.2±98.5 minutes, p=0.003); however, mean puncture to procedure end time was longer in the IA-rtPA group(78.7±43.1 versus 63.1±35.9 minutes). Mean number of passes (2.2±1.4 versus 1.8±1.2,p=0.001) and rate of distal embolization(67.8% versus 54.5%, p=0.007) was significantly higher in the IA-rtPA group. Core lab adjudicated substantial reperfusion (mTICI≥2b) was achieved in 88.4% and 84.7% of no IA-rtPA and IA-rtPA patients(p=0.16). No difference was observed in rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(sICH) (1.4% versus 1.6%,p=0.70), good functional outcome (mRS≥2, 57.3% versus 59.2%, p=0.86), or mortality (15.5% versus 13.3%,p=0.80) at 90-days. Conclusion: Use of IA-rtPA after failed thrombectomy was not associated with an increased risk of sICH or mortality in the STRATIS Registry. These results suggest that IA thrombolysis may be a safe option as rescue therapy in select patients.

Carotid Artery Stenting and Intracranial Thrombectomy for Tandem Cervical and Intracranial Artery Occlusions.

It remains controversial whether carotid artery stenting (CAS) is needed in cases of tandem cervical internal carotid artery occlusion (cICAO) and intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO). To investigate the efficacy and safety of CAS in combination with endovascular thrombectomy (CAS-EVT) in cICAO-LVO patients and to compare its outcomes with those of EVT without CAS (EVT-alone). We identified all patients who underwent EVT for tandem cICAO-LVO from the prospectively maintained registries of 17 stroke centers. Patients were classified into 2 groups: CAS-EVT and EVT-alone. Clinical characteristics and procedural and clinical outcomes were compared between 2 groups. We tested whether CAS-EVT strategy was independently associated with recanalization success. Of the 955 patients who underwent EVT, 75 patients (7.9%) had cICAO-LVO. Fifty-six patients underwent CAS-EVT (74.6%), and the remaining 19 patients underwent EVT-alone (25.4%). The recanalization (94.6% vs 63.2%, P=.002) and good outcome rates (64.3% vs 26.3%, P=.007) were significantly higher in the CAS-EVT than in the EVT-alone. Mortality was significantly lower in the CAS-EVT (7.1% vs 21.6%, P=.014). There was no significant difference in the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage between 2 groups (10.7 vs 15.8%; P=.684) and according to the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (10.0% vs 12.3%; P=.999) or antiplatelet medications (10.2% vs 18.8%; P=.392). CAS-EVT strategy remained independently associated with recanalization success (odds ratio: 24.844; 95% confidence interval: 1.445-427.187). CAS-EVT strategy seemed to be effective and safe in cases of tandem cICAO-LVO. CAS-EVT strategy was associated with recanalization success, resulting in better clinical outcome.

Abstract TMP13: Tenecteplase versus Alteplase Before Endovascular Therapy in Basilar Artery Occlusion

Background: Tenecteplase (TNK) is a genetically modified variant of alteplase with greater fibrin specificity and longer half-life than alteplase. The recent Tenecteplase versus Alteplase before Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke (EXTEND-IA TNK) trial demonstrated that increased reperfusion with TNK compared to alteplase prior to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in large vessel occlusion ischaemic strokes. However, only 6 patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) were included. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of TNK versus alteplase before EVT in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Methods: Clinical and procedural data of consecutive BAO diagnosed on CT Angiography or MR Angiography from the multisite international Basilar Artery Treatment and MANagement (BATMAN) collaboration were retrospectively analysed. The primary outcome was reperfusion of greater than 50% of the involved ischemic territory or absence of retrievable thrombus at the time of the initial angiographic assessment. Results: We included 119 BAO patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis prior to EVT; mean age 68 (SD 14), median NIHSS 16 (IQR 7-32). Eleven patients were treated with TNK (0.25mg/kg or 0.4mg/kg) and 108 with alteplase (0.9mg/kg). Overall, 113 patients had catheter angiography or early repeat imaging after thrombolysis. Reperfusion of greater than 50% of the ischemic territory or absence of retrievable thrombus occurred in 4/11 (36%) of patients treated with TNK vs 8/102 (8%) treated with alteplase (p=0.02). Onset-to-needle time did not differ between the two groups (p=0.4). Needle-to-groin-puncture time was 61 (IQR 33-100) mins in patients reperfused with TNK vs 111 (IQR 86-198) mins in patients reperfused with alteplase (p=0.048). Overall, the rate of symptomatic haemorrhage was 3/119 (2.5%). No differences were found in the rate of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (p=0.3) between the two thrombolytic agents. Conclusions: Despite shorter needle-to-groin-puncture times, tenecteplase was associated with an increased rate of reperfusion in comparison with alteplase before EVT in BAO. Randomized controlled trials to compare tenecteplase with alteplase in BAO patients before endovascular thrombectomy are warranted.

Abstract WMP1: Implementation of a Telestroke Program Based on a Smartphone Application

Background: The increasing demand and shortage of experts to evaluate and treat acute stroke patients has led to the development of remote communication tools to aid stroke management. We aimed to describe the experience of the Brazilian Stroke Network in the implementation of a telemedicine stroke program using a low-cost smartphone application system (JOIN App, Allm, Japan) for rapid sharing of clinical and neuroimaging patient data. Methods: We evaluated the initial experience of the telestroke program using a smartphone app measuring its feasibility, safety and speed in the acute stroke decision-making process, with a particular focus on intravenous thrombolysis. The App was implemented in hospitals without neurologists available for acute stroke evaluation and was connected with a stroke team to support the decision for thrombolysis. We analyzed the times of acute treatment and safety through the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) in 24hours. The program was implemented as part of the partnership with the Angels Initiative in Brazil supported by Boehringer Ingelheim to improve stroke care across the globe. Results: The telestroke program started in May 2019 and since then 7 hospitals, in 5 Brazilian states, were included. Only 2 of these hospitals had previous experience with stroke thrombolysis. In all hospitals, the patients were assisted by emergency physicians with eventual support of local neurologists. The telestroke program was activated for 58 patients. The median age was 68yo (IQR58-72), 47% were female and the baseline NIHSS was 11 (IQR8-16). In 69% of the activation the diagnosis was ischemic stroke (IS), 7% hemorrhagic, 5% TIA and 28% other diagnosis. Thrombolysis was suggested in 48% of all evaluations (70% of IS patients). A total of 53% of IS were actually treated with thrombolys. The response-time of the stroke experts was 2.6 minutes (2-6), door-to-CT scan 20min (15-31) and door-needle time 59min (27-81). None of the patients had sICH. Conclusion: In a telestroke program using a smartphone App, thrombolysis performed by emergency physicians was feasible and safe. This mobile low cost technology can increase the possibility of patients with stroke to receive treatment in regions without neurologists across the globe.

Abstract WP3: Predictors and Outcomes of Successful First Pass in Neurothrombectomy- Insights From the STAR Collaboration

Introduction: Shorter procedure time during neurothrombectomy is a strong predictor for good outcomes in stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. We sought to assess the predictors and outcomes of successful first pass (SFP) using multi-center investigator-initiated database. Methods: Prospectively collected neurothrombectomy data from 11 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers was combined in the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR). SFP was defined by achieving modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score≥2b with a single thrombectomy device pass. We compared the baseline characteristics, procedural metrics, rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and long-term functional outcomes between SFP and non-SFP patients. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the predictors of SFP and evaluate whether SFP was an independent predictor for good long-term functional outcomes (90-day mRS≤2). Results: A total of 733 SFP patients and 1134 non-SFP patients were included in this analysis. SFP patients were older (73 vs. 70, P=0.001), had higher Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score on presentation (9 vs. 8, P=0.002). The use of Solumbra technique was an independent predictor of SFP (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4, P=0.004) after controlling for age, sex, location of occlusion, National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) on presentation, intravenous alteplase (IV-tPA), and onset to groin (OTG) time. SFP was an independent predictor for good long-term functional outcomes (OR1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3, P=0.008) after controlling for age, sex, location of occlusion, NIHSS on presentation, OTG time, IV-tPA, procedure technique, and procedure duration. Conclusion: SFP lead to higher rates of functional independence in stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. These records reiterate the importance of SFP as a benchmark measure for stroke thrombectomy devices.

Abstract WP55: Good Collateral Status Predicts Better Outcomes in Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Endovascular therapy (EVT) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in cervical and/or cerebral arterial occlusions is superior to standard medical therapy alone. This however requires careful patient selection and the current criteria utilising time windows and the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) is imperfect, limiting its efficacy. We explore the impact of pretreatment collateral status (CS) in predicting EVT outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials and prospective and retrospective cohort studies without language restriction from January 01, 2000 to June 25, 2019. We included studies reporting efficacy and safety outcomes dichotomised by collateral status in patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke that were treated with mechanical thrombectomy and/or intra-arterial thrombolysis. Odds ratios were pooled for good versus poor collaterals for outcomes based on a random-effects model. Results: The search strategy yielded fifty-four (54) studies (n=7,599) (mean age 67.6 years; females 47.4%) for quantitative analysis, of which there were 2 pairs of studies with overlapping populations but had reported different outcomes. Thus, there were at least 7,441 unique individuals included in this analysis recruited between May 1992 and September 2018. Analysis showed that good CS was strongly associated with favourable functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) at discharge, as well as at 3 months or follow-up (Table 1). Good CS was also associated with higher revascularization rates, lower rates of mortality and lower rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Conclusions: Good pretreatment CS strongly predicts good functional outcome and lower complication rates. Pretreatment CS should be considered in the design of future clinical trials and as a selection criteria for EVT.

Abstract WP63: AI-Augmented Review of CT Brain Exams to Determine Rate of Missed Diagnoses of Intracranial Hemorrhage by Practicing Neuroradiologists

Background: Radiological diagnosis is error prone, yet accurate error rates are difficult to study. Current literature typically relies on manual review of scans, likely placing an upper limit on accuracy. AI-assisted retrospective review of finalized CT scans may help quantify error rates better than conventional methods used in prior discrepancy studies. In this fashion, we focus here on quantifying the rate of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) missed on neuroradiologist (NR) finalized CT reports. Evaluation: A retrospective study compared discrepancies between CT reports and AI-based detection of ICH. All non-contrast CT brain cases were collected from our institution over two months; cases reported as negative for ICH were included (N=1812), while cases reported as suspicious for ICH (N=504) were excluded. Fellowship-trained NRs finalized all reports. An AI-tool trained to detect ICH was then run on the case set. A subset of discrepant “negative by report” but ”positive by AI” cases was isolated (N=36). This subset was then reviewed again by two separate experimenter-NRs and then together as needed to achieve consensus regarding their agreement or disagreement with the AI-based ICH detection. Upon final consensus, 22 cases of ICH detected by AI were missed on finalized reports, yielding an error rate of 4.2% (22/(504+22)). Discussion: This ICH miss rate of 4.2% on finalized NR reports was higher than expected, likely reflecting a higher sensitivity involved in AI-assisted screening of scan/report discrepancies in comparison to conventional manual review. Missed ICH can result in potentially devastating consequences for a patient. Better quantification and characterization of ICH diagnostic misses might offer insight into biases that dispose to error, and help guide improved radiologist performance and better patient care. Conclusion: AI-augmentation may help flag potential discrepancies between scans and their reports, possibly improving quantification of error rates among practicing radiologists. The result further suggests that AI-augmented ICH detection, if used in real time, may improve radiologist detection of ICH that may otherwise get overlooked.

Abstract TMP9: Use of Immediate Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Carotid Stenting for Tandem Occlusion Stroke is Associated With Acceptable Symptomatic Intracranial Haemorrhage Rates

Introduction: Observational studies have shown conflicting data on safety and efficacy of carotid stenting in the setting of acute ischemic stroke. We evaluated our stent patency, functional outcomes and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage rates in acute strokes with tandem occlusions treated with endovascular thrombectomy and concurrent carotid stenting. Methods: Prospectively maintained EVT databases at two comprehensive stroke centres were interrogated for patients with anterior circulation tandem occlusion stroke who were treated with EVT and extracranial carotid artery stenting. Intracranial haemorrhage on post-operative CT & MRI brain was assessed on European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II criteria. Stent patency was assessed on CTA 12-24 hours post-operatively. Clinical and neuroimaging endpoints were modified treatment in cerebral ischaemia (mTICI) score, stent patency, any intracranial haemorrhage, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH), and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: Between 2016 and 2019, 105 patients were identified (mean age 70 years, 78% male, median NIHSS 15). Median time to reperfusion was 9.26 hours, with 97.1% achieving mTICI 2b/3. Immediate dual antiplatelet therapy was used in 102 (97.1%) patients. Good functional outcomes (mRS 0-2) were achieved in 53 (51%) patients. Acute stent thrombosis occurred in 12 (11.4%) patients with 7 (58.3%) still achieving good functional outcomes. Any intracranial haemorrhage occurred in 46 (44%) of all patients. Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage occurred in 8 (7.6%). All sICH patients had 90-day mRS of 3-6. Conclusion: Acute tandem occlusion stroke patients present complex management challenges. Despite immediate dual antiplatelet therapy, acute stent occlusions may still occur. Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage rates are acceptable in these complex patients, however, all patients with sICH had poorer outcomes.

Abstract WP53: Safety and Efficacy of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke Patients on New Oral Anticoagulants

Background: Limited data exists on the benefits of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke patients on new oral anticoagulants (NOAC). The aim of our study is to examine the safety and efficacy of MT in NOAC patients at our center. Methods: A retrospective review of our prospective MT database was performed for this study. Baseline characteristics, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, revascularization rate, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate (sICH), and 90-day mortality and favorable outcomes were compared in MT patients on NOAC (MT-NOAC) versus those who were not on NOAC (MT). Results: From July 2012 to December 2018, 553 AIS patients underwent treatment with MT, with 36 patients on NOAC (6.5%). Median age was similar (73 versus 74), with 52.8% and 52.0% (p=0.8) female in the MT-NOAC and MT groups, respectively. Median baseline NIHSS score (17 IQR10-21 versus 17 IQR 12-21, p=0.75) and ASPECTS (9 IQR 8-9, p=0.80) were similar between the groups. Atrial fibrillation was more prevalent in the MT-NOAC group (80.6% versus 37.7%, p=<0.0001). No difference was seen in occlusion site between the group, with M1 occlusions the most common site (44.4% versus 43.3%, p=0.9). Median onset to revascularization times did not differ between the cohorts (146 minutes versus 206, p=0.61). Successful revascularization (mTICI≥2b) was 87.5% and 81.8% in the MT NOAC and MT groups, respectively. Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage per ECASS III criteria were similar between the two groups (5.5% versus 4.6%, p=0.68). No difference was seen in 90-day favorable outcomes (mRS 0-2) (48.3% versus 41.1%, p=0.44) or mortality (27.6% versus 27.1%, 0.95). Conclusion: MT in patients on NOAC appears to be safe and efficacious. As our study is limited by sample size, larger prospective studies are needed to understand the safety and efficacy of MT in AIS patients on NOAC.

Hospital Volume Threshold Associated with Higher Survival after Endovascular Recanalization Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background and PurposeEndovascular recanalization therapy (ERT) is becoming increasingly important in the management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the hospital volume threshold for optimal ERT remains unknown. We investigated the relationship between hospital volume of ERT and risk-adjusted patient outcomes. MethodsFrom the National Health Insurance claims data in Korea, 11,745 patients with AIS who underwent ERT from July 2011 to June 2016 in 111 hospitals were selected. We measured the hospital’s ERT volume and patient outcomes, including the 30-day mortality, readmission, and postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) rates. For each outcome measure, we constructed risk-adjusted prediction models incorporating demographic variables, the modified Charlson comorbidity index, and the stroke severity index (SSI), and validated them. Risk-adjusted outcomes of AIS cases were compared across hospital quartiles to confirm the volume-outcome relationship (VOR) in ERT. Spline regression was performed to determine the volume threshold. ResultsThe mean AIS volume was 14.8 cases per hospital/year and the unadjusted means of mortality, readmission, and ICH rates were 11.6%, 4.6%, and 8.6%, respectively. The VOR was observed in the risk-adjusted 30-day mortality rate across all quartile groups, and in the ICH rate between the first and fourth quartiles (P<0.05). The volume threshold was 24 cases per year. ConclusionsThere was an association between hospital volume and outcomes, and the volume threshold in ERT was identified. Policies should be developed to ensure the implementation of the AIS volume threshold for hospitals performing ERT.

Persistence, effectiveness and safety of dabigatran in "real-world" Chinese patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

The purpose of this study is to provide detailed data on treatment persistence and clinical outcomes in Chinese patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted. A total of 26,663 NVAF patients were enrolled from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017, clinical information of whom were from inpatient and outpatients data system was collected. The 1-year treatment persistence rates of 11,350 dabigatran users were 24.5% in 2014, 36.6% in 2015, 37.7% in 2016 and 51.8% in 2017. The predominant reason of non-persistence patients was the cost of treatment. Incidence rates of all-cause death, ischemic stroke and embolism were 1.99/100 person-years, 2.56/100 person-years and 0.77/100 person-years, respectively. Incidence rates of minor bleeding events, intracranial hemorrhage and gastrointestinal hemorrhage were 10.05/100 person-years, 0.51/100 person-years and 0.85/100 person-years, respectively. In conclusion, it is of importance for Chinese clinicians to know about these information because dabigatran is a relatively new drug in China. Compared with other reported data, patients of this study have (1) lower dabigatran persistence and lower incident rates of all-cause death, systemic embolism, minor bleeding events and gastrointestinal hemorrhage and (2) higher incident rates of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.

Cluster-Randomized Trial of Thrombolysis Implementation Support in Metropolitan and Regional Australian Stroke Centers: Lessons for Individual and Systems Behavior Change.

BackgroundIntravenous thrombolytic therapy (IVT) with tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke is underutilized in many parts of the world. Randomized trials to test the effectiveness of thrombolysis implementation strategies are limited.Methods and ResultsThis study aimed to test the effectiveness of a multicomponent, multidisciplinary tissue plasminogen activator implementation package in increasing the proportion of thrombolyzed cases while maintaining accepted benchmarks for low rates of intracranial hemorrhage and high rates of functional outcomes at 3 months. A cluster randomized controlled trial of 20 hospitals in the early stages of thrombolysis implementation across 3 Australian states was undertaken. Monitoring of IVT rates during the baseline period allowed hospitals (the unit of randomization) to be grouped into 3 baseline IVT strata—very low rates (0% to ≤4.0%); low rates (>4.0% to ≤10.0%); and moderate rates (>10.0%). Hospitals were randomized to an implementation package (experimental group) or usual care (control group) using a 1:1 ratio. The 16‐month intervention was based on behavioral theory and analysis of the steps, roles, and barriers to rapid assessment for thrombolysis eligibility and involved comprehensive strategies addressing individual and system‐level change. The primary outcome was the difference in tissue plasminogen activator proportions between the 2 groups postintervention. The absolute difference in postintervention IVT rates between intervention and control hospitals adjusted for baseline IVT rate and stratum was not significant (primary outcome rate difference=1.1% (95% CI −1.5% to 3.7%; P=0.38). Rates of intracranial hemorrhage remained below international benchmarks.ConclusionsThe implementation package resulted in no significant change in tissue plasminogen activator implementation, suggesting that ongoing support is needed to sustain initial modifications in behavior.Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.anzctr.org.au Unique identifiers: ACTRN12613000939796 and U1111‐1145‐6762

Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Grade 2C or 3 Represents a Better Outcome than 2B for Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Network Meta-Analysis

Although Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) grade 2B or 3 is considered successful after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke, TICI 2B was found to be associated with poorer outcomes than was 3. Furthermore, the newly proposed TICI 2C grade seems to be clinically equivalent to TICI 3 rather than to 2B. This network meta-analysis aimed to assess the differences in clinical outcomes between TICI grades and redefine successful reperfusion. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register were queried. A random-effect model with frequentist framework was applied to evaluate outcomes using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), the hierarchy of TICI grades was indicated. Analysis of 12 studies, with 2084 patients, indicated that TICI 2C (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.65-3.13) and 3 (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.74-3.30) were significantly more associated with favorable 90-day clinical outcomes than were 2B; there was no significant difference between TICI 2C and 3 (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.76-1.46). Based on the SUCRA, TICI 2C and 3 were considered as more effective reperfusion end points than was 2B (TICI 3, 80.8%; 2C, 69.2%; 2B, 0.0%) and showed significant association with lower rates of mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Patients with TICI 2C grade would be distinguished from those with 2B, because 2C is clinically equivalent to 3 and has a better outcome than 2B. Therefore, achieving 2C or 3 is likely to be closer to the successful aim of endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke than achieving 2B.