Primary Stroke Center Research Articles

Abstract TMP32: Modeling Optimal Patient Transport In A Stroke Network Capable Of Telerobotic Endovascular Therapy

Introduction: Endovascular therapy (EVT) is the standard-of-care for large vessel occlusion stroke; yet, a substantial portion of the population lacks timely access to the treatment. Telerobotics has the potential to expand current stroke networks by offering remote EVT to more rural populations. Methods: We geospatially mapped all existing hospitals in California and then assessed hypothetical scenarios in which primary stroke centers between 50 and 100 miles from an existing EVT center offered remote EVT via robotics. Using an existing conditional probability model, we determined the transport scenarios (drip and ship, direct to robotic EVT center, or direct to conventional EVT center) resulting in best patient outcomes in diverse geographies across the state. Timing and the probability of receiving EVT (used as a surrogate for the probability of receiving successful reperfusion) were varied at robotic centers to assess impact on best predicted transport options. Results: 10 hospitals were converted to robotic EVT centers, resulting in enhanced patient access to timely EVT by routing patients in a rural catchment area of 113,063 km 2 directly to robotic EVT centers (figure). Slowing the door to arterial access time at the robotic centers by 30 minutes had a minor impact on optimized service arrangements (reducing the robotic catchment area to 110,555 km 2 ). However, decreasing the probability of receiving EVT at the robotic centers by 0.10 had a substantial impact, reducing the robotic EVT catchment area to 35,061 km 2 and nearly doubling the drip and ship catchment area. Discussion: Telerobotic EVT has the potential to enhance therapy for stroke patients outside of major urban centers. We found that the reduced probability of receiving EVT had a greater impact on the optimized size of robotic EVT center catchment areas compared to longer door to arterial access times. This modeling analysis can inform system planning for the potential advent of remote robotic EVT care.

Abstract TP87: Discrete-event Simulation Of The Prehospital Stage Of The Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: It is critical to treat Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) patients quickly; however, treatment eligibility is dependent on the arrival time to the nearest stroke center by Private Vehicle (PV) or Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The duration in the prehospital stage is defined as the period from stroke onset to arrival at a non-stroke center, primary stroke center or comprehensive stroke center. This study aims to detail the prehospital stage of suspected AIS patients in order to identify opportunities for process improvements. Methods: Discrete-event simulation (DES) is a powerful decision-making tool and robust methodology for evaluating treatment processes and allows for improvements to be tested before implementing changes using real resources. A DES is developed using ARENA software to model the prehospital stage of suspected AIS patients. The process steps include two treatment pathways, PV and EMS. The pathways differ because those patients arriving via EMS allow for the activation of the code stroke protocol prior to hospital arrival. The drive times from the stroke scene to the hospital were kept constant at 40 min assuming a suburban transport. The model assumes 60% recognition of ischemic stroke using EMS stroke screening tools and large vessel occlusion screening tools and a 90% probability that the paramedics correctly screen for a potential stroke and bypass to a stroke center. The primary outcome measure is median onset-to-door time, defined as the time from onset of stroke symptoms to arrival to the hospital. The Mann-Whitney U test is used for evaluating statistical significance among the outputted median onset-to-door time for all scenarios. Results: The following process improvement scenarios were run: reducing the waiting time for EMS on average from 7 min to 5 min and reducing delays on-scene on average from 20 min to 15 min, and the median onset-to-door time reductions were from a median of 57.53 min to a median of 51.41 min (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Reduction in onset to arrival times is possible by reducing waiting time for the EMS and delay on-scene of the stoke.

Abstract WP138: Delirium Is Associated With Higher Rates Of 90-day Hospital Readmission Among Patients With Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Delirium in-hospital (DIH) results in poor in-patient outcomes. However, it’s longer-term effects among intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients are not well characterized. We sought to evaluate the association between DIH and 90-day readmission (RA) among primary ICH patients. Method: Clinical, imaging and outcomes data, from May 2016 to June 2021, were obtained from the Neurological Outcomes Registry for ICH (NEURO-RICH) ; an informatics pipeline across 7 comprehensive and primary stroke centers which implement protocolized delirium assessments via 4AT / CAM-ICU scales. Demographic (age, sex, race, ethnicity, marital status), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (S/DBP), sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and comorbidity data were analyzed. Survival analysis for time-to-90-Day RA was performed with death modeled as a competing risk. Sub hazard ratios (SHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. Subgroup with imaging data (ICH score and cerebral small vessel disease) was analyzed. Results: Final analyses included 1,434 ICH patients (mean age: 66.0 years, 47.2% female, 24.8% non-Hispanic Black, 19.9% Hispanic, median GCS: 13.2, SBP: 163 mmHg). In the fully adjusted model, DIH was significantly associated with higher rates of 90-Day RA (SHR, CI: 2.24, 1.04 - 4.81) (Figure 1A). Anticoagulant therapy (1.36, 1.03 - 1.80), hypertension (1.95, 1.38 - 2.74), diabetes (1.13, 1.09 - 1.17), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (1.08, 1.04 - 1.13) were also independently associated with 90-Day RA (SHR, CI reported). In the imaging subgroup of 523 patients, DIH retained independent association with 90-Day RA (SHR: 3.94 [1.37 - 11.36]) (Figure 1B). Discussion: In addition to traditional predictors of poor outcomes among ICH patients, DIH demonstrated strong and independent association with 90-day RA. Screening, identification, and active management of DIH is critical to reduce long-term disease burden of ICH.

TACTICS - Trial of Advanced CT Imaging and Combined Education Support for Drip and Ship: evaluating the effectiveness of an ‘implementation intervention’ in providing better patient access to reperfusion therapies: protocol for a non-randomised controlled stepped wedge cluster trial in acute stroke

IntroductionStroke reperfusion therapies, comprising intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), are best practice treatments for eligible acute ischemic stroke patients. In Australia, EVT is provided at few, mainly metropolitan,...

Abstract WP121: Early Mobilization Post Acute Stroke Thrombolysis And/or Thrombectomy (EMPATHY) Survey

Background: Traditionally, bed rest after emergency ischemic stroke treatments has been defined as 24 hours hours. The scientific basis for this timeline has not been established and practices may vary. We sought to determine bed rest practices following emergency stroke therapy in centers across the United States. Methods: We surveyed hospitals in the StrokeNet system regarding bed rest practices following acute stroke thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy. An anonymous survey (SurveyMonkey®) was sent out by the central coordinating center to all StrokeNet participating centers across the United States. Survey questions included stroke center designation, location of admission, whether a formal bed rest protocol was in place, minimum bed rest period required, which person first mobilized the patient, average duration of bed rest, which factors would alter duration of bed rest. Results: 48 centers responded to the survey including 45 Comprehensive Stroke Centers and 3 Primary Stroke Centers. Most patients were admitted to a neuro-intensive care unit (69%), and others to a general medical/surgical ICU or stroke ward. 60% of respondents indicated that a formal bed rest policy was in place. Minimum bed rest requirements after thrombolysis alone ranged from 0-24 hours (43% with a 24 hour bed rest protocol, 20% with no minimum, 15% with a 12 hour minimum, 5% with an 8 hour minimum, 5% with a 6 hour minimum, and 12% with an indeterminate response). Similar variations were reported in patients undergoing thrombectomy with ranges from 0-24 hours bed rest. First mobilization was by a nurse 52% of the time and by a physical therapist 48% of the time. Actual mobilizations ranged from 0-36 hours after treatment. The most common factors that altered bed rest duration were: hemodynamic factors (> 90% of respondents depending on the scenario) and NIHSS score (> 65% depending on the scenario). Conclusion: Bed rest practices following emergency ischemic stroke treatment vary significantly across stroke centers. Mobilization of patients is performed primarily by nurses and therapists. Major factors that influence bed rest duration include hemodynamic factors and NIHSS score. Further study regarding an optimal approach for bed rest is warranted.

Abstract WP87: Statewide Availability Of Acute Stroke Treatment And Services In North Carolina Hospitals

Introduction: With recent advancements in acute stroke treatments, evidence-based care capabilities among hospitals are believed to vary widely; however, current data are limited. Therefore, we conducted a statewide assessment of hospital-based stroke care capabilities in North Carolina (NC). Methods: An online survey was emailed to each licensed hospital in NC. Based on prior surveys and current stroke care guidelines, questions asked about diagnostic testing, acute stroke treatments and protocols, and post-acute management. All 112 hospitals responded (100% response rate) between October 2020 and April 2021. Descriptive statistics were computed from responses for 109 hospitals that reported providing acute stroke care. Results: Among 109 hospitals, 10 (9%) were Comprehensive Stroke Centers, 2 (2%) were Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers, 35 (32%) were Primary Stroke Centers, 16 (15%) were Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals, and 46 (42%) had no stroke certification. Ninety-eight (90%) had an acute stroke clinical care pathway, and 92 (84%) had pre-written stroke care orders. All 109 (100%) reported non-contrast CT imaging capability. Further, hospitals reported the following: CT angiography (104, 95%), CT perfusion (55, 50%), and diffusion-weighted MRI (63, 58%) . Almost all (108, 99%) administered intravenous alteplase for stroke, whereas only 16 (15%) had capabilities to provide endovascular thrombectomy for stroke. Ninety-five (87%) hospitals reported transferring stroke patients treated with alteplase or transferring those in need of endovascular treatment. Eighty-nine (82%) used telestroke services for the treatment and management of acute stroke patients, of which 78 (72%) relied on telestroke exclusively 24/7; and 80 (73%) used telestroke to decide when and where to transfer stroke patients. Conclusions: Among NC hospitals, basic capabilities, such as CT imaging and acute stroke care protocols, were widely available. However, advanced imaging and endovascular capabilities were less common. Most hospitals used telestroke services for treatment as well as transfer decisions. This statewide assessment is an important first step in improving access to evidence-based stroke care and developing stroke systems of care.

Abstract TP135: Prehospital Transport Protocol For Comprehensive Stroke Center Triage Is Associated With Reduced Last Known Well To Arrival Times For Intracranial Hemorrhage

Background: In September 2018, we implemented a prehospital routing protocol for patients with suspected severe stroke and large vessel occlusion using the 3 Item Stroke Scale (3I-SS). Patients who have a 3I-SS score of ≥4 and have a known last normal time of ≤6 hours were transported to the closest Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC). While the impact on endovascular treatment for ischemic stroke is more established, the effect of this transport policy on patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown. Objective/Methods: The objective of the study was to determine if implementation of a regional CSC transport protocol reduced last known well (LKW) to hospital arrival time for patients with ICH.Data was retrospectively reviewed all patients with a primary diagnosis of ICH from Get With The Guidelines® (GWTG) Stroke regional registry between January 2018 to May 2019 (8 month pre and 8 months post-implementation) and consisting of 16 Primary Stroke Centers (PSCs) and 8 CSCs. We analyzed LKW-arrival times to compare median times in the pre- vs. post-implementation periods. Results: There were 501 ICH cases in the pre-implementation period (mean age 66, 43.3% Black, and 52.3% male) and 548 in the post-implementation period (mean age 66, 41.0% Black, and 54.3% male). In the post-implementation period, median LKW to hospital arrival time was 255 minutes vs. 270.5 minutes in the pre-implementation period (P value 0.029). LKW to hospital arrival times for those patients arriving from EMS decreased from a median 112.5 minutes to 81 minutes (P value 0.034). Conclusions: A prehospital direct-to-CSC transport protocol resulted in a substantial decrease in the median LKW to hospital arrival times for ICH patients, driven especially by EMS-arriving patients. Prehospital protocols could increase access to time sensitive life-saving therapies for ICH.

Abstract TP38: Evaluation Of A Stroke Survivor To Survivor Program

Background: Since 2015 a Primary Stroke Center in the Midwest has had a Stroke Survivor to Survivor Program (SS2S). The SS2S program was developed by a local non-profit organization whose mission is to provide advocacy, support, education and resources to stroke survivors and their families. SS2S is a telephone-based peer support program that aims to encourage, support, network, and provide resources to stroke survivors post discharge. The SS2S program provides at least 2 monthly calls from trained SS2S stroke volunteers to participants and/or caregivers. The volunteers educate on treatment and appointment adherence, offer community resources, information on support groups, access to Podcasts, and a connection to survivors and/or caregivers with other survivors. Purpose: An evaluation of SS2S was conducted to inform program effectiveness, as well as identify opportunities for program improvement for replication and scalability. Methods: The evaluation study was a one-group, post-only design. Adults who experienced a stroke and received treatment at the study hospital were eligible to participate. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the SS2S program evaluation. A third party conducted the interviews using a semi-structured interview guide approved by the IRB. Interviews were transcribed and coded for themes using an inductive and deductive thematic approach and analyzed using NVivo 12. Results: Interviews were conducted for four months. 32 participants were contacted, 6 agreed to a full interview and 2 agreed to provide limited feedback. The majority were male and had at least 2 calls with a SS2S volunteer. The majority indicated they had a positive experience. Both participants and coordinators agreed that stroke survivors with residual stroke complications, limited resources and limited social support would benefit from the program the most. The majority of participants agreed that they enjoyed receiving a follow up phone call and were encouraged by them. Conclusions: Although the study sample size was small, the results support the SS2S program aims. The program works best when it connects patients with relevant and timely resources as well as offers the survivors the emotional support to talk freely and feel heard.

Abstract TMP35: Prehospital Bypass Policies Increase The Proportion Of Stroke Patients Transported To Primary Stroke Centers - A Quasi-experimental Study In A National Sample Of Medicare Beneficiaries.

Objective: Prehospital bypass policies were designed to encourage transport of eligible stroke patients to stroke centers in order to receive rapid assessment and treatment. In a national dataset we examined the relationship between implementation of bypass policies and the proportion of patients transported to stroke centers. Methods: We included EMS transported ischemic stroke patients aged 66+ from a 20% sample of Medicare claims (2007 - 2014). We excluded patients not admitted through the ED, and those not continuously enrolled in parts A/B in the prior year. The outcome measure was transport to PSC. Stroke certification status was validated by multiple stroke certification databases; policy implementation details were obtained from review of statutes and regulations. We employed difference-in-differences (DID) analyses with a state-level random intercept. Results: A total of 20,345 patients were included in the study with 7,239 from policy states and counties and 13,106 from non-policy states and counties. The proportion of patients arriving at PSCs increased from 28% to 43% in non-policy areas and 33% to 57% in policy areas. The DID analysis revealed a net effect of 11% (p<.001): policy areashad 17% higher probability of transporting stroke patients to PSCs after policy implementation (p<.001) while non-policy areas demonstrated a 6% increase (p<.001). Patients from rural areas had 49% lower odds of transport to PSC (OR 0.51, p<.001). Discussion: In pre-thrombectomy era, statewide prehospital bypass policies were related to significant increases in proportion of stroke patients transported to stroke centers. Future analyses will assess if these effects occur in the thrombectomy era, and if these policies influence delivery of stroke treatments.

Effects of delay to stroke unit admission in patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

To determine the association between delay in transfer to a central stroke unit from peripheral institutions and outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients with acute stroke, admitted to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) from three emergency departments (EDs), between 2016 and 2018. The primary outcomes were length of stay, functional status at 3 months, discharge destination, and time to stroke investigations. One thousand four hundred thirty-five patients were included, with a mean age of 72.9 years, and 92.4% ischemic stroke; 663 (46.2%) patients were female. Each additional day of delay was associated with 2.0 days of increase in length of stay (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-3.2, p = 0.001), 11.5 h of delay to vascular imaging (95% CI 9.6-13.4, p < 0.0001), 24.2 h of delay to Holter monitoring (95% CI 7.9-40.6, p = 0.004), and reduced odds of nondisabled functional status at 3 months (odds ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.00, p = 0.01). Factors affecting delay included stroke onset within 6 h of ED arrival (605.9 min decrease in delay, 95% CI 407.9-803.9, p < 0.0001), delay to brain imaging (59.4 min increase in delay for each additional hour, 95% CI 48.0-71.4, p < 0.0001), admission from an alternative service (3918.7 min increase in delay, 95% CI 3621.2-4079.9, p < 0.0001), and transfer from a primary stroke center (PSC; 740.2 min increase in delay, 95% CI 456.2-1019.9, p < 0.0001). Delay to stroke unit admission in a system involving transfer from PSCs to a CSC was associated with longer hospital stay and poorer functional outcomes.

Drip-and-ship toward mothership model for mechanical thrombectomy during COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective analysis.

IntroductionDuring the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, our stroke network shifted from a drip-and-ship strategy (transport of acute ischemic stroke patients to the nearest primary stroke centers) toward a mothership model (direct transportation to the Comprehensive Stroke Center). We retrospectively analyzed stroke network performances comparing the two models.Patients and methodsAll spoke-district patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) between 15th March–15th June 2019 (drip-and-ship) and 2020 (mothership) were considered. We compared onset-to-groin time (OGT) and onset-to-needle time (ONT) between the two periods. Secondarily, we investigated other performances parameters (percentage of IV thrombolysis, timing of diagnostic and treatment) and clinical outcome (3-month modified Rankin Scale).ResultsTwenty-four spoke-district patients in 2019 (drip-and-ship) and 26 in 2020 (mothership) underwent EVT. The groups did not differ for age, sex, risk factors, pre-stroke mRS 0–1, NIHSS, and ASPECTS distribution. The MS model showed a significant decrease of the OGT (162.5 min vs 269 min, p = 0.001) without significantly affecting the ONT (140.5 min vs 136 min, p = 0.853), ensuring a higher number of IV thrombolysis in combination with EVT (p = 0.030). The mothership model showed longer call-to-door time (median + 23 min, p < 0.005), but shorter door-to-needle (median − 31 min, p = 0.001), and door-to-groin time (− 82.5 min, p < 0.001). We found no effects of the stroke network model on the 3-month mRS (ordinal shift analysis, p = 0.753).ConclusionsThe shift to the mothership model during the COVID-19 pandemic guaranteed quicker EVT without significantly delaying IVT.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10072-022-05903-5.

Mechanical thrombectomy does not increase the risk of acute symptomatic seizures in patients with an ischaemic stroke: a propensity score matching study

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy and systemic thrombolysis are important therapies for stroke patients. However, there is disagreement about the accompanying risk of acute symptomatic seizures.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients with an acute ischaemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion was performed. The patients were divided into four groups based on whether they received either mechanical thrombectomy (MT) or systemic thrombolysis (ST; group 1: MT+/ST−; group 2: MT+/ST+; group 3: MT−/ST+; group 4: MT−/ST−). Propensity score matching was conducted for each group combination (1:3, 1:4, 2:3, 2:4, 1:2, 3:4) using the covariates “NIHSS at admission”, “mRS prior to event” and “age”. The primary endpoint was defined as the occurrence of acute symptomatic seizures.ResultsA total of 987 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 208, 264, 169 and 346 belonged to groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Propensity score matched groups consisted of 160:160, 143:143, 156:156, 144:144, 204:204 and 165:165 patients for the comparisons 1:3, 1:4, 2:3, 2:4, 1:2 and 3:4, respectively. Based on chi-squared tests, there was no significant difference in the frequency of acute symptomatic seizures between the groups. Subgroups varied in their frequency of acute symptomatic seizures, ranging from 2.8 to 3.8%, 2.8–4.4%, 3.6–3.8% and 4.9–6.3% in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.ConclusionThere was no association between MT or ST and an increased risk of acute symptomatic seizures in patients with an acute ischaemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion who were treated at a primary stroke centre.

Anterior circulation large vessel occlusion outcomes in patients transferred from a peripheral primary stroke centre

ABSTRACT Objectives To identify predictors of functional outcome in patients with an anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (LVO) in a setting of long transfer distances. Methods Outcomes of LVO patients transferred for an endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) from North Karelia Central Hospital to Kuopio University Hospital between January 2018 and October 2019 were analysed using retrospective patient chart review. Results Three months after the stroke, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was 0–2 in 20 of the 41 transferred patients. They were younger (66.7 vs. 74.2 years, p = 0.032) and had less severe stroke symptoms (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS, 11.5 vs. 16.5, p = 0.029) than those with mRS 3–6. They also had the occlusion less often in M1 and more often in M2. EVT was performed in 32 patients (no differences between those treated with EVT and those not treated with EVT). Their median age was 73.0 years (interquartile range 65.5, 79.8; range 32–86; 25% over 80), mean NIHSS score 14.0 (standard deviation 5.9) and mRS eventually 0–2 in 44%. Only NIHSS was associated with mRS (OR = 1.16; p = 0.016) in the EVT-treated patients. mRS was 0 in 38% of all EVT-treated octogenarians but 4–6 in 83% of those with an internal carotid artery and/or M1 occlusion. Discussion Outcomes depended on stroke severity, age and vessel of occlusion. Prognosis was worse if the occlusion included M1, especially in octogenarians. Mothership and Drip-n-ship strategies should be compared in patients from remote locations stratified by stroke severity and patient age.

Palliative and End-of-Life Care After Severe Stroke

Background and ObjectivesThe distinct illness trajectory after acute ischemic stroke demands a better understanding of the utilization of palliative care consultations (PCC) for this patient cohort. This study sought to determine the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes associated with PCC for patients hospitalized with severe ischemic stroke. MethodsThis multicenter cohort study was conducted at four hospitals (2 comprehensive and 2 primary stroke centers) between January, 2016 and December, 2019. We included all patients with a discharge diagnosis of ischemic stroke and an initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of 10 or greater. We compared patient sociodemographic, clinical and care characteristics as well as hospital outcomes between patients who did and did not receive PCC. ResultsThe study included 1297 patients hospitalized with severe ischemic stroke. PCC occurred for 20% of all patients and this proportion varied across institutions from 11.9% to 43%. Less than half (43%) of patients who died in the hospital. In multivaraible analysis, PCC was less likely in female patients (OR .76, 95% CI .59, .99, P=0.04) but more likely in patients with higher NIHSS (OR1.95, 95% CI 1,13, 3.37, P=0.02). Patients with PCC had higher rates of moving to a plan focused on comfort measures (CMO) (P<0.01) and removal of artificial nutrition as part of a move to CMO (P<0.01). In a sub analysis of patients who died in the hospital and received PCC, patients who died on or before hospital day 3 were less likely to receive PCC than patients who died on or after hospital day 4 (24% v. 51%) (P=<0.01). ConclusionsMost patients with severe stroke do not receive PCC, even among those who experience in-hospital death. The results of this study indicate there are missed opportunities for PCC to help reduce suffering after severe stroke.

Verification of door-in door-out time (DIDO time) at a core hospital in rural medical area without primary stroke center

【背景および目的】当地域は全国でも稀な一次脳卒中センター（PSC）空白二次医療圏である．当院のような初療施設においては，病院到着から転院搬送開始までの時間（door-in door-out time: DIDO時間）をなるべく短縮することが求められるが，本邦におけるDIDO時間に関する報告はこれまでほとんどない．当地における現状を明らかにするため，後ろ向き調査を行った．【方法】2018年4月～2021年2月に当院救急外来でICAまたはM1閉塞を伴う脳梗塞と診断された25症例のうち，緊急転院搬送となった7症例のDIDO時間を算出し検証した．【結果】DIDO時間の中央値は140分（97～180分）であった．【結論】血栓回収治療へのアクセスを改善するためには，二次医療圏を超えた情報共有・協力体制が必要となる．

Advances in Stroke: Treatments-Interventional.

Advances in Stroke: Treatments-Interventional.

Quality improvement project to improve patient outcomes by reducing door to CT and door to needle time and increasing appropriate referrals for endovascular thrombectomy.

This paper describes a stroke quality improvement (QI) project in a primary stroke centre in a 431-bed hospital serving a local population of 114 000 people. Approximately 170 acute strokes...

Concealment of Allergic Reactions to Alteplase by Face Masks in Non-Communicating Acute Stroke Patients: A Warning Call to Improve Our Physical Examination Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Neurological emergencies, such as acute stroke, are especially challenging during the current Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Symptoms as aphasia or dysarthria are severely impacting cooperation and communication with patients. During physical examination, both the patient and the medical team are fitted routinely with surgical masks to minimize potential exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, such a practice can lead to concealment of particularly relevant physical signs. We report a case series of four acute stroke patients who were transferred for endovascular mechanical thrombectomy to our institute after intravenous thrombolysis was initiated at primary stroke centers. Upon arrival, after removing their masks, we observed oral angioedema, as a reaction to thrombolytic agent alteplase. Symptoms remained obscured by face masks through patient care at the referring stroke unit and during transportation, nevertheless they resolved after treatment. Most probably, there are a number of similar cases encountered at emergency departments and acute stroke units. To improve patient safety, a compromise between ensuring protection against the novel coronavirus and facilitating detection of potentially life-threatening physical signs must be found.

A regional strategy to decrease the time to thrombectomy in patients with low probability of treatment by thrombolysis

Background and purposeThe best transportation strategy for patients with suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) is unknown. Here, we evaluated a new regional strategy of direct transportation to a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) for patients with suspected LVO and low probability of receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) at the nearest Primary Stroke Center (PSC). MethodsPatients could be directly transported to the CSC (bypass group) if they met our pre-hospital bypass criteria: high LVO probability (i.e., severe hemiplegia) with low IVT probability (contraindications) and/or travel time difference between CSC and PSC<15 minutes. The other patients were transported to the PSC according to a “drip-and-ship” strategy. Treatment time metrics were compared in patients with pre-hospital bypass criteria and confirmed LVO in the bypass and drip-and-ship groups. ResultsIn the bypass group (n=79), 54/79 (68.3%) patients met the bypass criteria and 29 (36.7%) had confirmed LVO. The positive predictive value of the hemiplegia criterion for LVO detection was 0.49. In the drip-and-ship group (n=457), 92/457 (20.1%) patients with confirmed LVO met our bypass criteria. Among the 121 patients with bypass criteria and confirmed LVO, direct routing decreased the time between symptom discovery and groin puncture by 55 minutes compared with the drip-and-ship strategy (325 vs. 229 minutes, P<0.001), without significantly increasing the time to IVT (P=0.19). ConclusionsOur regional strategy led to the correct identification of LVO and a significant decrease of the time to mechanical thrombectomy, without increasing the time to IVT, and could be easily implemented in other territories.

Direct Transfer to Angiosuite in Acute Stroke

Time to reperfusion is one of the strongest predictors of functional outcome in acute stroke due to a large vessel occlusion (LVO). Direct transfer to angiography suite (DTAS) protocols have shown encouraging results in reducing in-hospital delays. DTAS allows bypassing of conventional imaging in the emergency room by ruling out an intracranial hemorrhage or a large established infarct with imaging performed before transfer to the thrombectomy-capable center in the angiography suite using flat-panel CT (FP-CT). The rate of patients with stroke code primarily admitted to a comprehensive stroke center with a large ischemic established lesion is &lt;10% within 6 hours from onset and remains &lt;20% among patients with LVO or transferred from a primary stroke center. At the same time, stroke severity is an acceptable predictor of LVO. Therefore, ideal DTAS candidates are patients admitted in the early window with severe symptoms. The main difference between protocols adopted in different centers is the inclusion of FP-CT angiography to confirm an LVO before femoral puncture. While some centers advocate for FP-CT angiography, others favor additional time saving by directly assessing the presence of LVO with an angiogram. The latter, however, leads to unnecessary arterial punctures in patients with no LVO (3%–22% depending on selection criteria). Independently of these different imaging protocols, DTAS has been shown to be effective and safe in improving in-hospital workflow, achieving a reduction of door-to-puncture time as low as 16 minutes without safety concerns. The impact of DTAS on long-term functional outcomes varies between published studies, and randomized controlled trials are warranted to examine the benefit of DTAS.