Stent Retriever Technique Research Articles

Complete Recanalization in Mechanical Thrombectomy Is Associated with Favorable Functional Outcome for M2 Occlusions.

There are insufficient coherent reports on mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for occlusion of the second segment of the middle cerebral artery (M2 occlusion) in a real-world clinical setting. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of MT for M2 occlusions and compared the primary thrombectomy strategies (stent retriever, aspiration catheter, and combined technique) to analyze factors predicting good functional outcomes. We evaluated background factors, preprocedural factors, procedural factors, and procedural time for patients who underwent MT for M2 occlusions from our retrospective cohort. According to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score three months after MT, patients were divided into good (mRS ≤2) and poor (mRS ≥3) prognosis groups. A total of 29 patients (median age, 78 years; 11 [37.9%] females) were included in the study. In this cohort, rates of successful reperfusion, thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 3, postprocedural hemorrhage (PPH), and symptomatic PPH were 82.8, 34.5, 31.0, and 0%, respectively. Good prognoses were achieved in 13 (45%) cases. A prognostic factor of MT for M2 occlusions is TICI 3 from multivariate analysis (OR, 11.7; 95% CI, 1.003-136; p = 0.0497). There was no statistically significant difference in the functional outcome three months after MT based on the choice of the primary thrombectomy strategy. MT for M2 occlusions is a reliable and relatively safe procedure. The presence of TICI 3 was a prognostic factor in this cohort. Future studies are warranted to investigate the optimal thrombectomy strategy for medium vessel occlusion.

Application of Balloon AngioplaSty with the dIstal protection of Stent Retriever (BASIS) technique for acute intracranial artery atherosclerosis-related occlusion.

Endovascular therapy (EVT) is complex in the context of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS)-related large vessel occlusion (LVO) and the re-occlusion rates are high due to residual stenosis, the procedure time is long and the optimal EVT technique is unclear. The Balloon AngioplaSty with the dIstal protection of Stent Retriever (BASIS) technique is a novel thrombectomy technique that allows emergent balloon angioplasty to be performed via the wire of the retrieval stent. Our study presents our initial experience with the BASIS technique in ICAS-related LVO and assesses its feasibility. In patients with ICAS-related LVO treated with BASIS, clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively analyzed. Angiographic data included first-pass reperfusion (PFR), the rate of residual stenosis, distal emboli, and re-occlusion post-procedure. The Extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) scale was used to assess reperfusion extent, and an eTICI score ≥2b was defined as successful perfusion. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 3 months (modified Rankin score [mRS]), and an mRS ≤ 2 was defined as a good clinical outcome. A total of seven patients with ICAS-related LVO were included, and the median age of the patients was 76 years. All patients achieved eTICI 3 reperfusion and FPR. The residual stenosis rate ranged from 5 to 10%. None of the patients had re-occlusion post-procedure. The median puncture-to-reperfusion time was 51 min. None of the patients had a symptomatic cerebral hemorrhage, re-occlusion, distal embolism, and dissection. Good clinical outcomes were observed in four patients (4/7, 57.1%), and 1 patient (1/7, 14.3%) died. The BASIS technique is feasible and safe for treating acute ICAS-related LVO.

Acute Mirror M1 Occlusions Treated With Endovascular First-Pass Contact Aspiration Technique

Patients with acute bilateral M1 occlusion are usually comatose at presentation and have a grave prognosis. There have been few reports of emergent treatment using endovascular reperfusion therapy (ERT). We describe a patient treated with simultaneous first-pass contact aspiration and review the literature for cases describing the successful use of ERT in patients with bilateral anterior circulation proximal large-vessel occlusion (LVO). A functionally independent 95-year-old woman with history of atrial fibrillation (AF) presented with altered mentation, aphasia, and weakness in all extremities. Her National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 13. CT angiogram and perfusion demonstrated acute mirror M1 occlusions with extensive bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory penumbra, respectively. Emergent ERT was performed with simultaneous contact aspiration within the bilateral M1s under concomitant flow arrest with a balloon guide catheter. Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grades 3 and 2c were achieved on the left and right, respectively. By postoperative day 1 (POD1), the patient had improved motor function, mentation, and communication.The technical feasibility of simultaneous contact aspiration thrombectomies for acute bilateral M1 occlusions was demonstrated with successful reperfusion of both vascular territories in a single pass lasting 28 minutes. Simultaneous thrombectomies yielded rapid recanalization and reperfusion and minimized radiation exposure. Previous cases demonstrating this technique utilized stent-retriever techniques in successive fashion, with a consequent increase in the patient’s total ischemic time. The technical success of our aggressive approach suggests it may have utility in the treatment of acute multivessel occlusions (MVOs).

Increased Number of Passes and Double Stent Retriever Technique Induces Cumulative Injury on Arterial Wall After Mechanical Thrombectomy in a Swine Model.

The number of stentriever passes during endovascular thrombectomy impacts clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke. Previous studies suggest that the simultaneous double stent retriever technique (DSRT) could improve the efficacy and reduce the number of passes. We aim to analyze the degree of vessel wall injury according to the number of passes and technique (single vs. simultaneous devices). Histological changes were evaluated in renal arteries (RAs) of swine models after thrombectomy (1, 2, or 3 passes) with single stent (SSRT) and DSRT. Thrombectomy passes were performed in 12 RA: 3 samples from each artery were studied by optical microscopy to assess a vascular damage score. All thirty-six samples showed endothelial denudation and different degrees of damage in the deepest layers of the arterial wall; however, all arteries remained patent by the time of assessment. In all cases, the degree of vascular injury increased with the number of passes. Compared with a SSRT, DSRT showed a higher severity of histological damage corresponding to the damage caused by 1.4 SSRT passes. However, in distal arteries, vascular damage was relatively similar when comparing SSRT with multiple passes and DSRT with one pass. The degree of vessel injury increases with the number of passes. Even though histological damage per pass was 1.4 higher with DSRT than SSRT, short-term vessel patency was not compromised after up to 3 DSRT passes. Further studies are needed to characterize the risk-benefit ratio of the DSRT in routine clinical practice.

First-line contact aspiration versus first-line stent retriever for acute ischemic stroke with M2 occlusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveMechanical thrombectomy is widely used for acute ischemic stroke caused by middle cerebral artery M2 segment occlusion. However, the comparison between contact aspiration (CA) and stent retriever (SR) used as first-line techniques for acute M2 occlusion is still unclear. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on this issue. MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement was followed. Three databases (Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias for the included studies. We focused on two main outcomes, the final successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction mTICI 2b/3) and 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2). The meta-analyses were performed using the random-effects models. ResultsSeven observational studies were included for systematic review. Only one study indicated a superiority of first-line SR in achieving final successful reperfusion, while the other six studies did not show significant difference between these two techniques. And all the seven studies showed comparable proportion of 90-day functional independence. Five studies were available for meta-analysis with 601 patients (239 received first-line CA, 362 received first-line SR). The pooled results also suggested that the proportion of final successful reperfusion (OR=1.18, 95%CI 0.72–1.93, I2 =0%) and 90-day functional independence (OR=1.18, 95%CI 0.82–1.68, I2 =0%) were comparable between these two strategies. ConclusionFor patients with acute M2 occlusion, first-line CA and SR techniques could achieve similar final reperfusion outcomes and 90-day clinical prognosis. Further studies with randomized controlled design are needed.

804 Should the Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique be Advocated over the StentRetriever Technique for Acute Ischemic Stroke? A Meta-analysis of 7692 patients

INTRODUCTION: The direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) was developed to achieve better recanalization in acute ischemic stroke patients. However, data from the literature are controversial regarding the comparative outcomes of this technique compared to the conventional thrombectomy by stent retriever (SR). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to March 2021 for relevant clinical trials and observational studies. Eligible studies were identified, and all relevant outcomes were pooled in the meta-analysis random-effects model of DerSimonian-Liard. RESULTS: Thirty studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 7868 patients. Compared with the SR, the ADAPT provides slightly higher rates of successful recanalization (RR 1.06, 95% CI [1.02 to 1.10]) and complete recanalization (RR 1.20, 95% CI [1.01 to 1.43]) but with more need for rescue therapy (RR 1.81, 95% CI [1.29 to 2.54]). There were no significant differences between the two techniques in terms of mortality at discharge, mortality at 90 days, change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, the favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 0-2), time to the groin puncture, or frequency of complications as intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic ICH (sICH), the occurrence of an embolus in a new territory, hemorrhagic infarction, parenchymal hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and procedural complications (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence supports the use of the ADAPT technique to achieve successful and complete recanalization while considering the higher need for rescue therapy in some patients. Owing to its lower cost than the standard SR technique, we advocate that the ADAPT should replace the SR as the first-line thrombectomy technique in routine practice.

Combined balloon guide catheter, aspiration catheter, and stent retriever technique versus balloon guide catheter and stent retriever alone technique: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe use of a combination of balloon guide catheter (BGC), aspiration catheter, and stent retriever in acute ischemic stroke thrombectomy has not been shown to be better than a stent...

Advances in Stroke: Treatments-Interventional.

Advances in Stroke: Treatments-Interventional.

Should the direct aspiration first pass technique be advocated over the stent-retriever technique for acute ischemic stroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis of 7692 patients.

Background: The present meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence from all published studies with head-to-head data on the outcomes of a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) and the stent-retriever (SR) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to March 2021 for relevant clinical trials and observational studies. Eligible studies were identified, and all relevant outcomes were pooled in the meta-analysis random-effects model of DerSimonian-Laird.Results: Thirty studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 7868 patients. Compared with the SR, the ADAPT provides slightly higher rates of successful recanalization (RR 1.06, 95% CI [1.02 to 1.10]) and complete recanalization (RR 1.20, 95% CI [1.01 to 1.43]) but with more need for rescue therapy (RR 1.81, 95% CI [1.29 to 2.54]). There were no significant differences between the two techniques in terms of mortality at discharge, mortality at 90 days, change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, the favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 0-2), time to the groin puncture, or frequency of complications as intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), embolus in a new territory (ENT), hemorrhagic infarction, parenchymal hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or procedural complications (all P > 0.05).Conclusion: Current evidence supports the use of the ADAPT technique to achieve successful and complete recanalization while considering the higher need for rescue therapy in some patients.

Efficacy of Mechanical Thrombectomy using Penumbra ACETM Aspiration Catheter Compared to Stent Retriever SolitaireTM FR in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The primary aim of our study was to compare the procedural efficacy of the direct aspiration technique, using Penumbra ACETM aspiration catheter, and the stent retriever technique, with a SolitaireTM FR stent. Secondarily, we investigated treatment-dependent and treatment-independent factors that predict a good clinical outcome. Methods: We analyzed our series of mechanical thrombectomies using a SolitaireTM FR stent and a Penumbra ACETM catheter. The clinical and radiographic data of 76 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Using binary logistic regression, we looked for the predictors of a good clinical outcome. Results: In the Penumbra ACETM group we achieved significantly higher rates of complete vessel recanalization with lower device passage counts, shorter recanalization times, shorter procedure times and shorter fluoroscopy times (p < 0.001) compared to the SolitaireTM FR group. We observed no significant difference in good clinical outcomes (52.4% vs. 56.4%, p = 0.756). Predictors of a good clinical outcome were lower initial NIHSS scores, pial arterial collateralization on admission head CT angiography scan, shorter recanalization times and device passage counts. Conclusions: The aspiration technique using Penumbra ACETM catheter is comparable to the stent retriever technique with SolitaireTM FR regarding clinical outcomes.

Impact of aspiration catheter size on first-pass effect in the combined use of contact aspiration and stent retriever technique

Background and purposeThe first-pass effect (FPE), defined as a first-pass Expanded Treatment in Cerebral Ischaemia (eTICI) 2c/3 reperfusion, has emerged as a key metric of efficacy in mechanical thrombectomy (MT)...

How to differentiate intracranial atherosclerotic disease or vasospasms after mechanical thrombectomy. Be patient or vasodilator is the secret?

Here we describe a successful mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute large vessel occlusion in stroke treatment with one passage (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction, TICI 3). Immediately after the withdrawing of the stent retriever, a narrowing of the middle cerebral artery was diagnosed. The rate of vasospasms during this procedure can be as higher as 41% (range from 6-41%). Here we describe our protocol when a narrowing of the artery is visualized after a stent retriever is withdrawn. A patient presented in our emergency room with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of 21, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) 8, computed tomography angiography revealed occlusion of the M1 segment and MT was indicated. One passage TICI Ⅲ was achieved. After that, the image showed a narrowing of the artery. We present one case of a spasm after stent retriever technique for MT, we injected vasodilator and the artery became normal in a few minutes differentiating between atheromatous stenosis and vasospasm. We present a technical note that can help to make the differentiation of vasospasm or atheromatous disease after MT with the stent retriever technique.

Dual SAVE technique for mechanical thrombectomy rescue on MCA bifurcation clots

The Stent retriever Assisted Vacuum-locked Extraction (SAVE) technique in mechanical thrombectomy consists of the simultaneous use of a stent retriever and a distal aspiration catheter, with the removal of both...

Double Stent Retriever (SR) Technique: A Novel Mechanical Thrombectomy Technique to Facilitate the Device-Clot Interaction for Refractory Acute Cerebral Large Vessel Occlusions

Mechanical thrombectomy has become the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion; however, refractory occlusions still occur despite various thrombectomy procedures. The double stent retriever (SR) technique, which employs 2 SRs simultaneously at the occlusion, can be useful for such refractory occlusions. We described 2 cases of refractory acute cerebral occlusion despite the use of conventional thrombectomy procedures that were both treated with the double SR technique. To discuss the technical aspects of how this easy-to-perform technique facilitates the device-clot interaction, we also evaluated radiographic findings of the SR strut during the procedure. In both cases, conventional thrombectomy procedures, including an SR alone, an aspiration catheter alone, and combined use of the SR and aspiration catheter, failed to recanalize the occlusion. The double SR technique was then performed with the stent-in-stent method in 1 patient and the parallel stent method in 1 patient. One pass of this technique retrieved hard clots and successfully recanalized the refractory occlusion in both cases. Intraprocedural radiographic images of these cases showed that the degree of stent expansion improved after deployment of the second SR compared with the first SR. Our radiographic findings suggested that adding a second SR facilitates the device-clot interaction at the occlusion site. The double SR technique may be an easy-to-perform thrombectomy technique to improve clot-capturing ability for the management of refractory acute cerebral artery occlusions.

Combined use of contact aspiration and the stent retriever technique versus stent retriever alone for recanalization in acute cerebral infarction: the randomized ASTER 2 study protocol

RationaleMechanical thrombectomy (MT) using a stent retriever (SR) device is currently the recommended treatment in ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Combining contact aspiration (CA) with SR...

First pass effect with contact aspiration and stent retrievers in the Aspiration versus Stent Retriever (ASTER) trial

BackgroundThe ‘first pass effect’ (FPE), which was originally described with stent retrievers, designates a (near-)complete revascularization obtained after a single device pass with no rescue therapy, and is associated with...

Abstract 148: Mechanical Thrombectomy for Distal Occlusions: Efficacy, Functional and Safety Outcomes. Insights From the STAR Collaboration

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions. There is strong evidence supporting the benefit of MT in proximal anterior circulation vessel occlusions and basilar occlusions. However, data regarding the efficacy and safety of MT in distal occlusions is scarce. In this study, we aim to report the efficacy, functional and safety outcomes of MT for distal occlusions. Methods: This a retrospective study from 14 comprehensive stroke centers across 4 countries. For the purpose of this study, distal occlusion was defined as MCA occlusion distal to M2 (M3-4 segments), any segments of ACA and any segments of PCA. Patients with concomitant proximal occlusions were excluded from this study. Results: Of 2826 patients, 111 patients were included in this study (mean (SD) age: 69 (13), 51% of patients were female, and 52% received tPA). Median onset to groin time was 241 (IQR, 136 minutes), median NIHSS on admission was 11 (IQR, 8), and median ASPECTS was 10 (IQR, 1). The procedure was done using ADAPT, stent retriever, and Solumbra techniques in 58%, 17% and 15% of patients respectively. Successful revascularization (mTICI 2b-3) and complete revascularization (mTICI 3) were achieved in 78% and 35% of our cohort, respectively. Median procedure time (puncture to revascularization or end of the procedure) was 29 minutes (IQR 42 minutes) and the median number of attempts was 1 (IQR=2). Five percent of patients suffered procedural complications Hemorrhagic complications occurred in 11% of patients of whom only 4% were PH2 hemorrhage. At the last follow up, mRS 0-2 was achieved in 53% of patients. Conclusion: Up to our knowledge, this represents the largest study to the date investigating the safety and efficacy of MT in distal occlusions treatment. MT was safe and achieved a high rate of successful revascularization with an acceptable safety profile.

Parallel Stent Retriever Technique for a Refractory Middle Cerebral Artery Embolism: A Technical Case Report.

To report a patient who achieved complete recanalization using the parallel stent retriever (SR) technique for a refractory acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) embolism. An 86-year-old woman underwent an emergency thrombectomy for acute right MCA occlusion. Although thrombectomy has been attempted three times with the conventional technique using a single SR, no recanalization was achieved. Then, an innovative technique was used to deploy two SRs in parallel with the M1 segment of the MCA. Pulling them back simultaneously, the thrombus was retrieved, and complete recanalization was achieved. The parallel SR technique is a feasible method and can be considered as one of the last treatment resorts for acute refractory embolisms at the major MCA trunk.

Association Between Thrombus Density and Reperfusion Outcomes Using Different Thrombectomy Strategies: A Single-Center Study and Meta-Analysis.

Background: For patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the thrombus density on non-enhanced CT (NECT) indicates the composition of the thrombus, a characteristic that impacts the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT). A previous meta-analysis suggested a correlation between higher thrombus density and successful reperfusion, but some new studies have drawn different conclusions. This single-center study and meta-analysis aimed to detect the association between thrombus density and reperfusion outcomes based on various thrombectomy strategies.Methods: We reviewed AIS patients who underwent MT at our center between July 2015 and May 2019. Thrombus density was recorded as mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) value on 1-mm reconstructed NECT, and expanded Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) scale was used to evaluate the reperfusion grade. The difference in thrombus density was examined according to reperfusion outcomes. Then, we systematically searched relevant literature on this issue. The random effect model was used to calculate standardized mean difference (SMD), and subgroup analysis was conducted according to MT strategies employed, including stent retriever (SR), contact aspiration (CA), Solumbra (a combination of SR and aspiration), and multiple thrombectomy modalities.Results: Sixty-four patients with anterior circulation AIS were included in our single-center study with 57 (89.1%) achieving successful reperfusion (eTICI2b-3). Retrospective analysis showed no significant difference in thrombus density between eTICI2b-3 and eTICI0-2a reperfusion (65.27 vs. 62.19, p = 0.462). As for systematic review, 11 studies were included in qualitative analysis, among which 6 had data available for meta-analysis. Pooled result showed that a comparable thrombus density between eTICI2b-3 and eTICI0-2a reperfusion (SMD 0.14, 95%CI −0.28 to 0.57, p = 0.50). Interestingly, in the SR subgroup, eTICI2b-3 reperfusion showed a significant higher thrombus density (SMD 0.53, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.96, p = 0.02), while an inverse trend was observed in the CA subgroup (SMD −0.48, 95%CI −0.88 to −0.07, p = 0.02).Conclusions: Although the pooled result of meta-analysis did not show a significant association between thrombus density and successful reperfusion, subgroup analysis implicated that the SR technique might be prone to retrieve high-density thrombus, while the CA subgroup showed an opposite tendency. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to investigate its role in the optimization of thrombectomy strategy.

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

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