Thrombectomy For Acute Ischemic Stroke Research Articles

Long-Term Benefit of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with a Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an epoch-making treatment option for patients with severe heart failure; however, the patients occasionally experience severe acute ischemic strokes (AISs). Although mechanical thrombectomy is considered as an effective treatment for severe AIS in patients with LVADs, there remains a paucity of data on the long-term outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the acute-phase efficacy and long-term outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for AIS patients with LVADs. We retrospectively reviewed 9 cases in 8 patients with LVADs who developed AIS and underwent mechanical thrombectomy from July 2014 to November 2021 at our hospital. Clinical information, including the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and modified Rankin Scale score before and after thrombectomy, the details of procedures, and the long-term outcomes after thrombectomy, was retrospectively reviewed and statistically analyzed. Effective recanalization was achieved in 89% of the 9 cases. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score improved from 12 (range, 8-29) to 5 (range, 0-29) after mechanical thrombectomy. The median total follow-up duration was 1327 (range, 78-2659) days. Of the 8 patients, 3 patients underwent heart transplantation, and the LVAD was removed after recovery of the patient's heart function. One patient awaited heart transplantation. This study revealed the long-term benefit of mechanical thrombectomy for AIS in patients with LVADs, eventually achieving 50% of independence from LVADs.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Large Vessel Occlusion in Argentina: An Economic Analysis

ObjectivesMechanical thrombectomy (MT) after intravenous thrombolysis (IV-tPA) is an effective and cost-saving treatment for stroke due to large vessel occlusion. However, rates of MT use are low in Argentina. This study was designed to estimate the economic value and the budget impact of incorporating MT after thrombolysis, simulating scenarios from Argentinian compulsory social health insurance (Obras Sociales) and private insurances (Empresas de Medicina Prepaga). Materials and methodsWe adapted a previously published cost-utility and budget-impact (CUA and BIA) model to the Argentinian setting. The CUA was carried out for a lifetime horizon with efficacy inputs from the SWIFT PRIME clinical trial. For seven possible health states, we identified local costs (Argentinian Pesos AR$), utility (QALY), and transition/distribution probabilities (5% discounted rate) and performed deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The BIA was based on a six-step approach and a static model for a five-year horizon, and two scenarios (staggered growth and no growth). ResultsDespite higher incremental procedure costs, IV-tPA and MT was dominant over IV-tPA alone (AR$1,049,062 overall savings). Cost-effectiveness remained in the deterministic sensitivity analysis (100% probability of cost-effectiveness). Increased MT procedure volume resulted in savings in years three (0.96%), four (2.6%), and five (4.4%). By year five, 1,280 patients were treated with MT (versus 480) with overall savings of 1.8% (AR$817,244,417). ConclusionsMT after IV-tPA is cost-effective in Argentina. Savings offset the incremental hospitalization and long-term costs from the third year onwards. With increased, access the superior efficacy of MT mitigates future disability and comorbidity, reducing overall expenses.

Intra-Arterial Injection of Thrombin as Rescue Therapy of Vessel Perforation during Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background: Vessel perforation during stent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a rare and disastrous complication. A routine rescue strategy includes balloon occlusion for tamponade, procedure suspension, and lowering or normalizing blood pressure. However, this complication is still associated with poor outcome and high mortality. Objective: We present our experience with intra-arterial injection of thrombin in the treatment of vessel perforation secondary to microcatheter/microwire perforation, which prevents further deterioration in clinical outcomes. Methods: Cases with intraprocedural vessel perforation during mechanical thrombectomy were included in the final analysis. Clinical data, procedural details, and radiographic and clinical outcomes were collected. Results: Four patients with intraprocedural vessel perforation were included. Intraprocedural perforations occurred at the distal middle cerebral artery in two cases: the A2 segment in one case and the internal carotid artery terminus in one case. The etiology of four cases was intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). The ruptured vessels were effectively occluded in all cases. Endovascular therapy was continued in three cases, and mTICI ≥ 2b recanalization was achieved in all cases. The culprit artery was kept patent on CTA for 72 h post-operation. No active bleeding was detected on follow-up CT post-operation. During the 90-day follow-up period, one patient died, modified Rankle Scare (mRS) 3 was observed in two patients, and mRS 4 was observed in one patient. Conclusions: The key benefit of this method is occluding the ruptured vessel without affecting the following MT. We propose that intra-arterial injection of prothrombin may be simple yet effective in managing vessel perforation complications during MT.

Predictors and outcome of early neurological deterioration after endovascular thrombectomy: a secondary analysis of the DIRECT-MT trial

BackgroundThere is uncertainty regarding the predictors of early neurological deterioration (END) after endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Limited studies have focused on the effect of END...

Safety and Effectiveness of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Using Single Plane Angiography

ObjectivesNearly all data on mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke is based on procedures performed on biplane angiography systems. However, thrombectomy may be performed on single-plane systems in situations of triage or limited resources. We present the first US study comparing the safety and effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy performed on single-plane vs. biplane systems. Methods and MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified all patients treated with thrombectomy between July 2020 and July 2021 by a high-volume practice. Patients were dichotomized into those treated on single plane and biplane systems. Demographic, procedural, clinical and follow-up characteristics were compared. ResultsOf the 246 patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy, 70 (33%) and 141 (66%) patients were treated on SP and BP systems, respectively. No significant differences were detected in follow-up ‘good functional outcome’ (mRS ≤ 2; SP 51% vs BP 43%, p = 0.14), successful recanalization (SP 87% vs BP 88%, p = 0.72), intra-procedural vascular injury (SP 3% vs BP 2%, p = 0.96), or time from groin puncture to reperfusion (SP 24 min vs BP 26 min, p = 0.58). Additionally, no significant differences were detected in peri-procedural complications, fluoroscopy times or total radiation. Patients treated on single plane systems required significantly more contrast. ConclusionsMechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke performed on single plane angiography systems is as safe and efficacious as when performed on biplane systems. Our results may have implications for increasing stroke care access, both domestically in underserved/rural areas and internationally when considering requirements for stroke care in lower-income countries.

Predictors of first-pass reperfusion for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke

Background and objectiveRapid reperfusion of ischemic penumbra in patients with acute stroke is critical to neurological recovery. Achieving reperfusion after first-pass mechanical thrombectomy has been associated with improved patient outcomes. However, the predictors for obtaining first-pass reperfusion are not well known. MethodsA single-institution retrospective study of all patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at a tertiary care center from January 2010 until March 2019 was conducted to assess for predictors of first-pass reperfusion. ResultsA total of 257 patients were reviewed. Successful reperfusion was obtained in 63.4% of patients, and in 38% of patients on the first pass. On multivariate analysis, increasing door-to-puncture time was a negative predictor of FPR (OR 0.989, 95% CI = 0.980–0.997) and use of combined thrombectomy technique with stent-retriever and aspiration was a positive predictor of FPR compared to aspiration or stent-retriever alone (OR 4.441, 95% CI = 1.001–19.699). ConclusionsCombination therapy using stent-retriever and aspiration may increase the chance of obtaining FPR, whereas delays in starting the procedure after patient arrival may decrease the odds of FPR. Rapid thrombectomy initiation and procedural technique may play in optimizing rates of FPR and ultimately patient outcomes, however, randomized controlled trials assessing these variables are necessary to determine optimal treatment strategies.

Early neurological improvement as a predictor of outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy for stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundEarly neurological improvement (ENI) is a potential predictor for 90-day outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand whether...

Comparing Poor and Favorable Outcome Prediction With Machine Learning After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and PurposeOutcome prediction after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and large vessel occlusion (LVO) is commonly performed by focusing on favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale, mRS 0–2) after 3 months but poor outcome representing severe disability and mortality (mRS 5 and 6) might be of equal importance for clinical decision-making.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients with AIS and LVO undergoing MT from 2009 to 2018. Prognostic variables were grouped in baseline clinical (A), MRI-derived variables including mismatch [apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and time-to-maximum (Tmax) lesion volume] (B), and variables reflecting speed and extent of reperfusion (C) [modified treatment in cerebral ischemia (mTICI) score and time from onset to mTICI]. Three different scenarios were analyzed: (1) baseline clinical parameters only, (2) baseline clinical and MRI-derived parameters, and (3) all baseline clinical, imaging-derived, and reperfusion-associated parameters. For each scenario, we assessed prediction for favorable and poor outcome with seven different machine learning algorithms.ResultsIn 210 patients, prediction of favorable outcome was improved after including speed and extent of recanalization [highest area under the curve (AUC) 0.73] compared to using baseline clinical variables only (highest AUC 0.67). Prediction of poor outcome remained stable by using baseline clinical variables only (highest AUC 0.71) and did not improve further by additional variables. Prediction of favorable and poor outcomes was not improved by adding MR-mismatch variables. Most important baseline clinical variables for both outcomes were age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and premorbid mRS.ConclusionsOur results suggest that a prediction of poor outcome after AIS and MT could be made based on clinical baseline variables only. Speed and extent of MT did improve prediction for a favorable outcome but is not relevant for poor outcome. An MR mismatch with small ischemic core and larger penumbral tissue showed no predictive importance.

Abstract No. 565 Trends in utilization of endotracheal anesthesia for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke in the United States

The literature on uniform baseline parameters and procedural details of general anesthesia in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is scarce. Given the increasing volume of thrombectomies for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), understanding the effects of endotracheal anesthesia with intubation (ETI) on outcomes is time-critical and imperative. Here, we used a national database to compare the trends in utilization and outcomes of ETI vs non-ETI anesthesia in MT for AIS.

Perfusion Scotoma: A Potential Core Underestimation in CT Perfusion in the Delayed Time Window in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

With the growing rise in utilization of CT perfusion for selecting patients for thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion, some potential pitfalls are becoming more commonly seen particularly when it comes to estimating the core infarct size on CT perfusion. Ghost infarct core has been described to account for overestimating core infarct size in the early time period (<3 hours). Herein, we describe the phenomenon of underestimating core infarct size on CT perfusion in the later time period (>6 hours), which we have termed perfusion scotoma.

Eosinophils, Stroke-Associated Pneumonia, and Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BackgroundEosinophils contribute to antibacterial defense by releasing mitochondrial DNA, which are decreased in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the impact of eosinophils on stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) among patients with AIS remains unclear. Moreover, whether SAP is in the path of the association between eosinophils and clinical outcomes also remains unclear. We aimed to assess the relationships between eosinophils, SAP, and clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with AIS.MethodsA total of 328 consecutive patients with AIS who underwent mechanical thrombectomy between May 2017 and March 2021 were analyzed. Their baseline data and peripheral eosinophil counts were recorded on admission. Regression analysis was used to assess the effect of eosinophils on SAP, and its effect on poor outcome is defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3–6 at month 3 after admission. Mediation analysis was utilized to assess the proportion of the total effect of SAP on the association between eosinophils and poor outcomes.ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed that eosinophils was independently associated with SAP after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio, 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00–0.38; P = 0.0267), which are consistent with the result of eosinophils (dichotomous) as a categorical variable (odds ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.31–0.96; P = 0.0342). A non-linear relationship was detected between eosinophils and SAP, whose inflection point was 0.06. Subgroup analyses further confirmed these associations. Eosinophils were also associated with poor outcomes (odds ratio, 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00–0.14; P = 0.0124). Additionally, mediation analysis found that SAP partially mediated the negative relationship between eosinophils and poor outcome (indirect effect = −0.169; 95% CI:−0.339 –−0.040, P < 0.001).ConclusionOur findings suggested that a lower eosinophil level was associated with higher SAP and poorer outcome, and SAP might play an important effect in the association between eosinophils and poor outcomes.

Sex Differences in Collateral Circulation and Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BackgroundCollateral circulation is known to lead to smaller infarct volume and better functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy (MT), but studies examining sex differences in collateral circulation are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate if collateral circulation has a different impact on outcome in women and men.MethodsA single-center retrospective study of 487 patients (230 men and 257 women) treated with MT for acute ischemic stroke in the anterior cerebral circulation. Collateral circulation was assessed on computed tomography angiography images. The outcome was evaluated at 90 days according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).ResultsWomen were older, median age 76 years (IQR 68-83) vs. 71 years (IQR 63–78). Stroke severity and time to recanalization were comparable. More women had moderate or good collaterals in 58.4 vs. 47.0% for men (p = 0.01). Among patients with moderate and good collaterals significantly more men (61%) were functionally independent (mRS 0–2) than women (41.5%) (p = < 0.01). This difference remained significant after correcting for age by linear weighting, 60.4 vs. 46.8% (p = 0.03).ConclusionWomen had better collateral flow but showed worse functional outcomes, while good collateral flow led to better outcomes in men, even after correcting for age. Further clinical studies on peri- and post-interventional care, factors affecting recovery after hospital discharge as well as basic research on the neurovascular unit are needed to find modifiable targets to improve clinical outcomes for women.

Interpretable Machine Learning Modeling for Ischemic Stroke Outcome Prediction.

Background and PurposeMechanical thrombectomy greatly improves stroke outcomes. Nonetheless, some patients fall short of full recovery despite good reperfusion. The purpose of this study was to develop machine learning (ML) models for the pre-interventional prediction of functional outcome at 3 months of thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), using clinical and auto-extractable radiological information consistently available upon first emergency evaluation.Materials and MethodsA two-center retrospective cohort of 293 patients with AIS who underwent thrombectomy was analyzed. ML models were developed to predict dichotomized modified Rankin score at 90 days (mRS-90) using clinical and imaging features, both separately and combined. Conventional and experimental imaging biomarkers were quantified using automated image-processing software from non-contract computed tomography (CT) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) was applied for model interpretability and predictor importance analysis of the optimal model.ResultsMerging clinical and imaging features returned the best results for mRS-90 prediction. The best performing classifier was Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 84% using selected features. The most important classifying features were age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), occlusion side, degree of brain atrophy [primarily represented by cortical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume and lateral ventricle volume], early ischemic core [primarily represented by e-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS)], and collateral circulation deficit volume on CTA.ConclusionMachine learning that is applied to quantifiable image features from CT and CTA alongside basic clinical characteristics constitutes a promising automated method in the pre-interventional prediction of stroke prognosis. Interpretable models allow for exploring which initial features contribute the most to post-thrombectomy outcome prediction overall and for each individual patient outcome.

Transradial Access Results in Faster Recanalization in Left Anterior Circulation Stroke with Bovine Arch Anatomy

Background We compared technical and clinical outcomes of transradial (TRA) versus transfemoral (TFA) access for mechanical thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in the left anterior cerebral circulation of bovine origin. Methods A single‐center retrospective review of a prospectively maintained neurointerventional database from a large volume service in a tertiary academic center. Procedural metrics, technical, and clinical outcomes data were collected and analyzed for patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy presenting with acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion in the left anterior circulation of bovine origin. Clinical and procedural outcomes included the average number of passes, single first effective pass, rate of successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score≥2b), 3‐month disability modified Rankin scale scores, time from skin puncture to microcatheter placement, and recanalization. Results Between January 2018 and January 2021, 26 patients (TRA=13, TFA=13) underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The TRA cohort had a significantly shorter time in minutes for skin puncture to microcatheter placement (TRA: 17.0±5.8 versus TFA: 35.4±20.5; P =0.0001), shorter skin puncture to recanalization (TRA: 34.0±15.6 versus TFA: 58.1±34.6; P =0.01), and shorter total fluoroscopy time (TRA: 13.8±9.4 versus TFA: 29.5±18.0; P =0.03). The 3‐month modified Rankin scale score of (0–1) was higher in the TRA group (38.5% versus 7.69%; P =0.06). Conclusions In patients with large vessel occlusion in the left anterior cerebral circulation of bovine origin, right TRA access permits more direct navigation and provides a stable platform resulting in shorter procedure times and faster recanalization with potential for improved functional outcomes.

Perfusion Imaging for Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Is Associated With Improved Functional Outcomes in the Early and Late Time Windows.

Background:The impact on clinical outcomes of patient selection using perfusion imaging for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting beyond 6 hours from onset remains undetermined in routine clinical practice.Methods:Patients from a national stroke registry that underwent EVT selected with or without perfusion imaging (noncontrast computed tomography/computed tomography angiography) in the early (<6 hours) and late (6–24 hours) time windows, between October 2015 and March 2020, were compared. The primary outcome was the ordinal shift in the modified Rankin Scale score at hospital discharge. Other outcomes included functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) and in-hospital mortality, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, successful reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b–3), early neurological deterioration, futile recanalization (modified Rankin Scale score 4–6 despite successful reperfusion) and procedural time metrics. Multivariable analyses were performed, adjusted for age, sex, baseline stroke severity, prestroke disability, intravenous thrombolysis, mode of anesthesia (Model 1) and including EVT technique, balloon guide catheter, and center (Model 2).Results:We included 4249 patients, 3203 in the early window (593 with perfusion versus 2610 without perfusion) and 1046 in the late window (378 with perfusion versus 668 without perfusion). Within the late window, patients with perfusion imaging had a shift towards better functional outcome at discharge compared with those without perfusion imaging (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 1.45 [95% CI, 1.16–1.83]; P=0.001). There was no significant difference in functional independence (29.3% with perfusion versus 24.8% without; P=0.210) or in the safety outcome measures of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (P=0.53) and in-hospital mortality (10.6% with perfusion versus 14.3% without; P=0.053). In the early time window, patients with perfusion imaging had significantly improved odds of functional outcome (adjusted common OR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.28–1.78]; P=0.0001) and functional independence (41.6% versus 33.6%, adjusted OR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.08–1.59]; P=0.006). Perfusion imaging was associated with lower odds of futile recanalization in both time windows (late: adjusted OR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.50–0.97]; P=0.034; early: adjusted OR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.65–0.99]; P=0.047).Conclusions:In this real-world study, acquisition of perfusion imaging for EVT was associated with improvement in functional disability in the early and late time windows compared with nonperfusion neuroimaging. These indirect comparisons should be interpreted with caution while awaiting confirmatory data from prospective randomized trials.

Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke When Multiple Passes Are Required and Associated Risk Factors

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke when multiple passes are required and to identify the associated risk factors. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy at the Neurology Department of Ninth People’s Hospital and the Neurosurgery Department of Xinhua Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 2013 to 2018 were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received ≤2 passes and those who received >2 passes. Outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine factors associated with the need for >2 passes. All patient data were reviewed retrospectively. Results: A total of 122 patients were included, of whom 83 patients required ≤2 passes and 39 patients required >2 passes. After adjusting for sex, atrial fibrillation history, smoking history, and involvement of middle cerebral artery and internal cerebral artery, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was associated with a 1.08-times greater risk of >2 passes (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.17), and internal carotid artery with a 5.13-times greater risk of >2 passes (95% CI: 1.02–25.69). Having more than 2 passes was associated with significantly higher 7-day (25.6% vs. 6%), 90-day mortality rates (34.2% vs. 16%) and a significantly lower recanalization rate (66.7% vs. 89.2%). Conclusion: Needing more than 2 passes during mechanical thrombectomy is associated with poorer outcomes. Higher preprocedural NIHSS scores and internal carotid artery thrombi are associated with more than 2 passes.

Tachycardia is Associated with Mortality after Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (P14-10.003)

Tachycardia is Associated with Mortality after Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (P14-10.003)

In-Hospital Glucose Measurements are Associated with Mortality after Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (P4-10.005)

In-Hospital Glucose Measurements are Associated with Mortality after Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (P4-10.005)

Predictors of Radiographic and Symptomatic Hemorrhagic Conversion Following Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Large Vessel Occlusion.

BackgroundEndovascular therapy is known to achieve a high rate of recanalization in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) and is currently the standard of care. Hemorrhagic conversion is a severe complication that may occur following AIS in patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). There is a scarcity of data on the risk factors related to HV in post-EVT patients, especially those who develop symptomatic hemorrhagic conversion. The main objective of our study is to identify independent predictors of radiographic and symptomatic hemorrhagic conversion in our diverse patient population with multiple baseline comorbidities that presented with AIS and were treated with EVT as per the most updated guidelines and practices.MethodologyThis is a retrospective chart review in which we enrolled adult patients treated with EVT for AIS at a comprehensive stroke center in the Bronx, NY, over a four-year period. Bivariate analyses followed by multiple logistic regression modeling were performed to determine the independent predictors of all and symptomatic hemorrhagic conversion.ResultsA total of 326 patients who underwent EVT for AIS were enrolled. Of these, 74 (22.7%) had an HC, while 252 (77.3%) did not. In total, 25 out of the 74 (33.7%) patients were symptomatic. In the logistic regression model, a history of prior ischemic stroke (odds ratio (OR) = 2.197; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.062-4.545; p-value = 0.034), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) of <6 (OR = 2.207; 95% CI = 1.477-7.194; p-value = 0.019), and Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2B-3 recanalization (OR = 2.551; 95% CI = 1.998-6.520; p-value=0.045) were found to be independent predictors of all types of hemorrhagic conversion. The only independent predictor of symptomatic hemorrhagic conversion on multiple logistic regression modeling was an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) (OR = 11.051; 95% CI = 1.866-65.440; p-value = 0.008).ConclusionsHistory of prior ischemic stroke, low ASPECTS score, and TICI 2B-3 recanalization are independent predictors of hemorrhagic conversion while an elevated INR is the only independent predictor of symptomatic hemorrhagic conversion in post-thrombectomy patients.

Current status of the credential “mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke” sponsored by the Royal College of Radiologists. What factors are preventing approval of training for non-radiologists to perform MT in the UK?

General Medical Council (GMC) Credentials are being developed to improve oversight of training in areas of practice that develop outside a GMC-recognised parent specialty, or to help address areas where clinical needs are not currently being met. This commentary describes why and how the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR)-sponsored Credential (Acute Stroke) was prepared and submitted to the GMC Curriculum Oversight Group (COG) and then substantially revised to the RCR-sponsored Credential (Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischaemic Stroke, MTAIS) in response to advice from the GMC COG.