Thrombectomy Group Research Articles

All-cause mortality and the risk of stroke with selective aspiration thrombectomy in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A nationwide retrospective cohort study.

Few data exist on the clinical outcomes of selective aspiration thrombectomy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).This was a nationwide retrospective cohort study. Patients who were diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from July 2009 to December 2011 were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Propensity score weighting was used to balance the covariates between the 2 study groups. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and stroke during hospitalization and at 30 days and 1 year of follow-up. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the hospital and physician volume of primary PCI.A total of 9100 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients (29.4% of patients receiving aspiration thrombectomy and conventional PPCI vs 70.6% receiving PPCI alone) were identified. The incidence rates of all-cause mortality were comparable between the 2 groups during hospitalization (21.0 vs 27.37/100 person-months; P = .29) and 1-year follow-up (0.81 vs 1.26/100 person-months; P = .85). There were no significant differences in the stroke rates between the 2 groups during hospitalization (1.1 vs 2.34/100 person-months; P = .3) and 1-year follow-up (0.09 vs 0.15/100 person-months; P = .85). For the patients who survived to discharge, the post-discharge 1-year mortality was lower in the aspiration thrombectomy group of patients in whom the procedures were performed by physicians with a high volume of PPCI (hazard ratio: 0.47; 95% confidence interval: 0.24-0.94; P = .03).In this nationwide cohort study, selective aspiration thrombectomy at the operation's discretion had a comparable mortality rate compared with PCI alone and did not increase the risk of stroke. In the patients treated by physicians with a high volume of PPCI, aspiration thrombectomy appeared to have a beneficial effect on post-discharge survival at 1 year.

Comparison of catheter-directed thrombolysis with and without percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy for subacute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis.

To evaluate and compare the treatment efficacy and safety between catheter-directed thrombolysis monotherapy and catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy for patients with subacute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis. We conducted a retrospective analysis of a total of 74 subacute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis patients who underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis with and without percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy. Patients treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy group, n = 30) or catheter-directed thrombolysis monotherapy (catheter-directed thrombolysis group, n = 44) were included. The primary endpoints were the clinical efficacy rate of thrombolysis, primary patency, and the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (at 12 months diagnosed according to the original Villalta score criteria. Secondary endpoints were the total urokinase dose, the thrombolysis time, the detumescence rate and complications. The percentage of successful thrombolysis for percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy group was higher than that for catheter-directed thrombolysis group (P = 0.045). At the 12-month follow-up, there was no difference in the primary patency (P > 0.05) or the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (P = 0.36). Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy group had significant advantages in reducing urokinase doses and thrombolysis times compared with catheter-directed thrombolysis group for patients with thrombus clearance levels II and III (P < 0.05). Catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy performs better in removing vein thrombi, reducing urokinase doses, and shortening thrombolysis times.

Endovascular thrombectomy for tandem acute ischemic stroke associated with cervical artery dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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. 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 90days (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. 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 with 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). 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.

Risk factors and outcomes of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular thrombectomy utilization amongst pediatrics acute ischemic stroke.

Pediatric stroke is a debilitating disease. There are several risk factors predisposing children to this life-threatening disease. Although, published literature estimates a relatively high incidence of pediatric stroke, treatment guidelines on intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular thrombectomy utilization remain a dilemma. There is a lack of large population-based studies and clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety outcomes associated with these treatments in this unique population. We sought to determine the prevalence of risk factors, concurrent utilization of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular thrombectomy, and associated outcomes in pediatric stroke hospitalizations. We performed a retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample data (2003-2014) in pediatric (1-21 years of age) acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations using ICD-9-CM codes. The multivariable survey logistic regression model was weighted to account for sampling strategy, evaluate predictors of hemorrhagic conversion, and treatment outcomes (mortality, morbidity, and discharge disposition) amongst pediatric stroke hospitalizations. In this analysis, 9109 patients between 1 and 21 years of age were admitted during 2003-2014 for acute ischemic stroke. Of these 9109 patients, 119 (1.30%) received endovascular thrombectomy alone, 256 (2.82%) intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, and 69 (0.75%) both endovascular thrombectomy and intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. We found overall high prevalence of conditions like epilepsy (19.59%), atrial septal defect (11.76%), sickle cell disease (8.63%), and moyamoya disease (5.41%) in pediatric acute ischemic stroke patients. Unadjusted analysis showed high prevalence of all-cause in-hospital mortality in combined endovascular thrombectomy and intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator utilization group, and higher prevalence of hemorrhagic conversion and morbidity in endovascular thrombectomy utilization group compared to other groups (p < 0.0001). Multivariate adjusted analysis showed that children with endovascular thrombectomy utilization (aOR: 19.19; 95% CI: 2.50-147.29, p = 0.005), intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator utilization (aOR: 8.85; 95% CI: 1.92-40.76, p = 0.005), and both (endovascular thrombectomy and intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) utilization (aOR: 7.55; 95% CI: 1.16-49.31, p = 0.035) had higher odds of hemorrhagic conversion compared to no-treatment group. We found various risk factors associated with pediatric stroke. The early identification can be useful to formulate preventive strategies and influence the incidence of pediatric stroke. Our study results showed that use of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular thrombectomy increase risk of mortality and hemorrhagic conversion, but we suggest to have more clinical studies to evaluate the idea candidates for utilization of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular thrombectomy based on risk: benefit ratio.

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 5: CT Perfusion is Not a Treatment Effect Modifier for Mechanical Thrombectomy in the 0-8-Hour-Window: A Pre-Planned Analysis of the RESILIENT Trial

Background: CT perfusion has been increasingly used as a selection tool in acute reperfusion therapies. However, it remains unknown whether its use is associated with a higher treatment benefit in patients undergoing thrombectomy. We sought to evaluate the interaction between imaging selection modalities and treatment effect in the RESILIENT Trial. Methods: RESILIENT was a randomized, prospective, multicenter, controlled trial evaluating the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of thrombectomy versus medical treatment alone in Brazil. A total of 221 patient were enrolled. The trial showed a strong benefit of thrombectomy (90-day mRS ordinal shift, OR 2.28 95%CI [1.41-3.70]; p=0.001). Key imaging selection criteria included ASPECTS ≥6 on non-contrast CT (NCCT) and the exclusion of malignant collateral profile on CT angiography. The use of automated CT perfusion software (RAPID, IschemaView) was optional but was made available in some centers with the pre-specified plan to compare imaging selection modalities. The primary end-point was the common odds ratio (cOR) of mRs at 90 days (shift analysis) and the main secondary endpoint was the rate of functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90 days. Ordinal logistic and binary regression analyses with imaging selection modality (NCCT versus CTP) as an interaction term were performed with adjustments for potential confounders including age, baseline NIHSS score, occlusion site, IV tPA use and ASPECTS. A p value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: CTP was performed in 41% of the thrombectomy group and 45% in the control group. There was no significant difference in the treatment effect size for patients selected on the basis of NCCT and CTA only versus those submitted to CTP in terms of overall functional disability (ordinal mRS shift: aOR: 2.87, 95%CI [1.47-5.61] vs. 2.10, 95%CI [1.01-4.36]; p=0.390) or functional independence (mRS 0-2: aOR: 3.16, 95%CI [1.32-7.57] vs. 2.54 95%CI [0.86-7.49], p=0.40) at 90 days. Conclusion: In a randomized clinical trial of thrombectomy within 8 hours of stroke onset, there was no evidence of difference in the treatment effect size across patients selected with NCCT and CTA alone versus automated CT perfusion software.

Recipient Vessel Thrombectomy and Anastomosis within the Zone of Injury in Microvascular Extremity Reconstruction

Abstract Background In traumatic extremity reconstruction, it is preferable to perform microvascular anastomoses outside the zone of injury. Alternatively, a recipient-vessel thrombectomy can be performed to improve the arterial inflow, potentially avoiding further proximal dissection and the use of a vein graft. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of microvascular anastomosis after thrombectomy in the zone of injury. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent free tissue transfer for traumatic extremity reconstruction by the senior author from 2013 to 2017 was conducted. Patient demographic and clinical data were gathered as well as use of vein grafts, recipient-vessel thrombectomy, postoperative anticoagulation, and flap outcomes. Results A total of 23 patients underwent 24 free flap procedures for traumatic extremity reconstruction. Ten patients underwent recipient-vessel thrombectomy with 2-Fr Fogarty catheter and were placed on postoperative anticoagulation. In this group overall, there was one case of flap loss due to late wound infection resulting in a 90% success rate. A total of 13 patients underwent 14 free flaps without the use of thrombectomy and vein grafts were performed for 3/14 (21%) patients. In this group, there were four cases of flap loss, resulting in a 71% overall success rate. Conclusion In traumatic extremity reconstruction, if the artery appears to be visibly appropriate with weak inflow, one may consider attempting thrombectomy to restore pulsatile flow prior to harvesting a vein graft. This study suggests this may be effective and safe with no anastomosis-related flap loss in the thrombectomy group. Further research is required to confirm our results.

Endovascular thrombectomy versus open surgical thrombectomy for thrombosed arteriovenous hemodialysis graft

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the procedure success rate, one-year primary patency rate, one-year secondary patency rate, and complications compared between endovascular therapy and open surgical thrombectomy for treatment of thrombosed arteriovenous hemodialysis graft.Methods: This retrospective chart review included patients with thrombosed arteriovenous hemodialysis graft who were treated at the Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand during January 2012 to December 2016. Demographic, graft type, time before treatment, thrombus removal technique, additional technique, procedure success rate, operative, primary and secondary patency, follow-up time, and complication data were collected.Results: Seventy-four thrombosed dialysis grafts were included. Twenty-five and 49 grafts underwent endovascular therapy and open surgical thrombectomy, respectively. There was no significant difference in demographic data, graft type, or adjunct procedure between groups. The procedure success rate was 92% and 98% in the endovascular group and thrombectomy group, respectively (p=0.262). The one-year primary patency rate was 26% in the endovascular group, and 33% in the thrombectomy group (p=0.054). One-year secondary patency rate was 82.6% in the endovascular group, and 56.3% in the thrombectomy group (p=0.122).Conclusion: No significant differences were observed between groups for procedure success rate or 1-year primary patency rate; however, the one-year secondary patency rate in the endovascular group was significantly better than in the thrombectomy group. No difference in complications was observed between groups.

Efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in mild ischemic stroke: results from a retrospective study and meta-analysis of previous trials

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy has been proven as a standard care for moderate to severe ischemic stroke with anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO); however, whether it is equally effective in mild ischemic stroke (MIS) is controversial.MethodsIn this retrospective study, a total of 177 Chinese patients presenting with MIS (NIHSS ≤8) and LVO between January 2014 and September 2017 from seven comprehensive stroke centers were identified. Odds of good outcome with endovascular thrombectomy versus medical treatment were obtained by logistic regression analysis and propensity-score matching method, and a meta-analysis pooled results from six studies (n = 733).ResultsGood outcome (mRS: 0–1) was 58.2% (46/79) in the thrombectomy and 46.9% (46/98) in the medical group, which showed no statistical significance before adjustment (P = 0.13; OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.86 to 2.86). The adjusted ORs of thrombectomy versus medical group were 3.23 (95% CI, 1.35 to 7.73; P = 0.008) by multivariable logistic analysis, 2.78 (1.12 to 6.89; P = 0.02) by propensity score matching analysis, and 3.20 (1.22 to 8.37; P = 0.01) by propensity score matching analysis with additional adjustments, respectively. Thrombectomy treatment did not result in excessive mortality or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after adjustments. The meta-analysis did not confirm the associations between good outcome and endovascular treatment.ConclusionsThe current study indicates that endovascular thrombectomy is associated with good functional outcome in MIS patients with LVO, and without additional risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. Although the meta-analysis failed to demonstrate its superiority compared to medical treatment, randomized clinical trials are needed.

To Whom Thrombus Aspiration May Concern?

BACKGROUND:Thrombus aspiration for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may improve myocardial perfusion. However, these favourable results called into a question by data indicating not only a lack of efficacy but a risk of potentially deleterious complications.AIM:To assess the effect of thrombus aspiration during the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) on procedural angiographic results, stent characteristics, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).METHODS:All consecutive STEMI patients candidate for PPCI and admitted to Critical Care Department, Cairo University hospitals, managed either by thrombectomy before primary PCI (if thrombus score ≥ 3) or conventional PPCI, Six hundred seven subjects were enrolled in the study divided into Group with thrombectomy before PPCI (107 subjects, 18%), and group with Conventional PCI (500 subjects, 82%). ST-segment resolution, peak CK-MB, TIMI score, thrombus score, and MBG were assessed; stent number, diameter, length and stented segment were reported and follow up MACCE was reported (in hospital and 1-year post-intervention).RESULTS:Mean values for peak CKMB were less in thrombectomy group (228 ± 174 I/U vs 269 ± 186 I/U, p = 0.04), ST segment resolution ≥ 70% occurred in {63 subjects (58.9%) vs 233 (46.6%), p = 0.001} in thrombectomy vs conventional group respectively. TIMI score pre procedure was zero in (102 subjects (95%) vs 402 (80.4%), p = 0.001), while TIMI III post procedure was reported in (100 subjects (93.4%) vs 437 (87%), p = 0.06), MBG mean values were (2.4 ± 0.6 vs 2.0 ± 1, p = 0.001), thrombus score was higher in thrombectomy group (4.6 ± 0.4 vs 0.8 ± 1.7, p = 0.001) in thrombectomy vs conventional group respectively. Direct stenting was { 34 patients (31%) vs 102 patients (20%), p = 0.05}, mean stent diameter (2.7 ± 1.3 mm vs 3.5 ± 1.3 mm, p = 0.3), mean stent length was (19.9 mm ± 10 versus 22.7 mm ± 8 in p 0.01). mean stent number was (1.0 ± 0.5 vs 1.2 ± 0.6, p = 0.001), mean stented segment was (22.5 ± 13.5 vs 28.5 ± 15.2 mm, p = 0.001) in thrombectomy vs conventional group respectively. MACCE in hospital were reported in {9 subjects (8.4%) vs 70 (14%), p = 0.07)}. Follow up MACCE after 1 year reported in {6 subjects (5.6 %) vs 80 (16 %), p 0.= 4} in thrombectomy vs conventional group respectively.CONCLUSION:Thrombus aspiration before primary PCI (in a selected group with thrombus score ≥ 3) improves myocardial perfusion, suggested by better ST-segment resolution, TIMI flow, less peak CKMB and MBG, associated with a higher rate of direct stenting, shorter stent length, stented segments and less number of stents. Although thrombus aspiration was done in more risky patients (higher thrombus score) MACCE (in hospital and 1 year follow up) showed no statistical difference.

SS31. Comparable Patency of Open and Endovascular Treatment of Venous Anastomotic Lesions in Hemodialysis Grafts

Arteriovenous graft (AVG) failures are typically associated with venous anastomotic stenosis. Most studies comparing outcomes of open vs endovascular thrombectomy have shown equipoise, but the inherent bias of these studies has been the fact that the venous anastomosis was managed with endovascular means even in the open surgical thrombectomy groups. There is little evidence to support balloon venoplasty or stenting as more durable compared with patch venoplasty or proximal bypass extension of the AVG. Consecutive patients with an AVG who underwent the first thrombectomy and a venous anastomosis intervention between January 2014 and July 2018 were included in our study. Patients’ demographics, previous access history, central vein patency, AVG anatomy, type of intervention, and follow-up data were recorded. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze time from thrombectomy to first reintervention (postintervention primary patency) and time to abandonment (postintervention secondary patency). Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of failure. Our study included 105 patients (51 women; 64.2 ± 14.9 years old) with 42 forearm, 51 upper arm, and 12 lower extremity AVGs. There were 37 open revisions (26 patches, 11 proximal jump bypasses) and 68 endovascular interventions at the venous anastomosis (14 stent grafts, 5 cutting balloons); 6 of these were performed entirely percutaneously. Technique selection was based on the physician’s preference. There were no differences between open and endovascular groups in baseline demographics or graft anatomy, material, or age. Grafts undergoing open revision had an average of 1.3 ± 1.9 previous interventions, whereas those undergoing endovascular intervention had 0.46 ± 1.0 (P < .01). Postintervention primary patency for open and endovascular groups was 31.2% and 36.0% at 6 months and 21.0% and 14.0% at 12 months (P = .727). Secondary patency was 63.9% and 51.4% at 6 months for open and endovascular interventions, respectively, and 40.5% and 36.6% at 12 months (P = .677). The open group required an average of 3.0 procedures to maintain secondary patency to 12 months, whereas the endovascular group averaged 1.8 procedures (P = .198). The strongest predictor for primary failure was percutaneous thrombectomy (hazard ratio [HR], 4.18; P < .01), whereas the presence of an existing stent at the venous anastomosis (HR, 3.85; P < .05) and the age of the graft (HR, 0.973; P < .05) were predictive of abandonment. Open vs endovascular intervention was not predictive of failure or abandonment. Open and endovascular interventions at the venous anastomosis of AVGs lead to poor but comparable patency rates at 6 and 12 months.

Combined intravenous and endovascular treatment versus primary mechanical thrombectomy. The Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke

Whether mechanical thrombectomy alone may achieve better or at least equal clinical outcome than mechanical thrombectomy combined with intravenous thrombolysis is a matter of debate. From the Italian Registry of Endovascular Stroke Treatment, we extracted all cases treated with intravenous thrombolysis followed by mechanical thrombectomy or with primary mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation stroke due to proximal vessel occlusion. We included only patients who would have qualified for intravenous thrombolysis. We compared outcomes of the two groups by using multivariate regression analysis and propensity score method. We included 1148 patients, treated with combined intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy therapy (n = 635; 55.3%), or with mechanical thrombectomy alone (n = 513; 44.7%). Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups, except for a shorter onset to groin puncture time (p < 0.05) in the mechanical thrombectomy group. A shift in the 90-day modified Rankin Scale distributions toward a better outcome was found in favor of the combined treatment (adjusted common odds ratio = 1.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.66). Multivariate analyses on binary outcome show that subjects who underwent combined treatment had higher probability to survive with modified Rankin Scale 0-3 (odds ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.95) and lower case fatality rate (odds ratio = 0.6; 95% confidence interval: 0.44-0.9). Hemorrhagic transformation did not differ between the two groups. These data seem to indicate that combined intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy could be associated with lower probability of death or severe dependency after three months from stroke due to large vessel occlusion, supporting the current guidelines of treating eligible patients with intravenous thrombolysis before mechanical thrombectomy.

Outcomes of Thrombectomy in Transferred Patients With Ischemic Stroke in the Late Window

Although thrombectomy benefit was maintained in transfer patients with ischemic stroke in early-window trials, overall functional independence rates were lower in thrombectomy and medical management-only groups. To evaluate whether the imaging-based selection criteria used in the Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke 3 (DEFUSE 3) trial would lead to comparable outcome rates and treatment benefits in transfer vs direct-admission patients. Subgroup analysis of DEFUSE 3, a prospective, randomized, multicenter, blinded-end point trial. Patients were enrolled between May 2016 and May 2017 and were followed up for 90 days. The trial comprised 38 stroke centers in the United States and 182 patients with stroke with a large-vessel anterior circulation occlusion and initial infarct volume of less than 70 mL, mismatch ratio of at least 1.8, and mismatch volume of at least 15 mL, treated within 6 to 16 hours from last known well. Patients were stratified based on whether they presented directly to the study site or were transferred from a primary center. Data were analyzed between July 2018 and October 2018. Endovascular thrombectomy plus standard medical therapy vs standard medical therapy alone. The primary outcome was the distribution of 90-day modified Rankin Scale scores. Of the 296 patients who consented, 182 patients were randomized (66% were transfer patients and 34% directly presented to a study site). Median age was 71 years (interquartile range [IQR], 60-79 years) vs 70 years (IQR, 59-80 years); 69 transfer patients were women (57%) and 23 of the direct group were women (37%). Transfer patients had longer median times from last known well to study site arrival (9.43 vs 9 hours) and more favorable collateral profiles (based on hypoperfusion intensity ratio): median for transfer, 0.35 (IQR, 0.18-0.47) vs 0.42 (IQR, 0.25-0.56) for direct (P = .05). The primary outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale score shift) did not differ in the direct vs transfer groups (direct OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-7.2; P = .01; transfer OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-4.8; P = .009). The overall functional independence rate (90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) in the thrombectomy group did not differ (direct 44% vs transfer 45%) nor did the treatment effect (direct OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.9-4.4 vs transfer OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.6-6.1). Thrombectomy reperfusion rates, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates did not differ. In late-window patients selected by penumbral mismatch criteria, both the favorable outcome rate and treatment effect did not decline in transfer patients. These results have health care implications indicating transferring potential candidates for late-window thrombectomy is associated with substantial clinical benefits and should be encouraged. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02586415.

Therapy for acute basilar artery occlusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: This study aims to analyse the efficacy of different treatment methods for acute basilar artery occlusion, with an emphasis placed on evaluating the latest treatment methods. Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to analyse the current data on the therapies available for treating acute basilar artery occlusion. Results: A total of 102 articles were included. The weighted pooled rate of mortality was 43.16% (95% CI 38.35-48.03%) in the intravenous thrombolysis group, 45.56% (95% CI 39.88-51.28) in the intra-arterial thrombolysis group, and 31.40% (95% CI 28.31-34.56%) for the endovascular thrombectomy group. The weighted pooled rate of Modified Ranking Score (mRS) 0-2 at 3 months was 31.40 (95% CI 28.31-34.56%) in the IVT group, 28.29% (95% CI 23.16-33.69%) in the IAT group, and 35.22% (95% CI 32.39-38.09%) for the EVT group. Meta-analyses were also done for the secondary outcomes of recanalization and symptomatic haemorrhage. There was no difference between stent retriever and thrombo-aspiration thrombectomy on subgroup analysis in both clinical outcome and safety profile. Limitations: The included studies were observational in nature. There was significant heterogeneity in some of the outcomes. Conclusions: Superior outcomes and better recanalization rates for acute basilar occlusion were seen with patients managed with endovascular thrombectomy when compared with either intravenous and/or intraarterial thrombolysis. No superiority of stent-retrievers over thrombo-aspiration thrombectomy was seen.

Comparation of the effect of Solitaire stent thrombectomy versus intravenous thrombolysis on stroke due to acute vertebrobasilar occlusion in the elderly

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of solitaire stent thrombectomy versus intravenous thrombolysis for treatment of elderly stroke patients with acute vertebrobasilar occlusion. Methods Clinical data of 76 patients with acute vertebrobasilar occlusion at the neurology department of Anyang People's Hospital from May 2014 to July 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were divided into two groups: solitaire stent thrombectomy group(n=30)and intravenous thrombolysis group(n=46). Recanalization rates, score improvement rate in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NHISS)after 24 hours of treatment, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate and mortality at 90 days after treatment were compared between the two groups. Results The recanalization rate, NIHSS score improvement rate at 24 hours after treatment and the improvement rate of Modified Rankin Scale(mRS)score at 90 days after treatment were significantly higher in the solitaire stent thrombectomy group than in the intravenous thrombolysis group〔86.7%(26/30)vs.45.7%(21/46), 66.7%(20/30)vs.34.8%(16/46), 53.3%(16/30)vs.23.9%(11/46), χ2=6.543, 3.900 and 3.761, P=0.012, 0.041 and 0.046, respectively〕. No significant difference in incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was found between the two groups〔6.7%(2/30)vs.19.6%(9/46), χ2=0.813, P=0.357〕. The mortality at 90 days after treatment were significantly lower in the solitaire stent thrombectomy group than in the intravenous thrombolysis group〔0.0%(0/30)vs.30.4%(14/46), P=0.017〕. Conclusions Solitaire stent thrombectomy versus intravenous thrombolysis has better efficacy and higher safety in treating acute stroke due to vertebrobasilar occlusion in elderly patients. Key words: Arterial occlusive diseases; Stroke; Thrombolytic therapy

Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis: a systematic review

Conventional treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities by anticoagulation alone has been proven to be insufficient to prevent recurrence and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Early restoration of venous patency and preservation of valvular function by endovascular surgery has been advocated. The aim of this study was to review the efficacy and safety of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) against catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in the treatment of acute iliofemoral DVT. Three hundred sixty-nine articles were identified through screening of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from January 2006 to December 2016. Fifteen retrospective studies and one prospective registry, totalling 1170 patients, were recruited for qualitative synthesis. The venous patency rate ranged from 75% to 100% with mean follow-up of 12.3 months. The rates of PTS and recurrent DVT were less than 17% and 15%, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 0.26%. Compared with CDT, PMT was shown to reduce PTS at 1 year (Villalta score: 2.1 ± 3.0 in the PMT group and 5.1 ± 4.1 in the CDT group, P=0.03) and bleeding complications (packed cells transfused: 0.2 ± 0.3 units in the pharmacomechanical thrombectomy group and 1.2 ± 0.7 units in the CDT group, P<0.05). Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy is a safe and effective treatment for acute iliofemoral DVT in terms of restoration of venous patency, prevention of DVT recurrence, and PTS. Compared with CDT alone, PMT offers a lower risk of PTS and bleeding complications.

Outcomes of Stent Retriever versus Aspiration-First Thrombectomy in Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There is ongoing debate regarding the optimal first-line thrombectomy technique for large-vessel occlusion. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies on stent retriever-first and aspiration-first thrombectomy. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE from 2009 to February 2018. Two reviewers independently selected the studies. The primary end point was successful reperfusion (TICI 2b/3). Random-effects meta-analysis was used for analysis. Eighteen studies including 2893 patients were included. There was no significant difference in the rate of final successful reperfusion (83.9% versus 83.3%; OR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.62%-1.27%) or good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.80-1.44) between the stent-retriever thrombectomy and aspiration groups. The stent-retriever thrombectomy-first group achieved a statistically significant higher TICI 2b/3 rate after the first-line device than the aspiration-first group (74.9% versus 66.4%; OR = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.14%-2.05%) and resulted in lower use of a rescue device (19.9% versus 32.5%; OR = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14%-0.90%). The aspiration-first approach resulted in a statistically shorter groin-to-reperfusion time (weighted mean difference, 7.15 minutes; 95% CI, 1.63-12.67 minutes). There was no difference in the number of passes, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, vessel dissection or perforation, and mortality between groups. Most of the included studies were nonrandomized. There was significant heterogeneity in some of the outcome variables. Stent-retriever thrombectomy-first and aspiration-first thrombectomy were associated with comparable final reperfusion rates and functional outcome. Stent-retriever thrombectomy was superior in achieving reperfusion as a stand-alone first-line technique, with lower use of rescue devices but a longer groin-to-reperfusion time.

Administration routes affect thrombolytic effect of catheter-directed thrombolysis with pro-urokinase in treating deep vein thrombosis.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common disorder with a significant mortality rate. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a preferred treatment for DVT patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the thrombolytic effect of CDT with pro-urokinase (pro-UK) in different administration routes. An inferior vena cava (IVC) model was induced in 36 New Zealand white rabbits by catheter injury and placement of IVC filter. The animals were divided into 6 groups with 6 rabbits in each group: group A: systemic thrombolysis with intravenous injection; group B: CDT with pump infusion; group C: CDT with pulse injection; group D: CDT with combination of pump infusion and pulse injection; group E: catheter-directed aspiration thrombectomy; group F: mechanical thrombectomy. The thrombolytic effects were evaluated by color Doppler ultrasound and blood measurement of D-dimer and fibrinogen. The minimum effective concentration of pro-UK solution was identified. Two groups (group A and B) did not achieve successful thrombolysis. Among all catheter-directed administration groups, the rabbit groups that received pro-UK therapy through catheter-directed thrombolytic pump infusion combined with pulse injection (group D) showed the best thrombolysis effect. In contrast, catheter-directed aspiration thrombectomy (group E) is effective but not safe. CDT with combination of pump infusion and pulse injection of pro-UK safely and significantly improves thrombolysis procedure in rabbits, suggesting potential benefits from the use of CDT in proximal DVT.

Extrahepatic bile duct resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombi

Objective To review the role of extrahepatic bile duct resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombi. Methods The Pubmed, Wan Fang and China Science and Technology Journal Database were reviewed systematically. Any case reports or studies involving treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombi were included in this literature search. Two authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion and extracted the data. Univariate analysis was used to compare the baseline characteristics and the Kaplan-Meier method was used for analyzing survival and disease-free survival outcomes. Results Using predetermined inclusion criteria, 16 studies which included 170 patients entered into this study. All these patients underwent surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma and bile duct tumor thrombi. Based on the Satoh classification, 45 patients were type Ⅰ, 107 patients type Ⅱ and 18 patients type Ⅲ. Twenty-four patients underwent liver resection combined with extrahepatic bile duct resection. The remaining 146 patients underwent liver resection combined with thrombectomy. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of all the patients were 73.4%, 41.5% and 21.8%, and the corresponding recurrences free survival rates were 62.5%, 29.2% and 13.1%, respectively. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, there were no significant differences in the survival outcomes between the 2 groups of patients, (P>0.05). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of the extrahepatic bile duct resection group were 66.7%, 41.7% and 12.5%, and those of the thrombectomy group were 74.6%, 41.3% and 23.8%, respectively. On subgroup analysis (Satoh type Ⅱ and Ⅲ), no significant differences were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of the extrahepatic bile duct resection group were 65.2%, 38.0% and 13.0%, and those of the thrombectomy group were 72.8%, 39.5% and 20.9%, respectively. Conclusion Extrahepatic bile duct resection did not improve the overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombi. Key words: Carcinoma, hepatocellular; Bile duct tumor thrombi; Hepatectomy; Thrombectomy; Extrahepatic bile duct resection

Application of the DAWN clinical imaging mismatch and DEFUSE 3 selection criteria: benefit seems similar but restrictive volume cut-offs might omit potential responders.

An external validation of the selection criteria of diffusion-weighted imaging or computerized tomography perfusion assessment with clinical mismatch in the triage of wake-up and late-presenting strokes undergoing the Neurointervention with Trevo (DAWN) and the Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke (DEFUSE3) trials was conducted in a cohort of unknown onset stroke (UOS) patients treated with thrombectomy. A validation cohort of UOS patients was selected from a prospectively collected thrombectomy database to match the inclusion criteria of DAWN and DEFUSE 3. Patients with an initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥10 were stratified according to the DAWN selection criteria. Patients ≤90 years old with an initial NIHSS ≥6 were stratified according to the DEFUSE 3 selection criteria. The proportions of patients with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2 at 3 months follow-up were compared between DAWN-eligible patients and the DAWN trial thrombectomy group, and between DEFUSE 3-eligible patients and the DEFUSE 3 trial thrombectomy group. Of the 60/102 (59%) DAWN-eligible patients, 26 patients (43%) reached a mRS ≤2 at 3 months follow-up [versus 52/107 patients (49%) in the DAWN trial thrombectomy group; P = 0.52]. Of the 100/117 (85%) DEFUSE 3-eligible patients, 48 patients (48%) reached a mRS ≤2 at 3 months follow-up [versus 41/92 patients (45%) in the DEFUSE 3 trial thrombectomy group; P = 0.67]. Of the DAWN-ineligible and DEFUSE 3-ineligible patients who underwent thrombectomy, 38% (16/42) and 41% (7/17) of patients reached a mRS ≤2, respectively. The results of the DAWN and DEFUSE 3 trials were externally validated in a UOS cohort where the trials' selection criteria identified a similar proportion of responders to thrombectomy.