Thrombectomy For Acute Ischemic Stroke Research Articles

Intensive blood pressure lowering after endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background Endovascular thrombectomy is an effective treatment in those with acute ischemic stroke. However, following successful reperfusion there are still many uncertainties as to the factors which influence patient outcome. Effective blood pressure management in this cohort has been elicited as one of these factors, with worse outcomes seen at both the high and low extremes. Purpose Pinpointing an optimal systolic blood pressure target after this procedure is still uncertain. We aimed to perform an updated meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intensive blood pressure management as compared to conventional blood pressure management in this patient population. Methods We searched various electronic databases, including Embase, MEDLINE (via PubMed), and CENTRAL, to retrieve relevant RCTs evaluating a strategy of intensive blood pressure management after endovascular thrombectomy compared to conventional management. We pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) with 95% CI for continuous outcomes, using RevMan 5.4. Results The meta-analysis included 4 RCTs with a total of 1560 patients. According to the analysis, intensive blood pressure management was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the number of patients showing functional independence (modified Rankin scale mRS score=0-2) at 90 days (RR 0.81; CI = 0.72-0.91; I2 = 12%). Regarding 90-day mortality, the pooled results from three RCTs showed no statistically significant difference between the intensive blood pressure management group and the conventional blood pressure management group (RR 1.17; CI = 0.90-1.52; I2 = 0%). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the incidence of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) (RR 1.05; CI = 0.90-1.23; I2 = 0%) and the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) (RR 1.10; CI = 0.76-1.60; I2 = 0%). Conclusion The meta-analysis showed no benefit of intensive lowering of blood pressure in terms of functional independence at 90 days, mortality rates, and incidence of ICH. Future large-scale trials should focus on other interventions to improve prognosis in these patients.Figure 1Figure 2

Comparative analysis of single plane and biplane angiography systems for mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe choice of angiography system could influence the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but its impact is not yet well understood. This...

Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Tenecteplase Before Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: The Multicenter, Randomized, BRIDGE-TNK Trial Protocol.

Six randomized trials have not detected a difference between intravenous alteplase plus endovascular thrombectomy and endovascular thrombectomy alone in stroke. Tenecteplase, a recombinant human tenecteplase tissue-type plasminogen activator, is a genetically modified variant of alteplase. It is unclear whether the outcomes are different if alteplase is replaced with tenecteplase. This trial aims to determine whether intravenous tenecteplase within 4.5 hours of time last known well confers benefit in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion who undergo endovascular thrombectomy. BRIDGE-TNK (Thrombectomy With Versus Without rhTNK-tPA in Stroke) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label trial with blinded end point evaluation conducted at 40 thrombectomy-capable centers in China. This trial will randomize 544 patients with intravenous thrombolysis-eligible stroke (272 in each arm) with large-vessel occlusion within 4.5 hours of last known well to receive bridging intravenous tenecteplase with endovascular thrombectomy (tenecteplase-plus-thrombectomy group) or endovascular thrombectomy alone (thrombectomy-alone group). The primary outcome is the proportion of patients achieving functional independence, defined as a score of 0 to 2 on the modified Rankin Scale, at 90 days. Safety will be assessed via symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at 48 hours and death at 90 days. BRIDGE-TNK will provide important data on the role of intravenous tenecteplase before endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion who can be treated within 4.5 hours of last known well. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT04733742.

Cholesterol Crystal Embolism Following Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Cholesterol Crystal Embolism Following Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Association of critical hypoperfusion biomarkers on CT with futile recanalization and poor outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke

Background and purposeWe aimed to investigate the association between critical perfusion delay and poor outcome among recanalized stroke patients with anterior large-vessel occlusion, and to use pretreatment hypoperfusion biomarkers on CT to predict futile recanalization even after successful thrombectomy.MethodsAn ischemic region with time-to-maximum (Tmax) > 12s–10s was defined as critical hypoperfusion, Tmax > 8s as moderate hypoperfusion, and hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR, volumetric ratio of Tmax > 10s / Tmax > 6s) represented for severity of critical hypoperfusion and rCBF < 30% for ischemic core. The associations between these CT perfusion characteristics and favorable or unfavorable outcome (mRS 0–2 versus 3–6) were analyzed in univariable regression, and a multivariable model was then used to predict futile recanalization.ResultsSeventy-nine stroke patients were included and had good grades of instant recanalization. Forty-two patients (53%) had poor outcomes, and they had a significantly larger volume of critical hypoperfusion as seen with Tmax > 10s and > 12s (P = 0.032 and 0.008, respectively), a larger volume of ischemic core (P = 0.011) and a higher HIR (P = 0.002) than those patients achieving good outcomes. In the univariable analysis, a lower HIR (OR, 0.008; 95%CI, 0.001–0.254, P = 0.006) was associated with favorable outcome. The volume size of Tmax > 12s was significantly and positively correlated with the size of ischemic core. A HIR value higher than 0.491 might predict a futile recanalization and poor outcome (AUC = 0.701).ConclusionsThe critical hypoperfusion biomarkers on CTP could be useful in triaging endovascular treatment and identifying stroke patients at risk of futile recanalization.

Modern Aspects of Endovascular Thrombectomy of Acute Ischemic Stroke. Selection Criteria for Endovascular Thrombectomy. Prediction Of Treatment Outcomes

Endovascular thrombectomy (ET) effectively and safely recanalizes the occluded artery and restores the ischemic area in patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS), improving the clinical prognosis of stroke in the anterior and posterior circulation system, expanding the time therapeutic window from no more than 6 to 24 hours, greatly increasing the chances of functional independence and survival. However, some patients develop an unfavorable postoperative outcome, complications and “ineffectiveness” of revascularization. The thrombectomy result depends not only on the patient selection criteria, timing and success of the procedure, but on many other factors as well. Despite the advances in stroke treatment, the issues of neuroimaging and patient selection for ET remain relevant; the pathophysiological mechanisms of the influence of some factors on the effectiveness of the procedure are not completely clear; the causes of “uneffective” revascularization, unfavorable outcome and mortality after ET are unclear. An analysis of global experience in treating ischemic stroke with ET showed the heterogeneity of the patient selection criteria, clinical and neuroimaging variables, prognostic factors and treatment outcomes, which makes it difficult to draw a general conclusion and requires further targeted research. The article discusses the issues of patient selection, pathophysiological mechanisms of the influence of some risk factors on the outcome of ischemic stroke and the causes of unfavorable outcome and death after ET.

Impact of D-dimer on the outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There has been growing data about the association between D-dimer levels and thrombectomy outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients (AIS) with no cumulative evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to discuss and analyze the findings of the current studies to provide more robust evidence in this regard. A systematic search was conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus to retrieve all relevant investigations. A meta-analysis was conducted, and the results were presented in odds ratio (ORs) for binary variables and ratio of means (ROM) for continuous variables, each accompanied by its respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After searching and screening, 14 studies were included. The analysis showed that the low D-dimer group had significantly higher rates of favorable functional outcome (OR: 4.40; 95%CI: 2.65-7.30; p < 0.001, n = 3) and recanalization (OR: 4.13; 95%CI: 1.57-10.84; p = 0.004, n = 3) than the high one. The association between D-dimer levels and first-pass effect and re-occlusion risk was also demonstrated. Eventually, two studies also demonstrated a significant association between high D-dimer levels and deep venous thrombosis and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage as post-thrombectomy complications. Current evidence indicates a significant association between D-dimer levels and post-thrombectomy outcomes in AIS patients. However, current data are remarkably heterogeneous, and additional comparative investigations are needed.

Association between basal ganglia infarction and hemorrhagic transformation after mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: insights from the DIRECT-MT trial

BackgroundAcute ischemic stroke (AIS) often leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective intervention for large vessel occlusion strokes. However, hemorrhagic transformation (HT) remains a critical...

The Evolution of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischaemic Stroke: A Decade In Dublin

Abstract Background The advent of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has entirely transformed hyperacute care for patients with stroke. We studied changing trends in MT provision over a decade, spanning participation in pivotal randomised controlled trials, evolving neuro-interventional techniques, a global pandemic and expanding treatment indications in a comprehensive stroke centre in Dublin. Methods Consecutive patients treated with MT were prospectively recorded between January 2012 and December 2022. We compared baseline clinical and imaging data, treatment times and procedural and clinical outcomes both on an annual basis and across the totality of the epoch. Results 2211 MT patients were recorded. Total annual numbers were: 36 (2012), 53 (2013), 46 (2014), 122 (2015), 172 (2016), 248 (2017), 262 (2018), 306 (2019), 301 (2020), 326 (2021) and 338 (2022). Between 2012 and 2022 patients treated with MT became older (mean age: 65.6yrs (SD:13.8) vs 70.0yrs (SD: 14.6); p=0.017), had greater infarct volumes (median baseline ASPECTS: 10 (IQR:9-10) vs 9(IQR:8-10): p=0.045) and were treated faster (median door-to-recanalisation: 70mins vs 39 mins; p&amp;lt;0.0001). Patients were less likely to have witnessed stroke onset (100% vs 54%; p&amp;lt;0.0001), receive IV tPA (72% vs 38%; p&amp;lt;0.0001) or have thrombus located in the intracranial ICA or M1-MCA (95% vs 65%: P&amp;lt;0.0001). No significant variations in pre-stroke mRS, baseline NIHSS, onset-to-recanalisation times, rates of successful recanalisation (86% vs 91%: p0.29) or 90-day mRS (0-2: 44% vs 50%; p0.68) were observed. Conclusion As our service has evolved, patients presenting for MT have become more complex, are treated faster and continue to achieve excellent clinical and radiological outcomes.

Delayed door to puncture time during off-duty hours is associated with unfavorable outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy in the early window of acute ischemic stroke

BackgroundsThe impact of off-duty hours mechanical thrombectomy on outcomes remains a subject of controversy. The impacts of off-duty hours on procedures are influenced by various factors, but the most critical one is the time delay in initiating the procedure after the patient’s arrival at the emergency room. Recently, a report suggested that the impact of time delay on post-procedural outcomes is evident in patients who arrive at the emergency room within 6 h of symptom onset, referred to as the “early window.” We hypothesized that the impact of procedure delays on outcomes during off duty-hours would be most significant within this early window. This study aimed to investigate the impact of door-to-puncture time (DTPT) delays in patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during off-duty hours in both the early and late time windows.MethodsWe investigated patients who presented to the emergency center between 2014 and 2022. Among a total of 6,496 AIS patients, we selected those who underwent mechanical thrombectomy within 24 h of the onset of acute anterior circulation occlusion. The eligible patients were divided into two groups: those who arrived within 6 h of symptom onset and received the procedure within 8 h (early window), and those who received the procedure between 8 h and 24 h after symptom onset (late window). The study assessed the association between the onset to puncture time in each group and poor outcomes, measured by the modified Rankin scores(mRs) at 90 days. Furthermore, the study analyzed the impact of receiving the procedure during off-hours in both the early and late windows on outcomes. Specifically, the analysis focused on the impact of delayed DTPT in patients during off-duty hours on outcomes measured by the 90-days mRS.ResultsAmong the eligible patients, a total of 501 AIS patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation occlusion within 24 h. Of these, 395 patients (78.8%) fell into the early window category, and 320 patients (63.9%) underwent the procedure during off-duty hours. In the early window, for every 60-minute increase in OTPT, the probability of occurrence a poor outcome at 90 days significantly increased in the fully adjusted model (OR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.43; p = 0.03). In the early window, delayed procedures during off-duty hours (exceeding 103 min of DTPT) were identified as an independent predictor of poor outcomes (OR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.05 to 3.24; p = 0.03). However, in the late window, there was no association between DTPT and outcomes at 90 days, and the impact of DTPT delays during off-hours was not observed.ConclusionsThrough this study, it became evident that the impacts of off-duty hours in mechanical thrombectomy were most pronounced in the early window, where the impact of time delay was clear. Therefore, it is believed that improvements in the treatment system are necessary to address this issue.

Trans-Clot MAP gradient: A novel innovative technique during thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with potential applications for assessing collateral circulation, determining clot etiology, informing device selection, and predicting first-pass success.

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy has significantly improved recovery in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). While traditional patient selection has relied on factors such as last known well and penumbra volume, emerging research highlights the importance of collateral circulation in influencing thrombectomy success. However, current methods to assess collateral circulation are often unreliable and lack standardization, limiting their integration into clinical decision-making and prompting the need for innovative approaches. This study introduces trans-clot manometry as a promising approach for quantitatively assessing collateral blood flow before thrombectomy. Two patients were included in this study: a 64-year-old female with a left M1 near-complete occlusion and an 81-year-old male with a left P1 occlusion. After receiving intravenous tenecteplase, each patient underwent emergent thrombectomy where intraoperative trans-clot manometry revealed significant trans-clot mean arterial pressure (MAP) gradients (66.7% for Patient 1 and 96.9% for Patient 2). Both patients had successful first-pass thrombectomy (Patient 1: TICI 3; Patient 2: TICI 3), with substantial clinical improvement (Patient 1: NIHSS 11 to 1; Patient 2: NIHSS 19 to 8). Intraoperative trans-clot manometry offers a simple yet powerful, objective, and generalizable measure of collateral circulation, applicable to a wide range of AIS cases regardless of clot location or vessel size. In addition, real-time correlations with heart-rate variability and radial artery pressures provide an intrinsic quality control, ensuring proper execution of the technique and accuracy of the resulting MAP gradient. Future research will focus on validating this approach, determining its generalizability, and establishing MAP gradient thresholds to enhance device selection and predict first-pass success.

Predictors of favorable functional outcomes for elderly patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke

PurposeThe aim of this study was to identify factors that predict favorable functional outcomes in elderly patients with large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (LVO-AIS) who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study using the prospectively maintained Bigdata Observatory for Stroke of China (BOSC) to identify eligible patients who underwent MT for LVO-AIS at four comprehensive stroke centers between August 2019 and February 2022. Inclusion criteria included patients aged 80 years or older with a baseline modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) > 6, baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) > 6 who received treatment within 24 h from symptom onset. Pertinent demographic, clinical, and procedural variables were collected. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of favorable long-term functional outcomes, defined as mRS 0–2 at 90 days.ResultsA total of 63 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 83 years. Patients with previous diagnosis of atrial fibrillation were more likely to have a favorable functional outcome (OR 2.09, 95% CI 2.09–407.33, p = 0.012), while a higher baseline NIHSS was associated with a less favorable functional outcome (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46–0.89, p = 0.007). In addition, there was an observed trend suggesting an association between higher baseline ASPECTS and favorable functional outcomes. This association did not reach statistical significance (OR 2.49, 95% CI 0.94–6.54, p = 0.065).ConclusionIn this study, we identified factors that predicted a favorable functional outcome in elderly LVO-AIS patients undergoing MT. A higher baseline NIHSS decreased the odds of mRS 0–2 at 90 days, whereas a history of atrial fibrillation increased the odds of a favorable functional outcome. These results emphasize the complex relationship between clinical factors and functional recovery in this vulnerable population.

Age and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Large Ischemic Stroke Receiving Endovascular Thrombectomy

Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with large infarct. Patients older than 80 years with large infarct are commonly encountered in clinical practice but underrepresented in randomized clinical trials. To provide an age-based analysis of functional outcomes in endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic strokes with large infarct. This retrospective multicenter cohort study included patients from the German Stroke Registry who received endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with large infarct at 1 of 25 German stroke centers between May 2015 and December 2021. Patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and large infarct were included. Large infarct was defined as an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score of 0 to 5. Patients were subdivided by age to evaluate its association with functional outcomes. Age. Primary outcomes were independent ambulation (90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0-3) and mortality (90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 6). A total of 408 patients with large infarct were included (217 women [53.2%]; median [IQR] age, 75 [64-83] years). The rate of independent ambulation decreased from 56.4% in patients aged 60 years and younger (44 of 78 patients) to 15.1% in patients older than 80 years (19 of 126 patients) (P < .001), while mortality increased from 15.4% (12 patients) to 64.3% (81 patients) (P < .001). Being older than 80 years was associated with lower rates of independent ambulation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23-0.82; P = .01) and higher mortality (aOR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.61-4.72; P < .001). A final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade of 2b or 3 was associated with higher rates of independent ambulation (aOR, 4.95; 95% CI, 2.14-11.43; P < .001), independent of age and without significant interaction (aOR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.35-1.34; P = .27). In this cohort study of patients with acute ischemic stroke and large infarct, age was associated with functional outcomes. Patients older than 80 years had poor prognosis with high mortality but with sizeable differences depending on additional baseline and treatment characteristics. While it does not seem justified to apply a fixed upper age limit for endovascular thrombectomy, these results could assist clinicians in making informed treatment decisions in older patients with large ischemic stroke.

A systematic review of the socioeconomic impact of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke

BackgroundMechanical Thrombectomy (MT) is an efficacious treatment for severe acute ischemic stroke patients. However, access to MT is limited in many parts of the world, partly due to economic barriers. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide an updated frame about the socioeconomic impact of MT. MethodsTo carry out this systematic review we used the PRISMA guidelines. We included scientific articles analyzing the socioeconomic impact of MT for acute ischemic stroke, in which MT was compared to best medical therapy (BMT). The online databases of Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science were used as main sources of information. To carry out the comparative analysis, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used, relating the cost to quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Risk of bias was assessed with the Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC) and the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS). ResultsEight hundred thirty-two studies were identified in this systematic review. As a result, studies that used cost-effectiveness analysis show that MT saves costs in the long term and cost-utility analysis show that the cost per QALY is reasonable with a mean ICER value of $14242.36/QALY. ConclusionsMT has a favorable socioeconomic impact, as derived from cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses. Therefore, public policies should encourage the implementation of MT for stroke patients around the world.

Critical assessment and intervention in young patients with neurological emergencies

Neurological emergencies in young patients require prompt recognition and intervention to avert irreversible damage or death. These emergencies encompass acute conditions such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, status epilepticus, and infections like meningitis. Recent advancements in neuroimaging, including portable MRI, have significantly improved diagnostic capabilities. Management protocols are evolving, with notable progress in treatments such as intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. For status epilepticus, the timely administration of antiepileptic drugs is vital. Furthermore, addressing conditions like myasthenic crisis and acute intracranial hypertension involves specific interventions such as plasmapheresis, IV immunoglobulin, and targeted ventilation strategies. Delirium management in hospitalized patients highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Education and continuous professional development are essential to keep healthcare providers abreast of the latest diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. This review synthesizes current practices in the assessment and intervention of neurological emergencies, emphasizing the importance of timely, evidence-based management to improve patient outcomes.

Safety of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Thrombocytopenia.

The impact of low platelet count on outcomes in patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) is still unclear. In this study we have further explored the effect of thrombocytopenia on the safety and efficacy of MT in patients with anterior circulation Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) stroke. Patients with AIS who underwent MT at our center between June 2015 and November 2021 were examined. Based on the platelet count recorded on admission patients were divided into two groups: those with thrombocytopenia (<150 × 109/L) and those without thrombocytopenia (≥ 150 × 109/L). Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage (sICH) was the primary safety outcome. The efficacy outcome was functional independence defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the risk factors for post-procedure sICH and 90-day functional outcomes. Among 302 patients included in the study, thrombocytopenia was detected in 111 (36.8%) cases. Univariate analysis showed age, the proportion of atrial fibrillation, the rates of sICH, 90-day poor outcomes, and mortality to be higher in patients with thrombocytopenia (all p &#60; 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed thrombocytopenia to be independently associated with a higher rate of sICH (OR 2.022, 95% CI 1.074-3.807, p =0.029) however, thrombocytopenia did not affect the 90-day functional outcomes (OR 1.045, 95%CI 0.490-2.230, p =0.909) and mortality (OR 1.389, 95% CI 0.467- 4.130 p = 0.554). Thrombocytopenia may increase the risk of sICH but not affect the 90-day functional outcomes and mortality in patients with AIS treated with MT.</p>.

Medium Vessel Occlusions: The Next Frontier in Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Medium Vessel Occlusions: The Next Frontier in Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke with established large infarct (TENSION): 12-month outcomes of a multicentre, open-label, randomised trial

Long-term data showing the benefits of endovascular thrombectomy for stroke with large infarct are scarce. The TENSION trial showed the safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with ischaemic stroke and large infarct at 90 days. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy at 12 months of endovascular thrombectomy in patients who were enrolled in the TENSION trial. TENSION was an open-label, blinded endpoint, randomised trial done at 40 hospitals across Europe and one hospital in Canada. We included patients (aged ≥18 years) with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation and who had a large infarct, as indicated by an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic Score (ASPECTS) of 3-5 on standard-of-care stroke imaging. We randomly assigned patients (1:1) to receive either endovascular thrombectomy with medical treatment or medical treatment only up to 12 h from stroke onset. The primary outcome was functional outcome across the entire range of the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. Here, we report the prespecified 12-month follow-up analyses for functional outcome (using the simplified modified Rankin Scale questionnaire), quality of life (using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 10-item [PROMIS-10] and EQ-5D questionnaires), post-stroke anxiety and depression (using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 [PHQ-4]), and overall survival. Outcomes (except survival) were assessed in the intention-to-treat population; the survival analysis was based on treatment received. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03094715, and is completed. We enrolled patients between July 17, 2018, and Feb 21, 2023, when the trial was stopped early for efficacy. 253 patients were randomly assigned, 125 (49%) to endovascular thrombectomy and 128 (51%) to medical treatment only. Median follow-up was 8·36 months (IQR 0·02-12·00). Endovascular thrombectomy was associated with a shift in the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin Scale towards better functional outcome at 12 months (adjusted common odds ratio 2·39 [95% CI 1·47-3·90]). Endovascular thrombectomy was also associated with a better quality of life compared with medical treatment only, as reflected by median scores on the EQ-5D questionnaire index (0·7 [IQR 0·4-0·9] vs 0·4 [0·2-0·7]), median scores for health status on the EQ-5D questionnaire visual analogue scale (50 [IQR 35-70] vs 30 [5-60]), and median global physical health scores on the PROMIS-10 questionnaire (T-score 39·8 [IQR 37·4-50·8] vs 37·4 [32·4-44·9]); although there was not enough evidence to suggest a difference between groups in global mental health scores on PROMIS-10 (41·1 [IQR 36·3-48·3] vs 38·8 [31·3-44·7]) or the numbers of patients reporting anxiety (13 [22%] of 58 vs 15 [42%] of 36) and depression (18 [31%] vs 18 [50%]) on PHQ-4. Overall survival was slightly better in the endovascular thrombectomy group compared with medical treatment only (adjusted hazard ratio 0·70 [95% CI 0·50-0·99]). In patients with acute ischaemic stroke from large vessel occlusion with established large infarct, compared with medical treatment only, endovascular thrombectomy was associated at 12 months after stroke with better functional outcome, quality of life, and overall survival. These findings suggest that the benefits of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with an ischaemic stroke and a large infarct are sustained in the long term and support the use of endovascular thrombectomy in these patients. European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

Optimal Catheter Selection for Patients with Acute Stroke with Type III Aortic Arch Based on Magnetic Resonance Angiography Road Mapping of the Para-Aortic Transfemoral Access Route Before Mechanical Thrombectomy

Although mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke has a high recanalization rate, procedurally challenging lesions remain in approximately 10% of the cases. Type III aortic arches, due to their anatomical configuration, are a fundamental problem impacting this procedure. This study aimed to determine whether optimal catheter selection for type III aortic arches, using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)-based road mapping of the para-aortic transfemoral access route, reduces the time required for mechanical thrombectomy. We retrospectively evaluated 203 consecutive patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at multiple centers between April 2018 and July 2022. 23 patients were diagnosed with a type III aortic arch using MRA-based road mapping performed to visualize the para-aortic access route before neuro-interventional procedures. Among the 23 patients with type III aortic arches, 10 received a Simmons-type catheter (initial Simmons group) and 13 received a JB-2-type catheter (initial JB-2 group) as their first inner catheter. The time required for mechanical thrombectomy was compared between the groups. Compared with the initial JB-2 group, the initial Simmons group exhibited a significantly shorter "puncture-to-recanalization time" (105 vs. 53minutes, P=0.009) and "door-to-recanalization time" (164 vs. 129minutes, P=0.032). Optimal catheter selection by identifying the aortic arch before mechanical thrombectomy using MRA-based road mapping effectively reduced the mechanical thrombectomy time. This suggests that even in type III aorta cases, appropriate catheter selection may shorten the mechanical thrombectomy time and improve acute ischemic stroke prognosis.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Current State and Future Directions

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Current State and Future Directions