Thrombectomy For Acute Ischemic Stroke Research Articles

Endovascular treatment for young patients with acute large vessel occlusion stroke in China: analysis of the ANGEL-ACT registry.

The incidence of acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion is relatively infrequent in the young adult population. We sought to evaluate their clinical outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT) and stroke etiology compared with older patients. We examined data from the ANGEL-ACT registry, a nationwide study in China focusing on EVT for acute ischemic stroke. We compared two age groups: <50 years old and ≥50 years old. Our analysis focused on outcome measures such as the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). We adjusted for confounding variables. We included 1,691 patients, and 216 patients (13%) were <50 years old. Young patients had lower median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (14 vs. 17, P < 0.001) and fewer cardiovascular comorbidities than older patients. Underlying intracranial atherosclerosis disease (ICAD) was higher in young patients (39.4 vs. 28.7%, P = 0.001). Clinical outcome was less favorable in older compared to younger patients (mRS shift: 0.76 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.58-0.99]); functional independence [mRS score 0-2] 61% vs. 39% (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.7 [95% CI, 0.51-0.97]). Mortality and sICH did not differ between groups. Onset to puncture time (OTP) was longer in young patients (357 min vs. 294 min, P = 0.001). An estimated 13% of patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke were <50 years old. Symptomatic underlying ICAD was more prevalent in the younger patient population. Despite a prehospital delay, younger patients exhibited more favorable outcomes than their older counterparts.

Mechanical thrombectomy with a new intermediate balloon catheter combining the BGC and DAC features: Initial clinical experience with the iNedit device.

The iNedit balloon distal access catheter is a novel thrombectomy device. It has an inner diameter of 0.058″, proximal outer diameter of 2.13 mm, and distal outer diameter of 1.67mm. It is compatible with a 0.088″ guide catheter and includes a balloon located 5 cm from the catheter tip, enabling proximal flow restriction and combined therapy with stent retrievers. We investigate the appraisal of the use, safety, and efficacy of the iNedit catheter in the first-in-human study. In the preliminary cases that demanded training on the product previous to a multicentric study, prospective data were collected on 22 consecutive patients treated with the iNedit catheter to perform thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion within 24 h. The outcome measures consisted of several evaluations of user experience rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent), as well as assessments of procedural safety outcomes such as artery perforation and arterial occlusion, procedural efficacy outcomes including first-pass effect (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction [TICI] 2c/3) and final recanalization (TICI 2b/3), and clinical efficacy outcomes such as a 3-month 0-2 modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The mean age was 72 ± 12 years old; median National Institute Health Stroke Scale was 17 (11-19). Sites of primary occlusion were: 2 internal carotid artery, 12 M1-MCA, 7 M2-MCA, and one P1. Median score evaluation of the appraisal of use was 4- IQR [4-5]. The median number of passes was 1 [IQR 1-2]. First pass complete recanalization rate was 50% and the final recanalization rate was 94.45%. No artery perforation and arterial occlusion. Good functional outcome mRS 0-2 was achieved in 50% of patients. In this initial clinical experience, iNedit device achieved a high rate of first-pass effect and final recanalization rate with no safety concerns, thus favoring a high percentage of good clinical outcomes.

Endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke with established large infarct: multicentre, open-label, randomised trial

Recent evidence suggests a beneficial effect of endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke with large infarct; however, previous trials have relied on multimodal brain imaging, whereas non-contrast CT is mostly used in clinical practice. In a prospective multicentre, open-label, randomised trial, patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation and a large established infarct indicated by an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic Score (ASPECTS) of 3-5 were randomly assigned using a central, web-based system (using a 1:1 ratio) to receive either endovascular thrombectomy with medical treatment or medical treatment (ie, standard of care) alone up to 12 h from stroke onset. The study was conducted in 40 hospitals in Europe and one site in Canada. The primary outcome was functional outcome across the entire range of the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days, assessed by investigators masked to treatment assignment. The primary analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population. Safety endpoints included mortality and rates of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and were analysed in the safety population, which included all patients based on the treatment they received. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03094715. From July 17, 2018, to Feb 21, 2023, 253 patients were randomly assigned, with 125 patients assigned to endovascular thrombectomy and 128 to medical treatment alone. The trial was stopped early for efficacy after the first pre-planned interim analysis. At 90 days, endovascular thrombectomy was associated with a shift in the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin Scale towards better outcome (adjusted common OR 2·58 [95% CI 1·60-4·15]; p=0·0001) and with lower mortality (hazard ratio 0·67 [95% CI 0·46-0·98]; p=0·038). Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage occurred in seven (6%) patients with thrombectomy and in six (5%) with medical treatment alone. Endovascular thrombectomy was associated with improved functional outcome and lower mortality in patients with acute ischaemic stroke from large vessel occlusion with established large infarct in a setting using non-contrast CT as the predominant imaging modality for patient selection. EU Horizon 2020.

Thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke without advanced imaging

Thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke without advanced imaging

In vitro comparison of manual and robotic endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.

Robotic endovascular systems have the potential to reduce radiation exposure to physicians and expand timely neurointerventional access to patients in remote areas. The goal of the study was to determine the feasibility of robotic endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in an in vitro model. In vitro procedures were conducted manually and robotically using the Corpath GRX robotic system in a human vascular simulator with an elastic ovine clot in the M1 segment of the left middle cerebral artery. Due to the limited device compatibility of the CorPath GRX, a simple technique with a stent retriever and guiding catheter without a balloon was used in the study. Seven robotic EVT and manual EVT were carried out in each group. Metrics including procedural time, success rate, and radiation dose were compared between the two groups. In robotic EVT, the mean total preparation and procedural time was 892 s, which was significantly longer than manual operation at 357 (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the success rate between the two approaches (robotic: 28.6% vs. manual 42.9%, p = 0.577). The mean radiation exposure to operating physicians was significantly lower during robotic operation compared to manual operation (0.02 μSv vs. 0.22 μSv, p < 0.0001). Robotic EVT was feasible in our human vascular simulator with significantly reduced radiation exposure to the operating physicians, despite an increased length of procedure when compared to manual procedures. Future technological advancement is warranted for reducing procedural length using endovascular robotic techniques.

Predictors of Adverse Clinical Outcomes after Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction. Stroke is recognized as one of the most significant global socio-economic issues. Endovascular interventions, including mechanical thrombectomy of cerebral arteries, have been increasingly performed during the past decade to restore impaired cerebral blood flow in the first hours from the onset of the disease. However, it has been observed that the technical success of the procedure does not always imply an improvement in the clinical condition of a patient.Materials and methods. The study retrospectively analyzes the outcomes of interventions in 86 acute ischemic stroke patients in order to identify factors that can exert an adverse effect on the first hours of the disease and potentially worsen the results of reperfusion therapy. The study involves patients aged 35–85 years (mean age 66.82±1.52 years), predominantly males (57 males versus 29 females). 42 patients (49%) suffered atrial fibrillation, of which 28 (66.7%) had permanent, 11 (26.2%) — paroxysmal, 3 — persistent atrial fibrillation (7.1%), and 27 (31.4%) suffered diabetes mellitus.Results and discussion. Based on the study, factors affecting outcome and one-year long-term results were identified. The predictors included severity of neurological deficit according to Rankin and NIH Stroke scales, time between symptom onset and reperfusion, TICI thrombectomy score, age, diabetes mellitus, and haemorrhagic transformation after thrombectomy.Conclusion. In order to ensure better outcomes, medical specialists should develop an efficient patient routing, pay special attention to the initial severity of neurological deficit, time from the onset of the disease, age of patients, concomitant diabetes mellitus, development of hemorrhagic transformation after endovascular thrombectomy, and, which is particularly important, to the combination of adverse factors.

A systemized strategy to reduce door‐to‐puncture time using the ELVO screen: “Code AIS”

AbstractBackgroundA shorter onset‐to recanalization (O2R) time in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) results in better outcomes. Thus, we should reduce the door‐to‐puncture (D2P) time.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of a triage system named “Code AIS.” We adopted the emergency large vessel occlusion (ELVO) screen as a screening test.MethodsUsing the ELVO screening test, Code AIS was invoked when ≥1 positive results were obtained without witnessed seizures. The Code AIS system requires the assembly of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and an endovascular team in the emergency department before a patient arrives at the hospital. In total, 104 consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy after emergency transport from January 2015 to December 2022 were included. The Code AIS system was initiated on February 17, 2022, and patients were divided into the pre‐Code AIS and Code AIS era groups. D2P time, outcome, and other parameters were compared between the groups.ResultsEighty‐eight and 16 cases were in the pre‐Code AIS and Code AIS era groups, respectively. Background factors, including age, sex, and etiology, did not differ between the groups. The median (interquartile range) time of D2P in the Code AIS era was 60 (41–102) min and significantly shortened compared to 135 (109–161) min in the pre‐Code AIS era (p &lt; 0.001). The proportion of patients with favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) improved significantly from 33% (pre‐Code AIS era) to 63% (Code AIS era) (p = 0.047).ConclusionUsing Code AIS, we succeeded in shortening D2P time and improving patient outcomes.

Impact on Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke of Aortic Arch Calcification on Chest X-ray.

Vascular conditions can affect the recanalization rates after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Chest radiography can assess the conditions of the aortic arch based on the presence or absence of aortic arch calcification (AoAC). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between AoAC on chest radiography and first-pass successful recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/3 after the first-pass). We compared the rate of first-pass successful recanalization between patients with and without AoAC. A total of 193 patients with anterior circulation occlusion who underwent EVT between January 2017 and December 2021 were included. AoAC was observed in 80 (41.5%) patients. Patients with AoAC were older (74.5 ± 7.78 vs. 63.9 ± 12.4 years, p < 0.001), had more EVT attempts (3.04 ± 1.95 vs. 2.01 ± 1.34 times, p < 0.001), and a longer procedural time (71.7 ± 31.2 vs. 48.7 ± 23.1 min, p < 0.001) than those without AoAC. Moreover, Patients with AoAC showed a lower incidence of first-pass successful recanalization (18.8% vs. 47.8%, p < 0.001) and a higher incidence of postprocedural hemorrhage (45.0% vs. 27.7%, p = 0.015) than those without AoAC. On multivariate analysis, AoAC was independently associated with first-pass successful recanalization (odds ratio: 0.239 [0.121-0.475], p < 0.001). AoAC on chest radiography can be used as a preoperative predictor of successful first-pass recanalization in patients undergoing EVT for AIS.

How do children fare compared with adults? Comparing relative outcomes after thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion

ObjectiveSafety and efficacy data for endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke secondary to large-vessel occlusion in children are lacking compared with those for adults. We undertook an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of endovascular thrombectomy in children and compared their outcomes with adult data. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE databases to identify prospective and retrospective studies describing patients <18 years treated with endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion. ResultsEight pediatric studies were included (n = 192). Most patients were male (53.1 %), experienced anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (81.8 %), and underwent endovascular thrombectomy by stent retreiver (70.7 %). The primary outcome was change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score from presentation to 24 h after thrombectomy. Secondary outcomes included modified Rankin scale score improvement and 90-day score, recanalization rates, procedural complications, and mortality rates. After treatment, 88.5% of children had successful recanalization; the mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score reduction was 7.37 (95 % CI 5.11–9.63, p < 0.01). The mean reduction of 6.87 (95 %CI 5.00–8.73, p < 0.01) for adults in 5 clinical trials (n = 634) was similar (Qb = 0.11; p = 0.74). Children experienced higher rates of good neurological outcome (76.1 % vs. 46.0 %, p < 0.01) and revascularization (88.5 % vs. 72.3 %, p < 0.01), fewer major periprocedural complications (3.6 % vs. 30.4 %, p < 0.01), and lower mortality (1.0 % vs. 12.9 %, p < 0.01). ConclusionsEndovascular thrombectomy may be safe and effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion in children. The aggregated data demonstrated high rates of revascularization, favorable long-term neurological outcomes, and low complication rates.

Endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in elderly patients with large ischemic cores.

Understanding the benefits and risks of endovascular therapy (EVT) is crucial for elderly patients with large ischemic cores, as the combination of advanced age and extensive brain infarction may negatively impact clinical outcomes. The study retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes for elderly stroke patients (age ≥ 70) with large ischemic cores (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [ASPECTS] < 6 or ischemic cores ≥ 70ml) in the anterior circulation using data from our prospective database between June 2018 and January 2022. The effectiveness and risks of EVT in those patients were investigated, with the primary outcome being fair outcome (modified Rankin Scale, mRS ≤ 3). Among 182 elderly patients with large ischemic core volume (120 in the EVT group and 62 in the non-EVT group), 20.9% (38/182, 22.5% in the EVT group vs. 17.7% in the non-EVT group) achieved a fair outcome. Meanwhile, 49.5% (90/182, 45.8% in the EVT group vs. 56.5% in the non-EVT group) of them died at 3months. The benefits of EVT numerically exceeded non-EVT treatment for those aged ≤ ~ 85years or with a mismatch volume ≥ ~ 50ml. However, after adjustment, EVT was associated with an increased risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aOR 4.24, 95%CI 1.262-14.247). This study highlights the clinical challenges faced by elderly patients with large infarctions, resulting in poor outcomes at 3months. EVT may still provide some benefits in this population, but it also carries an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage.

Primary Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients Ineligible for Intravenous Thrombolysis

Endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the main treatment of large vessel occlusion (LVO). Nonetheless, access to EVT is limited specially in developing countries. It is not uncommon in these regions to miss the time window for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or to arrive within the IVT window but with a contraindication for it. Hence, a lot of patients with LVO face a situation where either they receive EVT only or conservative management according to available logistics.&#x0D; Aim: To study the outcome of EVT vs best medical treatment (BMT) in two Egyptian stroke centres (Tanta and Alexandria) in AIS patients ineligible for IVT.&#x0D; Results: 390 patients with AIS and LVO were included in the study. 74 underwent EVT while 316 underwent BMT. There were no statistical differences in age, sex, time of onset, initial severity, or imaging scores in both groups. The EVT group had more diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, more smokers and more systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) while the BMT had more anticoagulated patients. The EVT group had better functional outcome but more symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage with no difference in mortality.&#x0D; Conclusion: Endovascular treatment doubles the good functional outcome of AIS in LVO patients but ICH is more with no effect on mortality.

Intensive vs Conventional Blood Pressure Lowering After Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Optimal blood pressure (BP) control after successful reperfusion with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke is unclear. To determine whether intensive BP management during the first 24 hours after successful reperfusion leads to better clinical outcomes than conventional BP management in patients who underwent EVT. Multicenter, randomized, open-label trial with a blinded end-point evaluation, conducted across 19 stroke centers in South Korea from June 2020 to November 2022 (final follow-up, March 8, 2023). It included 306 patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke treated with EVT and with a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b or greater (partial or complete reperfusion). Participants were randomly assigned to receive intensive BP management (systolic BP target <140 mm Hg; n = 155) or conventional management (systolic BP target 140-180 mm Hg; n = 150) for 24 hours after enrollment. The primary outcome was functional independence at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2). The primary safety outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage within 36 hours and death related to the index stroke within 3 months. The trial was terminated early based on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring board, which noted safety concerns. Among 306 randomized patients, 305 were confirmed eligible and 302 (99.0%) completed the trial (mean age, 73.0 years; 122 women [40.4%]). The intensive management group had a lower proportion achieving functional independence (39.4%) than the conventional management group (54.4%), with a significant risk difference (-15.1% [95% CI, -26.2% to -3.9%]) and adjusted odds ratio (0.56 [95% CI, 0.33-0.96]; P = .03). Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were 9.0% in the intensive group and 8.1% in the conventional group (risk difference, 1.0% [95% CI, -5.3% to 7.3%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.48-2.53]; P = .82). Death related to the index stroke within 3 months occurred in 7.7% of the intensive group and 5.4% of the conventional group (risk difference, 2.3% [95% CI, -3.3% to 7.9%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.73 [95% CI, 0.61-4.92]; P = .31). Among patients who achieved successful reperfusion with EVT for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion, intensive BP management for 24 hours led to a lower likelihood of functional independence at 3 months compared with conventional BP management. These results suggest that intensive BP management should be avoided after successful EVT in acute ischemic stroke. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04205305.

Cost-effectiveness of remote robotic mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.

Clinical outcomes following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment are highly time sensitive. Remote robotic (RR)-EVT systems may be capable of mitigating time delays in patient transfer from a primary stroke center (PSC) to a comprehensive/thrombectomy-capable stroke center. However, health economic evidence is needed to assess the costs and benefits of an RR-EVT system. Therefore, the authors of this study aimed to determine whether performing RR-EVT in suspected AIS patients at a PSC as opposed to standard of care might translate to cost-effectiveness over a lifetime. An economic evaluation study was performed from a US healthcare perspective, combining decision analysis and Markov modeling methods over a lifetime horizon to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of RR-EVT in suspected AIS patients at a PSC compared to the standard-of-care approach. Total expected costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were estimated. In the cost-effectiveness analysis, RR-EVT yielded greater effectiveness per patient (4.05 vs 3.88 QALYs) and lower costs (US$321,269 vs US$321,397) than the standard-of-care approach. Owing to these lower costs and greater health benefits, RR-EVT was the dominant cost-effective strategy. After initiation of an RR-EVT system, the average costs per year were similar (or slightly reduced), according to this simulation. Sensitivity analyses revealed that RR-EVT remains cost-effective in a wide variety of time delays and cost assumptions. In a one-way sensitivity analysis, RR-EVT remained the most cost-effective strategy when time delays were greater than 2.5 minutes, its complication rate did not exceed 37%, and costs were lower than $54,081. When the cost of the RR-EVT strategy ranged from $19,340 to $54,081 and its complication rate varied from 15% to 37%, the RR-EVT strategy remained the most cost-effective throughout the two ranges. RR-EVT was also the most cost-effective strategy even when its cost doubled (to approximately $40,000) and time delays exceeded 20 minutes. In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, RR-EVT was the long-term cost-effective strategy in 89.8% of iterations at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/QALY. This analysis suggests that RR-EVT as an innovative solution to expedite EVT is cost-effective. An RR-EVT system could potentially extend access to care in underserved communities and rural areas, as well as improve care for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations affected by health inequities.

Transradial versus transfemoral access for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to compare procedural and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated via transradial access (TRA) mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus conventional transfemoral access (TFA). MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with AIS treated with TRA versus TFA MT at our tertiary comprehensive stroke center. Access choice was individualized based on occlusion site, aortic and arch anatomy. Outcomes were extracted from our institutional stroke registry and included procedural time, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) reperfusion score, NIHSS, 90-day mRS and 90-day mortality. Comparisons were performed using Student t-Test and Fischer's exact test as appropriate. Results175 mechanical thrombectomies were performed during the study interval; 39 (22%) were performed via TRA and 136 (79%) TFA. Access to reperfusion time was 36.3 ± 24.5 minutes in the TRA group and 21.9 ± 17.6 in the TFA group (p<0.001). The proportion of patients with a TICI reperfusion score of 2b or 3 was similar in both groups (TRA: 34 (87%) vs. TFA: 121 (89%) p=0.559. The median 90-day mRS was similar between both groups (p=0.170), as was the 90-day mortality (p = 0.509). ConclusionsWhile TFA is faster in our cohort, TFA and TRA are both safe and effective for MT in acute ischemic stroke. While TFA remains mainstay, TRA can be valuable in variant anatomy despite its technical limitations. Individualizing access based on advanced imaging and patient factors may improve practice; however, updates in catheter and access technology are necessary to optimize outcomes with TRA.

The balloon occlusion sheath for stroke (BOSS) balloon guide catheter for stroke intervention: Safety and technical success.

We describe the first-in-human experience using the Balloon Occlusion Stroke Sheath (BOSSTM) balloon-guide catheter to perform stroke thrombectomy in 50 consecutive patients enrolled in the Flow Arrest Safety and Technical success with balloon-guide catheters trial. This aspiration system includes a novel 9.4F balloon-guide catheter conduit for the insertion and guidance of catheters with a balloon providing temporary flow arrest. The Flow Arrest Safety and Technical success with balloon-guide catheter trial is a single-arm, prospective, multi-center, non-randomized, observational registry evaluating the use of the market-released BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter in adult patients diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke attributable to large vessel occlusion. The purpose of the current trial was to assess the safety and technical success associated with the use of the BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter. Fifty patients met inclusion criteria with a mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of 16. Treatment devices, including aspiration and stent retriever devices, were used in a total of 88 passes. The BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter was compatible with all stroke thrombectomy treatment devices used in 98% (49/50) of procedures. Balloon inflation and flow arrest were achieved in 100% (50/50) and 98% (49/50) of cases, respectively. Balloon deflation and retraction were observed in 100% (50/50) of cases. Successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score > 2b) was achieved in 100% of cases with single-pass reperfusion achieved in 62% (31/50) of cases. The BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter is a safe and technically effective adjunctive device for mechanical thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.

Does thrombolysis add value to thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke?

Does thrombolysis add value to thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke?

Update on the Royal College of Radiologists sponsored credential Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischaemic Stroke: thoughts about implementation in an under-resourced environment

Update on the Royal College of Radiologists sponsored credential Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischaemic Stroke: thoughts about implementation in an under-resourced environment

Novel Tenzing 7 Delivery Catheter for Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke: A Clinical Multicenter Experience

Background Preliminary in vitro and early clinical experience of the Tenzing 7 delivery catheter demonstrated high success rates of aspiration catheter intracranial delivery with minimal complications. This study aimed to examine the efficacy, safety, and efficiency of the Tenzing 7 delivery catheter to deliver therapeutic devices in aspiration mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic strokes using clinical experience from multiple institutions. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with aspiration mechanical thrombectomy using the Tenzing 7 delivery catheter between January 2020 and July 2022 at 6 high volume stroke centers. Primary efficacy outcome was success in aspiration catheter delivery to the face of the thrombus, and primary safety end point was rate of procedural complication. Results Of a total of 176 patients (mean age 70.1±14.9 years, 56.3% female, 89.2% middle cerebral artery occlusions), first‐pass effect (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score≥2B) was achieved in 90/166 (54.2%) successfully revascularized patients. Tenzing 7 delivered the aspiration catheter of choice to the site of occlusion in 95.9% of cases; the clot was not crossed with Tenzing 7 in 69% of cases. Successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score≥2B) was achieved in 94.9% of cases requiring a median of 1 pass (interquartile range 1–3). Nonflow limiting vessel dissection unrelated to Tenzing 7 occurred in 4 patients (2.3%), and intracranial vessel perforation unrelated to Tenzing 7 occurred in 4 cases (2.3%). Conclusion This multicenter clinical experience using Tenzing 7 in mechanical thrombectomy demonstrated high rates of technical success and a modest complication rate, similar to the published rates of technical success with other thrombectomy techniques. The Tenzing 7 delivery catheter is effective and safe for the delivery of the aspiration catheter in patients undergoing thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.

Sexual dimorphism in peripheral blood cell characteristics linked to recanalization success of endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) success to treat acute ischemic stroke varies with factors like stroke etiology and clot composition, which can differ between sexes. We studied if sex-specific blood cell characteristics (BCCs) are related to recanalization success. We analyzed electronic health records of 333 EVT patients from a single intervention center, and extracted 71 BCCs from the Sapphire flow cytometry analyzer. Through Sparse Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis, incorporating cross-validation and stability selection, we identified BCCs associated with successful recanalization (TICI 3) in both sexes. Stroke etiology was considered, while controlling for cardiovascular risk factors. Of the patients, successful recanalization was achieved in 51% of women and 49% of men. 21 of the 71 BCCs showed significant differences between sexes (pFDR-corrected < 0.05). The female-focused recanalization model had lower error rates than both combined [t(192.4) = 5.9, p < 0.001] and male-only models [t(182.6) = − 15.6, p < 0.001]. In women, successful recanalization and cardioembolism were associated with a higher number of reticulocytes, while unsuccessful recanalization and large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) as cause of stroke were associated with a higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. In men, unsuccessful recanalization and LAA as cause of stroke were associated with a higher coefficient of variance of lymphocyte complexity of the intracellular structure. Sex-specific BCCs related to recanalization success varied and were linked to stroke etiology. This enhanced understanding may facilitate personalized treatment for acute ischemic stroke.

TREAT‐AIS: A Multicenter National Registry

Background Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the standard therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to large‐artery occlusion. In January 2019, the Taiwan Stroke Society established a nationwide TREAT‐AIS (Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke). Here, we provide the study design, current progress, and baseline data of TREAT‐AIS. Methods TREAT‐AIS is a multicenter prospective registration program in Taiwan. Patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke were recruited. The key items on the registration form were divided into general stroke demographics and EVT‐related sections. The main outcome of effectiveness was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) at 3 months. The influence of sex on post‐EVT outcomes was also analyzed in the presented study. Results By the end of June 2022, there were 10 medical centers and 9 community hospitals participating in the TREAT‐AIS and a total of 1522 patients (mean±SD age, 71.2±13.6 years; men, 55.6%) being enrolled. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 18 (interquartile range, 12–23). The major cause of stroke was cardioembolism (43.6%), followed by large‐artery atherosclerosis (36.8%) and an undetermined cause (15.4%). Functional independence at 3 months poststroke was achieved in 36.2% of the patients. Male patients were more likely to have functional independence at 3 months compared with female patients (40.4% versus 30.8%; P &lt;0.001). However, the sex difference in functional independence became nonsignificant (odds ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.96–1.46] in men compared with women) after adjusting for age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, and recanalization status after EVT. Conclusions This study demonstrated the current progress of the TREAT‐AIS in capturing real‐world EVT data in Taiwan. The TREAT‐AIS will provide valuable insights into the real‐world practice of EVT in patients with acute stroke and the related quality of care in Asian patients.