Use Of Mechanical Thrombectomy Research Articles

Abstract WP427: Thrombolysis in With Patients With Down Syndrome and Ischemic Stroke

Background: Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder cause by trisomy 21. With improvements in medical care, the life expectancy of individuals with DS has increased. As this population ages, they are at risk of strokes. They may have a higher predisposition for cardio embolic strokes given that DS is associated with congenital heart disease. There is scarce data regarding strokes in the DS population. Methods: Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2005 to 2014 was utilized to identify down syndrome patients using ICD CM code 758.0 in secondary diagnostic field and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with appropriate diagnostic codes in primary field. Intravascular thrombolysis utilization was identified by ICD9 procedure code 99.10 in any procedural field. Differences between categorical variables were tested using the chi-square test and continuous variables using the Student t-test. Results: We identified 4332783 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 1333 (0.03%) also had a diagnosis of DS. Average age was 71.2years; 47.2% were male and 52.8% female. Patients with DS and AIS were younger (45.6yo vs 71.2years; p<0.0001). They were also more likely to be female (60.7 % vs. 52.8%; p<0.0001). Despite being younger and having less comorbid conditions, patients with ischemic stroke who have DS are less likely to receive thrombolysis than those with ischemic stroke without DS (3.67% vs 5.77%; p =0.001). Although, there was no statistically significant difference in the use of mechanical thrombectomy. DS patients that received thrombolysis were more likely to be male (61.8% vs 38.2%; p=0.0011), and at a teaching hospital (p=0.0016). However, there was increased in-hospital mortality among those DS patients who received thrombolysis compared to the group without thrombolysis (20.5% vs. 5.7%; p=0.004). Conclusion: Patients with DS and AIS have a decreased rate of thrombolysis, yet similar rates of mechanical thrombectomy. However, those DS patients that received thrombolysis had increased in-hospital mortality. We postulate that this may be secondary to increased beta-amyloid peptide accumulation and risk of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in DS. Thrombolysis in this population needs to be further studied.

Emergency medical systems education may improve knowledge of pre-hospital stroke triage protocols

BackgroundFollowing the results of randomized clinical trials supporting the use of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with tissue plasminogen activator for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO), our state Stroke Task Force convened...

PMD56 - COST OF STENT-RETRIEVER MECHANICAL THROMBECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

To evaluate the cost of stent-retriever mechanical thrombectomy (MTE) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from the Russian government perspective. The model was developed to simulate health outcomes and associated costs of three treatment scenarios: 1) MTE added to thrombolytic therapy (MTE + TLT); 2) MTE alone; 3) no reperfusion. Direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect costs due to AIS and its consequences were calculated for 5 years horizon. Number of patients eligible for reperfusion was estimated on the base of available data on epidemiology of AIS in RF. Patients were considered eligible for all 3 scenarios if they were taken to hospital within 4.5 hours after stroke onset, or for scenarios 2 and 3 if they were hospitalized within 6 hours. Outcome data on functional independence, disability or death were taken from meta-analysis of Campbell BC et al., 2016. The sensitivity analyses was carried out. When MTE+TLT is performed within 4.5 hours after stroke onset, AIS burden comprises 16.7 mln EURO. In the absence of reperfusion or MTE only the burden is 21.4 and 18.9 mln EURO, respectively. If MTE takes place within 6 hours after stroke onset, the economic burden of AIS is 24.2 mln EURO, that is 1.8 mln EURO less than when reperfusion is not performed. MTE + TLT or MTE alone lead to a reduction in the overall economic burden of AIS since the 2nd year after acute disease. Decrease of direct non-medical and indirect costs due to disability and death compensates increase in direct medical costs. The investments into MTE were fully covered on the 5th year. The use of MTE + TLT or MTE alone in patients with AIS is an efficient option of AIS treatment in Russia due to the decrease of direct non-medical and indirect costs.

Abstract TP227: Emergency Medical Systems Education May Improve Compliance With Pre-Hospital Stroke Triage Protocols

Background: Following the results of randomized clinical trials supporting the use of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with tPA for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, our state Stroke Task Force convened to 1) update legislation to recognize differences between Primary Stroke Centers (PSCs) and Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) and (2) update EMS protocols to triage direct transport of suspected LVO patients to CSCs. Objectives: Develop an assessment and single-session training curriculum to assess EMS knowledge before and knowledge gained after training on Los Angeles Motor Scale (LAMS) score, its use to correctly triage patients as CSC-appropriate, and our state-wide EMS protocol for stroke. We also aim to share our specific approach and its efficacy with others so our work can be disseminated and implemented elsewhere. Methods: We assembled a focus group to develop assessment questions that would mimic real-life conditions EMS personnel operate under. Ten identical pre-post training questions were formulated to assess content provided during the trainings. Content validity was established by ensuring that questions exclusively tested the content of the slides in the training. Results: Trainings were provided for 354 EMS professionals throughout the state. Average pre-test score was 52.4% (95% CI 49%-56%). Average post-test score was 85.6% (83%-88%), representing a significant increase. Each of the 10 questions were individually assessed and all showed significant gains in EMS knowledge after training (Figure 1, p<0.0001). Conclusions: Structured EMS education can improve knowledge of stroke triage protocols. As EMS protocols are changed to improve triage of suspected LVO patients to CSCs, such educational efforts will be critical to improve compliance.

Patient selection for mechanical thrombectomy in posterior circulation emergent large-vessel occlusion.

Triage of posterior circulation stroke from emergent large-vessel occlusion (pc-ELVO) is challenging owing to the stuttering clinical course and potential for rapid decline. Growing clinical data support the use of mechanical thrombectomy in pc-ELVO, but there are limited data addressing the clinical and imaging criteria for patient selection. We present our triage algorithm used to select patients for endovascular therapy (EVT) in the setting of pc-ELVOS. We use a consecutive retrospective database from 2004 to 2016 to describe the practice patterns and prognostic factors for pc-ELVO patients treated using both medical and EVT. Patients with moderate to severe deficits (NIHSS > 10) did better when they received EVT ( p < 0.03), whereas patients with stable, mild deficits (NIHSS ≤ 10) did well (90% favorable outcome) regardless of treatment type. Roughly one-third of patients presenting with mild deficits deteriorated to moderate to severe deficits (NIHSS > 10), most of whom subsequently received EVT (9 of 12), with 56% favorable outcomes. Cerebellar and brainstem infarct volumes were independent imaging predictors of outcome. These results can be used to define triage criteria for use of EVT in pc-ELVO in future practice and clinical trials.

Complications of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke: Prevention and management.

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for the treatment of acute stroke due to large vessel occlusion has evolved significantly with the publication of multiple positive thrombectomy trials. MT is now a recommended treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Mechanical thrombectomy is associated with a number of intra-procedural or post-operative complications, which need to be minimized and effectively managed to maximize the benefits of thrombectomy. Procedural complications include: access-site problems (vessel/nerve injury, access-site hematoma and groin infection); device-related complications (vasospasm, arterial perforation and dissection, device detachment/misplacement); symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage; subarachnoid hemorrhage; embolization to new or target vessel territory. Other complications include: anesthetic/contrast-related, post-operative hemorrhage, extra-cranial hemorrhage and pseudoaneurysm. Some complications are life-threatening and many lead to increased length of stay in intensive care and stroke units. Complications increase costs and delay the commencement of rehabilitation. Some may be preventable; the impact of others can be minimized with early detection and appropriate management. Both neurointerventionists and stroke specialists need to be aware of the risk factors, strategies for prevention, and management of these complications. With the increasing use of mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, incidence and outcome of complications will need to be carefully monitored by stroke teams. In this narrative review, we examine the frequency of complications of MT in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with an emphasis on periprocedural complications. Overall, from recent randomized controlled trials, the risk of complications with sequelae for patient from mechanical thrombectomy is ∼15%. We discuss the management of complications and identify areas with limited evidence, which need further research. Search strategy and selection criteria Relevant evidence was found by searches of Medline and Cochrane Library, reference list, cross-referencing and main journal content pages. Search terms included "brain ischemia", "acute ischemic stroke", "cerebral infarction" AND "mechanical thrombectomy", "endovascular therapy", "endovascular treatment", "endovascular embolectomy", "intra-arterial" AND "randomized controlled trial", "non-randomised trials", "observational studies" AND "complications", "procedural complications", "peri-procedural complications", "device-related complications", "management", "treatment", "outcome". The search included only human studies, and was limited to studies published in English between January 2014 and November 2016. The final reference list was selected on the basis of relevance to the topics covered in the Review. Guidelines for management of acute ischaemic stroke by the American Heart Association, the European Stroke Organisation, multi-disciplinary guidelines and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) were also reviewed.

Self-thrombosing anterior cerebral artery aneurysm leading to a caudate infarct

Abstract Self-thrombosing intracranial aneurysms are relatively uncommon and the conditions that lead to their formation are unknown, although they can be seen following subarachnoid hemorrhage and in autopsy specimens. We seek to raise awareness of the unintended iatrogenic thrombosis of intracranial aneurysms, its ischemic consequences, and the use of mechanical thrombectomy in its treatment. A 50-year-old hypertensive woman presented with a sudden onset of severe headache concerning for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm (Hunt-Hess 2). HCT showed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (modified Fisher grade 3), and CTA showed two aneurysms arising from an anterior communicating (ACOM) complex fenestration and one aneurysm arising from the proximal left anterior cerebral artery (ACA) A1 segment. Successful coil embolization of the distal ACOM aneurysm was followed by an attempted balloon-assisted coil embolization of a left ACA A1 aneurysm that led to self-thrombosis and partial occlusion of the A1 segment. After mechanical thrombectomy, there was significant reduction in left A1 thrombus burden. The patient developed an asymptomatic small infarct of the left caudate, likely by occlusion of an anatomic variant of the recurrent artery of Heubner arising from the A1 segment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a self-thrombosing aneurysm during attempted balloon-assisted embolization. Propagation of the thrombus can lead to parent vessel occlusion and ischemia, and, in this case, an anatomic variant of the recurrent artery of Heubner from A1 made this more likely. Intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy may be used in the treatment of an iatrogenic vessel thrombosis.

Combined Use of Mechanical Thrombectomy with Angioplasty and Stenting for Acute Basilar Occlusions with Underlying Severe Intracranial Vertebrobasilar Stenosis: Preliminary Experience from a Single Chinese Center.

Acute basilar occlusions have a poor prognosis without recanalization. Many have underlying severe atherosclerotic intracranial stenosis coexisting with acute thrombosis, requiring treatment of both pathologies in the same session, though technical risks may be encountered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of combined treatment by using stent retrievers for the thrombosis, together with angioplasty and stent placement for the underlying stenosis. This was a retrospective review of 13 patients with basilar occlusions treated with thrombectomy by the Solitaire stent retriever and angioplasty and intracranial stent placement for underlying severe vertebrobasilar stenosis in the same session. Reperfusion was assessed in terms of the TICI score. Perioperative complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the NIHSS at discharge and the mRS on follow-up at 90 days. Of the 30 patients with acute basilar artery occlusions treated with stent retrievers during the study period, 18 had coexisting severe intracranial stenosis. Thirteen patients meeting the criteria for our study received combined mechanical thrombectomy and angioplasty with stent placement. The successful recanalization rate was 100%. Distal vessel embolizations occurred in 3 patients. There were 2 mortalities. On discharge, 10 patients (77%) had an improvement in NIHSS of ≥10 points. At 90 days, 6 patients (46%) had a good functional outcome with an mRS of ≤2. The combined use of mechanical thrombectomy with angioplasty and stent placement for acute basilar occlusions with underlying severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis is technically feasible and safe.

Predictors of Outcome, Complications, and Recanalization of the Solitaire Device

The use of mechanical thrombectomy in the management of acute ischemic stroke is becoming increasingly popular. To identify notable factors that affect outcome, revascularization, and complications in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with the Solitaire Flow Restoration Revascularization device. Eighty-nine patients treated with the Solitaire Flow Restoration Revascularization device (ev3/Covidien Vascular Therapies, Irvine, California) were retrospectively analyzed. Three endpoints were considered: revascularization (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction), outcome (modified Rankin Scale score), and complications. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to determine significant predictors. The mean time from onset of symptoms to the start of intervention was 6.7 hours. The average procedure length was 58 minutes. The mean NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 16 on arrival and 8 at discharge. Of the patients, 6.7% had a symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 16.8% had fatal outcomes within 3 months post-intervention, and 81.4% had a successful recanalization. Thrombus location in the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery was associated with successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/3) (P = .003). Of the patients, 56.6% had a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months: 0-2). In patients younger than 80 years of age, 66.7% had favorable outcome. Increasing age (P = .01) and NIHSS score (P = .002) were significant predictors of a poor outcome. On multivariate analysis, NIHSS score on admission (P = .05) was a predictor of complications. On univariate analysis, increasing NIHSS score from admission to 24 hours after the procedure (P = .05) and then to discharge (P = .04) was a predictor of complications. Thrombus location in the posterior circulation (P = .04) and increasing NIHSS score (P = .04) predicted mortality. The Solitaire device is safe and effective in achieving successful recanalization after acute ischemic stroke. Important factors to consider include age, NIHSS score, and location.

Advances in interventional neuroradiology: novel use of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.

Dr Sanjeev Nayak speaks to Sean Fitzpatrick, Commissioning Editor: Dr Sanjeev Nayak is a Consultant Neuroradiologist with special interest in Interventional Neuroradiology at the University Hospital of North Midlands, Stoke on Trent. He was responsible for the development of Interventional Stroke Service which he did immediately following his appointment in 2009 and was the lead neuroradiologist from 2010 to 2013. Dr Nayak and his team have pioneered in the field of mechanical thrombectomy and stenting in acute ischemic stroke and treated the largest number of such cases in the UK. His team has produced one of the best clinical outcomes for such patients with the lowest mortality rates in the UK. This work has been nominated for numerous national awards in various categories of BMJ, Patient Safety and Care integration awards. Dr Nayak was the finalist at the HSJ awards under the category of 'Clinical Leader of the Year 2012' and NHS Leadership awards 'NHS Inspirational Leader of the Year 2013. Dr Nayak is also involved in patents and designs involving new stroke interventional devices and is actively involved in stroke research which has led to numerous publications in peer reviewed journals. Dr Nayak has organized national conferences and lectured at various national and international conferences in his field of interest.

Comparison of endovascular treatment approaches for acute ischemic stroke: cost effectiveness, technical success, and clinical outcomes

IntroductionThe use of mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke has significantly advanced over the last 5 years. Few data are available comparing the cost and clinical and...

O-008 The Financial Impact of ADAPT for Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

IntroductionThe use of mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of acute ischemic stroke has significantly advanced over the last 5 years. Little data is available analysing the cost relative to the clinical...

E-070 Endovascular treatment in a paediatric patient with thrombus extending from right internal carotid artery to right middle cerebral artery

IntroductionPaediatric stroke leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Approximately10–25% of children with a stroke will die, up to 25% of children will have a recurrence, and approximately 66% will have...

Selecting Endovascular Treatment Strategy according to the Location of Intracranial Occlusion in Acute Stroke

Background: Selection of endovascular approaches for acute stroke patients remains unclear. The efficacy of intra-arterial therapy (IAT) has been demonstrated in the past. However, in the last years, the use of mechanical thrombectomy by retrievers (RET) is increasing at the expense of IAT. We aimed to compare several clinical outcomes between patients treated with IAT or RET. Methods: In a 6-year period, acute stroke patients (<8 h) with confirmed internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion undergoing endovascular therapy were prospectively included in our database. Patients who underwent intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) ± microguidewire mechanical clot disruption (IAT group) were compared with those who underwent thrombectomy with the Solitaire® or Trevo® retrievers (RET group). Recanalization (REC) was considered if at the end of the endovascular procedure thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score was 2a-3. Dramatic clinical improvement (DCI) was defined as a decrease of ≥10 NIHSSS points from baseline to discharge or 7 days. Results: One hundred and eighty patients were included, 100 (55.6%) patients in the IAT group and 80 patients (44.4%) in the RET group. There were no differences in baseline characteristics (age, gender, risk factors profile, previous treatment with i.v. tPA, baseline NIHSS, extracranial ICA angioplasty and time to REC). Rates of REC, DCI and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were also similar between groups. Among patients with ICA occlusions (41 IAT, 34 RET), REC was significantly higher with RET (83.9 vs. 61%; p = 0.04).There was a trend towards a higher DCI rate in the RET group (32.3%) compared with the IAT group (14.6%; p = 0.06). According to MCA occlusions, there were no major differences in the main outcome variables. The number needed to treat to achieve one additional DCI with RET compared with IAT was 12 for MCA occlusions, and only 5 for ICA occlusions. Conclusions: Among acute stroke patients undergoing endovascular therapies, the benefits of RET over IAT are greater in ICA occlusions. Retrievers may be considered as the first therapeutic option in these patients.

An investigation of the cost and benefit of mechanical thrombectomy for endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke

IntroductionThe use of mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke has significantly advanced over the past 5 years, with few available data. The aim of this study was...

Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines

This article provides recommendations on the use of antithrombotic therapy in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). We generated treatment recommendations (Grade 1) and suggestions (Grade 2) based on high (A), moderate (B), and low (C) quality evidence. In patients with acute ischemic stroke, we recommend IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) if treatment can be initiated within 3 h (Grade 1A) or 4.5 h (Grade 2C) of symptom onset; we suggest intraarterial r-tPA in patients ineligible for IV tPA if treatment can be initiated within 6 h (Grade 2C); we suggest against the use of mechanical thrombectomy (Grade 2C) although carefully selected patients may choose this intervention; and we recommend early aspirin therapy at a dose of 160 to 325 mg (Grade 1A). In patients with acute stroke and restricted mobility, we suggest the use of prophylactic-dose heparin or intermittent pneumatic compression devices (Grade 2B) and suggest against the use of elastic compression stockings (Grade 2B). In patients with a history of noncardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA, we recommend long-term treatment with aspirin (75-100 mg once daily), clopidogrel (75 mg once daily), aspirin/extended release dipyridamole (25 mg/200 mg bid), or cilostazol (100 mg bid) over no antiplatelet therapy (Grade 1A), oral anticoagulants (Grade 1B), the combination of clopidogrel plus aspirin (Grade 1B), or triflusal (Grade 2B). Of the recommended antiplatelet regimens, we suggest clopidogrel or aspirin/extended-release dipyridamole over aspirin (Grade 2B) or cilostazol (Grade 2C). In patients with a history of stroke or TIA and atrial fibrillation we recommend oral anticoagulation over no antithrombotic therapy, aspirin, and combination therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel (Grade 1B). These recommendations can help clinicians make evidence-based treatment decisions with their patients who have had strokes.

Systematic review: comparative effectiveness of adjunctive devices in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention of native vessels.

BackgroundDuring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), dislodgement of atherothrombotic material from coronary lesions can result in distal embolization, and may lead to increased major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality. We sought to systematically review the comparative effectiveness of adjunctive devices to remove thrombi or protect against distal embolization in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing PCI of native vessels.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search of Medline, the Cochrane Database, and Web of Science (January 1996-March 2011), http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, abstracts from major cardiology meetings, TCTMD, and CardioSource Plus. Two investigators independently screened citations and extracted data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of adjunctive devices plus PCI to PCI alone, evaluated patients with STEMI, enrolled a population with 95% of target lesion(s) in native vessels, and reported data on at least one pre-specified outcome. Quality was graded as good, fair or poor and the strength of evidence was rated as high, moderate, low or insufficient. Disagreement was resolved through consensus.Results37 trials met inclusion criteria. At the maximal duration of follow-up, catheter aspiration devices plus PCI significantly decreased the risk of MACE by 27% compared to PCI alone. Catheter aspiration devices also significantly increased the achievement of ST-segment resolution by 49%, myocardial blush grade of 3 (MBG-3) by 39%, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow by 8%, while reducing the risk of distal embolization by 44%, no reflow by 48% and coronary dissection by 70% versus standard PCI alone. In a majority of trials, the use of catheter aspiration devices increased procedural time upon qualitative assessment.Distal filter embolic protection devices significantly increased the risk of target revascularization by 39% although the use of mechanical thrombectomy or embolic protection devices did not significantly impact other final health outcomes. Distal balloon or any embolic protection device increased the achievement of MBG-3 by 61% and 20% and TIMI3 flow by 11% and 6% but did not significantly impact other intermediate outcomes versus control. Upon qualitative analysis, all device categories, with exception of catheter aspiration devices, appear to significantly prolong procedure time compared to PCI alone while none appear to significantly impact ejection fraction. Many of the final health outcome and adverse event evaluations were underpowered and the safety of devices overall is unclear due to insufficient amounts of data.ConclusionsIn patients with STEMI, for most devices, few RCTs evaluated final health outcomes over a long period of follow-up. Due to insufficient data, the safety of these devices is unclear.

Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis: The Oft-forgotten Cousin of Venous Thromboembolic Disease

Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) accounts for between 4% and 10% of all deep venous thromboses, and may be due to primary or secondary causes. The incidence of UEDVT is increasing, partly due to the exponential growth in the use of central venous catheters and the increasing placement of permanent cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator devices. UEDVT not only compromises future vascular access but results in significant morbidity and mortality, with symptomatic pulmonary embolus occurring in approximately 12%, post-thrombotic syndrome in 13%, and mortality ranging from 15-50%. Treatment of UEDVT depends on the underlying cause, primary or secondary. In this review, we will evaluate the management options and present a proposed treatment algorithm for primary UEDVT, involving catheter-directed thrombolysis, selective use of mechanical thrombectomy, anticoagulation and antithrombotic therapy, expeditious early first rib resection to decompress the thoracic outlet, and the role of adjunctive endovascular balloon angioplasty and stenting in improving axillo-subclavian vein patency. With regard to secondary UEDVT, we will present a treatment algorithm for managing central venous catheter (CVC) thrombosis; review the options for antithrombotic and anticoagulant therapy; and discuss the role of endovascular therapy. Finally, we will review the data supporting the growing role of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) or venoplasty and endovascular stenting as the modality of choice in managing SVC obstruction, whether due to benign or malignant causes, and provide a brief description of the role, benefits and potential complications of SVC filter placement.

Delay in Diagnosis of Cerebral Venous and Sinus Thrombosis: Successful Use of Mechanical Thrombectomy and Thrombolysis

Cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis is a relatively rare condition with a variable presentation that can translate into a difficult workup and a delay in diagnosis and treatment. We describe the successful use of mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis in the case of an eighteen-year-old woman that presented with progressive thrombosis of the jugular veins and dural sinuses despite adequate anticoagulation. Our case highlights the need for clinicians to include CVST in the initial differential diagnosis of patients in order to prevent delays and poor outcomes.

Treatment of Acute Cerebral Artery Occlusion With a Fully Recoverable Intracranial Stent

A 42-year-old woman was referred to our institution with sudden onset of ataxia, facial paresis, horizontal gaze palsy, and progressive dysarthria. The patient worsened within a few minutes, with appearance of left hemiparesis. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score was 13. On computer tomography scan 2 hours after stroke onset, no brain stem lesion or intracranial bleeding was visible. Computed tomographic angiography revealed a mid basilar vessel occlusion, which suggested embolic basilar artery occlusion. A 4-vessel angiogram with a 5F diagnostic catheter confirmed the basilar artery occlusion and depicted more precisely the location of the thrombus (Figure 1A). Figure 1. A, Digital subtraction angiography after vertebral injection demonstrates a mid basilar vessel occlusion. B, The angiogram after placement of the stent from the left P1 segment (white arrow) into the basilar artery showed flow restoration of the basilar artery with a narrowing in the middle part of the vessel due to compression of the thrombus into the arterial wall (black arrows). C, …