Use of intracranial stent as rescue therapy after mechanical thrombectomy failure—9-year experience in a comprehensive stroke centre

Background: The inadvertent detachment of stent retrievers during mechanical thrombectomy is an extremely rare but feared complication associated with poor clinical outcomes. We discuss management considerations after an unexpected disconnection of the pRESET stent retriever during mechanical thrombectomy, based on clinical experience and mechanical and phantom studies. Methods: We present a clinical course of rare accidents of stent-retriever separation inside an intracranial vessel that occurred in patients in a comprehensive stroke centre between 2018 and 2020. We designed a phantom study to assess the Tigertriever’s ability to remove a detached stent retriever from intercranial vessels. In the mechanical study, several types of stent retrievers were evaluated in order to find the weakest point at which detachment occurred. Results: Two patients (~0.7%) with inadvertent stent-retriever detachment were found in our database. Failed attempts of endovascular removal with no recanalization at the end of procedure were reported in both cases. mRS after 3 months was three and four respectively. In the mechanical study, the Tigertriever was the most resistant to detachment and was followed by Embotrap > pRESET > 3D Separator. In the phantom study, the pRESET device detached in a configuration resembling the M1 segment was successfully removed with the Tigertriever. Conclusions: Conservative management of the inadvertent detachment of stent retrievers during mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusion may be acceptable in order to avoid further periprocedural complications after unsuccessful device removal attempts. Based on the phantom and mechanical studies, the Tigertriever may be a useful tool for the removal of detached pRESET devices.

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Abstract TP10: Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis After Failed Mechanical Thrombectomy: A STRATIS Registry Subgroup Analysis

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.tp10 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Syed Zaidi ◽

Alicia Castonguay ◽

Mouhammad Jumaa ◽

Nils Mueller-Kronast ◽

Osama Zaidat

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Prospective Data ◽

Increased Risk ◽

First Choice ◽

Tissue Plasminogen ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Number Of Passes ◽

Arterial Thrombolysis

Background: Limited prospective data exists on the use of intra-arterial (IA) thrombolytics as rescue therapy(RT) after failed mechanical thrombectomy(MT) in acute ischemic stroke(AIS) patients with large vessel occlusions LVO). The aim of this study is to investigate the use of IA recombinant tissue plasminogen activator(IA-rtPA) as RT in the prospective STRATIS Registry. Methods: Data from the STRATIS Registry, a multicenter study of AIS patients treated with the Solitaire stent-retriever as the first choice therapy within 8 hours from symptoms onset, were analyzed. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were compared between patients treated with and without IA-rtPA. Both anterior and posterior circulation occlusions were included in this substudy. Results: Of the 938 STRATIS patients with IA-tPA use reported, 809 and 129 were in the no IA-rtPA(83.2%) and IA-rtPA(13.8%)groups, respectively. No difference was seen in baseline demographics. Site of occlusion was similar between the groups, with the majority occurring in the MCA(72.4% versus 73.6%, p=0.74). IV-rtPA was administered in 63.0% and 70.5% of no IA-rtPA and IA-rtPA patients(p=0.11). Median IA-rtPA dose was 4mg(IQR 2-12). Mean onset to arterial puncture time was shorter in the IA-rtPA group(200.2±104.6 versus 228.2±98.5 minutes, p=0.003); however, mean puncture to procedure end time was longer in the IA-rtPA group(78.7±43.1 versus 63.1±35.9 minutes). Mean number of passes (2.2±1.4 versus 1.8±1.2,p=0.001) and rate of distal embolization(67.8% versus 54.5%, p=0.007) was significantly higher in the IA-rtPA group. Core lab adjudicated substantial reperfusion (mTICI≥2b) was achieved in 88.4% and 84.7% of no IA-rtPA and IA-rtPA patients(p=0.16). No difference was observed in rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(sICH) (1.4% versus 1.6%,p=0.70), good functional outcome (mRS≥2, 57.3% versus 59.2%, p=0.86), or mortality (15.5% versus 13.3%,p=0.80) at 90-days. Conclusion: Use of IA-rtPA after failed thrombectomy was not associated with an increased risk of sICH or mortality in the STRATIS Registry. These results suggest that IA thrombolysis may be a safe option as rescue therapy in select patients.

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Abstract 168: Outcomes of Intra-Arterial Tissue Plasminogen Activator Rescue Therapy During Stroke Thrombectomy-Insights From the STAR Collaboration

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.168 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Eyad Almallouhi ◽

Sami Al kasab ◽

Ali Alawieh ◽

Reda M Chalhoub ◽

Mohammad Anadani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plasminogen Activator ◽

Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Adjunctive Treatment ◽

Control Group ◽

Arterial Tissue ◽

Tissue Plasminogen

Introduction: Intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (IA-tPA) can be used as rescue therapy during mechanical thrombectomy for stroke patients, mostly in the setting of distal occlusion. The outcomes of IA-tPA has not been assessed in large-scale multi-center studies yet. Methods: We used data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), which included prospectively maintained databases of 11 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. We compared the baseline characteristics, procedural metrics, rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and long-term functional outcomes between thrombectomy patients who received rescue IA-tPA and a control group of thrombectomy patients with matched age, National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) on presentation, location of occlusion and IV-tPA receipt. Results: A total of 2827 thrombectomy patients were included in the STAR registry. Out of those, 205 patients received IA-tPA. We matched 191 patients from the IA-tPA group with a control group of 191 patients (table 1). No difference was seen in age, sex, race, vascular risk factors, or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score between both groups. In addition, procedural metrics, including onset to groin time, the procedure duration, and rate of successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score≥2b) were similar. Finally, similar outcomes were noted in both groups, including the rate of sICH and good 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin scale≤2). Conclusion: The use of IA-tPA as an adjunctive treatment to mechanical thrombectomy was safe but did not result in a higher rate of successful recanalization or good long-term functional outcomes.

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Abstract TP3: Early Reocclusion After Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke Due to Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis-Related Occlusions

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.tp3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Masatomo Miura ◽

Yoichiro Nagao ◽

Makoto Nakajima ◽

Seigo Shindo ◽

Kuniyasu Wada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Balloon Angioplasty ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Intracranial Stenting ◽

Atherosclerotic Stenosis

Background: In acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients due to intracranial atherosclerosis-related occlusions (ICAS-O), despite successful reperfusion with mechanical thrombectomy (MT), unexpected early reocclusion sometimes occurs and worsens clinical outcome. We investigated prevalence, outcomes, and predictors of early reocclusion within 48 hours of MT in AIS due to ICAS-O. Methods: In 557 consecutive AIS patients who underwent MT from January, 2016 to March, 2019 in two stroke centers, 71 patients due to ICAS-O were retrospectively evaluated. We divided them into two groups: patients with early reocclusion and those without. Clinical and angiographical findings and outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate predictors of early reocclusion after MT. Results: Of 71 patients (aged 72 ± 10 years; 23 women; median NIHSS score, 15), early reocclusion was observed in 11 (15%). The first procedure for recanalization was stent retriever in 25 patients (35%), Penumbra system in 25 patients (35%), and balloon angioplasty in 21 patients (30%). Of these, 63 patients (88%) received rescue therapy (balloon angioplasty, 50; intracranial stenting, 13). In the early reocclusion group, more number of intraprocedural reocclusion (median [IQR], 3 [2-3] vs. 1 [0-1], p < 0.001), a higher rate of remaining stenosis on the final angiography (67.6 ± 5.9% vs 57.3 ± 15.9%, p = 0.044), and a higher rate of procedure-related adverse events (27% vs 5%, p = 0.043) were observed compared to the other group. On logistic regression analysis, a total number of intraprocedural reocclusion was independently associated with early reocclusion (odds ratio, 31.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-375.2). Early reocclusion was related to a low rate of favorable outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2, 9% vs 54%, p = 0.007). Conclusions: In AIS patients due to ICAS-O, early reocclusion within 48 hours was not rare and associated with unfavorable outcome. Patients with repeated intraprocedural reocclusion are at high risk for early reocclusion; they might need follow-up angiographical assessment and intensive antithrombotic treatment.

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Comparison of aspiration-first versus stentriever-first techniques in performing mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusions

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2020-016547 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2020-016547

Author(s):

Vance L Fredrickson ◽

Phillip A Bonney ◽

Shivani D Rangwala ◽

Joshua S Catapano ◽

Tyler S Cole ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Cohort ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Aspiration Thrombectomy ◽

Patient Demographics ◽

Radiographic Outcomes ◽

Operator Series ◽

First Pass

BackgroundBoth stentriever and direct-aspiration thrombectomy effectively treat large-vessel occlusions. However, data are limited comparing clinical outcomes after aspiration-first versus stentriever-assisted aspiration for thrombectomy.MethodsA retrospective cohort study compared procedure times and radiographic outcomes after two mechanical thrombectomy techniques (aspiration first or stentriever). To minimize bias and variability inherent to multi-operator series, we assessed consecutive patients with cerebrovascular occlusions treated by a single surgeon during a 1 year period at two stroke centers. Expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) grades were assessed by an investigator blinded to treatment.ResultsData from 93 patients (median age 70 years) were analyzed: 73 patients (78.5%) were treated with a strentriever-first strategy and 20 (21.5%) were treated with aspiration first, with stentriever rescue therapy required in only three of these cases following unsuccessful aspiration. There were no significant differences in patient demographics, sites of occlusion, or rates of tandem occlusions between aspiration-first and stentriever-assisted groups (p≥0.36). The rate of first-pass eTICI ≥2b was 75.0% (15/20) for aspiration-first and 52.1% (38/73) for strentriever-first groups (p=0.07), while the rate of final eTICI ≥2b was 100% (20/20) and 82.2% (60/72), respectively (p=0.04). The aspiration-first technique was associated with procedural times ≤25 min in a multivariable analysis (adjusted OR 4.77, 95% CI 1.15 to 18.39; p=0.03).ConclusionsIn this single-surgeon series, an aspiration-first technique was associated with a statistically significant improvement in eTICI outcomes and faster procedure times compared with stentriever-assisted aspiration. Further prospective studies are necessary to minimize selection bias inherent in this study design.

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RESCUE THERAPY IN MECHANICAL THROMBECTOMY REFRACTORY OCCLUSIONS WITH DETACHABLE STENT-RETRIEVERS AND GP IIB/IIIA INHIBITORS: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE.

10.26226/morressier.5ab8f561d462b8029238cea5 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Pablo Garcia-Bermejo

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Single Center ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

Stent Retrievers

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Selecting the Appropriate First-Line Strategy Based on Hyperdense Vessel Sign in Acute Ischemic Stroke Increases First Pass Recanalization: A Tertiary Center Experience

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1741095 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Uday Bhanu Kovilapu ◽

Narendra Jain ◽

Atul Mishra ◽

Virender Malik

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

First Line ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Tertiary Center ◽

First Pass ◽

Noncontrast Computed Tomography

Abstract Background: The data pertaining to selecting an optimal first-line strategy (stent retriever [SR] vs. contact aspiration [CA]) based on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) in cases of acute ischemic stroke consequent to large vessel occlusion (LVO) is lacking. Aims: This article studies the influence of hyperdense vessel sign (HVS) in selecting optimal first-line strategy, with intention of increasing first-pass recanalization (FPR). Methods: Upfront approach at our center is SR technique with rescue therapy (CA) adoption consequent to three failed SR attempts to achieve successful recanalization. Data of patients with acute LVO who underwent mechanical thrombectomy from June 2017 to May 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into HVS (+) and HVS (–) cohort. Rate of successful recanalization (first pass, early, and final) and efficacy of rescue therapy was assessed between the two cohorts. Results: Of 52 patients included, 28 and 24 were assigned to the HVS (+) and HVS (–) cohort, respectively. FPR was observed in 50% of HVS (+) and 20.9% of HVS (–) (p = 0.029). Early recanalization was documented in 64.2% of HVS (+) and 37.5% of HVS (–) (p = 0.054). Rescue therapy need was higher in patients not demonstrating HVS (p = 0.062). Successful recanalization was achieved with rescue therapy in 50% of HVS (–) group. Conclusion: A higher FPR is achievable following individualized first-pass strategy (based on NCCT appearance of clot), instead of a generalized SR first-pass approach. This CT imaging-based strategy is a step closer to achieving primary angiographic goal of FPR.

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Intracranial Stenting as Rescue Therapy After Failure of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion: Data From the ANGEL-ACT Registry

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.739213 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Gang Luo ◽

Feng Gao ◽

Xuelei Zhang ◽

Baixue Jia ◽

Xiaochuan Huo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose: Studies on rescue therapy for acute posterior circulation stroke due to basilar artery occlusion (BAO) are limited in the modern era of mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rescue stenting (RS) following MT failure in patients with BAO.Methods: Data were collected from the Endovascular Treatment Key Technique and Emergency Work Flow Improvement of Acute Ischemic Stroke (ANGEL-ACT) prospective registry in China. Patients who underwent MT for BAO with failure of recanalization were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into the RS and non-RS groups. Clinical and laboratory findings, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results: Overall, 93 patients with acute BAO were analyzed. The RS group included 81 (87.1%) patients, and the non-RS group included 12 patients. A modified treatment in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of 2b/3 was achieved in 75 (92.6%) patients in the RS group. Compared with the non-RS group, the RS group had a significantly higher rate of successful recanalization and favorable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days post-procedure, 0–3: 16.7 vs. 51.9%, respectively; P = 0.023) without an increase in the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and a significantly lower mortality rate (58.3 vs. 18.5%, respectively; P = 0.006). Furthermore, the use of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor improved the rate of recanalization of the target artery without increasing the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.Conclusions: Permanent stenting appears to be a feasible rescue modality when MT fails and might provide functional benefits in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to BAO.

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Rescue therapy with stent retrievers for thromboembolism during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20180027 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 76 (5) ◽

pp. 332-338 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zeferino Demartini Junior ◽

Luana A. Maranha Gatto ◽

Gelson Luis Koppe ◽

Tatiana F. von Hertwig de Oliveira ◽

Alexandre Novicki Francisco

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Intracranial Aneurysms ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Arterial Occlusion ◽

Complete Recovery ◽

Aneurysm Embolization ◽

Stent Retrievers ◽

Arterial Recanalization

ABSTRACT Thromboembolism is the most frequent complication in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, causing disability and death. As stent retrievers have achieved high rates of arterial recanalization in the management of ischemic stroke, these devices were tested as rescue therapy of thromboembolism during aneurysm embolization. We retrospectively analyzed 10 consecutive patients with transprocedural arterial occlusion, treated with mechanical thrombectomy at a single center. Good angiographic recanalization was achieved in eight cases, mTICI 3, 2b and 2a in five, three and two patients, respectively, without additional complications or any deaths. Five patients showed complete recovery (mRS 0) and all patients showed improvement of disability (average mRS 1.1) over a mean follow-up period of 31 months. Eight patients had good clinical recovery, while two remained with deficits (mRS 3 and 4). The study found that the stent retriever is a valuable, rapid and effective tool for restoring blood flow, improving the safety of endovascular treatment.

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