In-Hospital Intravenous Thrombolysis Offers No Benefit in Mechanical Thrombectomy in Optimized Tertiary Stroke Center Setting

Abstract Purpose Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the first-line treatment in acute stroke patients presenting with large vessel occlusion (LVO). The efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) prior to MT is being contested. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of MT without IVT in patients with no contraindications to IVT presenting directly to a tertiary stroke center with acute anterior circulation LVO. Materials and Methods We collected the data of 106 acute stroke patients who underwent MT in a single high-volume stroke center. Patients with anterior circulation LVO eligible for IVT and directly admitted to our institution who subsequently underwent MT were included. We recorded baseline clinical, laboratory, procedural, and imaging variables and technical, imaging, and clinical outcomes. The effect of intravenous thrombolysis on 3-month clinical outcome (mRS) was analyzed with univariate tests and binary and ordinal logistic regression analysis. Results Fifty-eight out of the 106 patients received IVT + MT. These patients had 2.6-fold higher odds of poorer clinical outcome in mRS shift analysis (p = 0.01) compared to MT-only patients who had excellent 3-month clinical outcome (mRS 0–1) three times more often (p = 0.009). There were no significant differences between the groups in process times, mTICI, or number of hemorrhagic complications. A trend of less distal embolization and higher number of device passes was observed among the MT-only patients. Conclusions MT without prior IVT was associated with an improved overall three-month clinical outcome in acute anterior circulation LVO patients.

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Mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke patients with pre-interventional intracranial haemorrhage following intravenous thrombolysis

The Neuroradiology Journal ◽

10.1177/19714009211009112 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 197140092110091

Author(s):

Hanna Styczen ◽

Matthias Gawlitza ◽

Nuran Abdullayev ◽

Alex Brehm ◽

Carmen Serna-Candel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Intracranial Haemorrhage ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Vessel Occlusion

Background Data on outcome of endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion suffering from intravenous thrombolysis-associated intracranial haemorrhage prior to mechanical thrombectomy remain scarce. Addressing this subject, we report our multicentre experience. Methods A retrospective analysis of consecutive acute ischaemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy due to large vessel occlusion despite the pre-interventional occurrence of intravenous thrombolysis-associated intracranial haemorrhage was performed at five tertiary care centres between January 2010–September 2020. Baseline demographics, aetiology of stroke and intracranial haemorrhage, angiographic outcome assessed by the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score and clinical outcome evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days were recorded. Results In total, six patients were included in the study. Five individuals demonstrated cerebral intraparenchymal haemorrhage on pre-interventional imaging; in one patient additional subdural haematoma was observed and one patient suffered from isolated subarachnoid haemorrhage. All patients except one were treated by the ‘drip-and-ship’ paradigm. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 4/6 (67%) individuals. In 5/6 (83%) patients, the pre-interventional intracranial haemorrhage had aggravated in post-interventional computed tomography with space-occupying effect. Overall, five patients had died during the hospital stay. The clinical outcome of the survivor was modified Rankin Scale=4 at 90 days follow-up. Conclusion Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with intravenous thrombolysis-associated intracranial haemorrhage is technically feasible. The clinical outcome of this subgroup of stroke patients, however, appears to be devastating with high mortality and only carefully selected patients might benefit from endovascular treatment.

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Effect of balloon guide catheter on clinical outcomes and reperfusion in Trevo thrombectomy

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2018-014452 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 861-865 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Thanh N Nguyen ◽

Alicia C Castonguay ◽

Raul G Nogueira ◽

Diogo C Haussen ◽

Joey D English ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Stent Retriever ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Good Clinical Outcome ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Guide Catheter

IntroductionThe Solitaire stent retriever registry showed improved reperfusion, faster procedure times, and better outcome in acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion treated with a balloon guide catheter (BGC) and Solitaire stent retriever compared with a conventional guide catheter. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether use of a BGC with the Trevo stent retriever improves outcomes compared with a conventional guide catheter.MethodsThe TRACK registry recruited 23 sites to submit demographic, clinical, and site adjudicated angiographic and outcome data on consecutive patients treated with the Trevo stent retriever. BGC use was at the discretion of the physician.Results536 anterior circulation patients (of whom 279 (52.1%) had BGC placement) were included in this analysis. Baseline characteristics were notable for younger patients in the BGC group (65.4±15.3 vs 68.1±13.6, P=0.03) and lower rate of hypertension (72% vs 79%, P=0.06). Mean time from symptom onset to groin puncture was longer in the BGC group (357 vs 319 min, P=0.06).Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3 scores were higher in the BGC cohort (84% vs 75.5%, P=0.01). There was no difference in reperfusion time, first pass effect, number of passes, or rescue therapy. Good clinical outcome at 3 months was superior in patients with BGC (57% vs 40%; P=0.0004) with a lower mortality rate (13% vs 23%, P=0.008). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that BGC use was an independent predictor of good clinical outcome (OR 2; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.1, P=0.001).ConclusionsIn acute stroke patients presenting with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, use of a BGC with the Trevo stent retriever resulted in improved reperfusion, improved clinical outcome, and lower mortality.

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Direct aspiration first pass technique for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke: initial experience at a European stroke center

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2014-011520 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 230-234 ◽

Cited By ~ 64

Author(s):

Annika Kowoll ◽

Anushe Weber ◽

Anastasios Mpotsaris ◽

Daniel Behme ◽

Werner Weber

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

First Pass ◽

Stent Retrievers ◽

Stroke Center

IntroductionOver the past decade, endovascular techniques for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke have emerged significantly. However, revascularization rates are limited at approximately 80%, and mechanical thrombectomy procedures still last about 1 h. Therefore, we investigated the novel direct aspiration first pass technique for its efficacy and safety.MethodsOur neurointerventional database was screened for patients who received mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke using the Penumbra 5MAX ACE aspiration catheter on an intention to treat basis between November 2013 and June 2014. Procedural data, including modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score, procedural timings, and complications, as well as clinical data at admission and discharge, were analyzed.Results54 patients received mechanical thrombectomy using the 5MAX ACE. Median age was 69 (39–94) years (54% were men). Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 15 (2–27) and 44/54 (81%) patients received intravenous thrombolysis. Vessel occlusion sites were 91% anterior circulation and 9% posterior circulation. A successful revascularization result (mTICI ≥2b) was achieved in 93% of cases whereas direct aspiration alone was successful in 30/54 (56%) cases; among these, median time from groin puncture to revascularization was 30 min (9–113). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 2/54 (4%) patients, and embolization to new territories in 3/54 (6%). Median NIHSS at discharge was 6 (0–24); 46% of patients were independent at discharge.ConclusionsThe direct aspiration first pass technique proofed to be fast, effective, and safe. Promising revascularization results can be achieved quickly in more than 50% of patients using this technique as the firstline option. Nevertheless, stent retrievers are still warranted in approximately 40% of cases to achieve a favorable revascularization result.

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Internal Carotid Artery and the Proximal M1 Segment Are Optimal Targets for Mechanical Thrombectomy

Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1159/000475606 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (3-4) ◽

pp. 207-218 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Niko Sillanpää ◽

Sara Protto ◽

Jukka T. Saarinen ◽

Juha-Pekka Pienimäki ◽

Janne Seppänen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Good Clinical Outcome ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Outcome Differences

Background and Purpose: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an established treatment of acute anterior circulation stroke caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). We compared the clinical outcome (3-month modified Rankin Scale, mRS) in hyperacute (<3h from the onset of symptoms) ischemic stroke between an MT and an intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) cohort in proximal (ICA and the proximal M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery) and distal (the distal M1 and the M2 segment) LVOs. Methods: We prospectively reviewed 67 patients who underwent MT with newer-generation stent retrievers. The IVT cohort consisted of 98 patients who received IVT without MT. We recorded baseline clinical, procedural and imaging variables, technical outcome, 24-h imaging outcome, and the clinical outcome. Differences between the groups were studied with theoretically appropriate statistical tests and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The proportion of patients who had a proximal LVO and experienced good (mRS ≤2) or excellent (mRS ≤1) clinical outcome was significantly larger in the MT group (62 vs. 7%, p < 0.001; 47 vs. 3%, p < 0.001, respectively). In a regression model including relevant confounding variables, good clinical outcome was seen significantly more often among patients with proximal occlusions (OR = 6.0, CI 95% 1.9-18.3, p = 0.002). In a similar model, no statistically significant differences were observed in patients with more distal occlusions. Conclusions: MT is superior to IVT in achieving good clinical outcome in hyperacute anterior circulation stroke in the most proximal occlusions (ICA and proximal M1 segment). In the distal M1 and M2 segments neither of these therapies clearly outperforms the other.

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Intravenous thrombolysis outcome in posterior vs anterior circulation stroke in a tertiary stroke center in Egypt

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology Psychiatry and Neurosurgery ◽

10.1186/s41983-021-00325-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nourhan Abdelmohsen Taha ◽

Hala El Khawas ◽

Mohamed Amir Tork ◽

Tamer M. Roushdy

Keyword(s):

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Time Points ◽

Posterior Circulation Stroke ◽

First Line Therapy ◽

Insignificant Difference ◽

Stroke Center

Abstract Background Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with alteplase is the first-line therapy for acute ischemic anterior and posterior circulation strokes (ACS and PCS). Knowledge about safety and efficacy of IVT in posterior circulation stroke is deficient as most of the Egyptian studies either assessed IVT outcome in comparison to conservative therapy or its outcome in anterior circulation stroke only. Therefore, our aim was to compare the relative frequency and outcome after intravenous thrombolysis in anterior versus posterior circulation stroke patients presenting to stroke centers of Ain Shams University hospitals (ASUH). Results A total of 238 anterior circulation stroke and 61 posterior circulation strokes were enrolled, onset-to-door and door-to-needle time were statistically insignificant. NIHSS showed comparable difference at all time points despite higher scores along anterior circulation stroke; 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) showed significant improvement in both groups from mRS >2 to ≤2 with a better percentage along posterior circulation stroke patients. There was insignificant difference for either incidence of death or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) between the two groups. Conclusion IVT significantly reduced NIHSS for both anterior and posterior circulation stroke along different studied time points. Meanwhile, a higher percentage of patients with posterior circulation stroke had a better mRS outcome at 90 days.

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Is a picture-perfect thrombectomy necessary in acute ischemic stroke?

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2020-017193 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2020-017193

Author(s):

Ching-Jen Chen ◽

Reda Chalhoub ◽

Dale Ding ◽

Jeyan S Kumar ◽

Natasha Ironside ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Outcome ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

History Of ◽

Multivariable Models ◽

Secondary Outcomes

BackgroundThe benefit of complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 3) over near-complete reperfusion (≥90%, mTICI 2c) remains unclear. The goal of this study is to compare clinical outcomes between mechanical thrombectomy (MT)-treated stroke patients with mTICI 2c versus 3.MethodsThis is a retrospective study from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) comprising 33 centers. Adults with anterior circulation arterial vessel occlusion who underwent MT yielding mTICI 2c or mTICI 3 reperfusion were included. Patients were categorized based on reperfusion grade achieved. Primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were mRS scores at discharge and 90 days, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge, procedure-related complications, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.ResultsThe unmatched mTICI 2c and mTICI 3 cohorts comprised 519 and 1923 patients, respectively. There was no difference in primary (42.4% vs 45.1%; p=0.264) or secondary outcomes between the unmatched cohorts. Reperfusion status (mTICI 2c vs 3) was also not predictive of the primary outcome in non-imputed and imputed multivariable models. The matched cohorts each comprised 191 patients. Primary (39.8% vs 47.6%; p=0.122) and secondary outcomes were also similar between the matched cohorts, except the 90-day mRS which was lower in the matched mTICI 3 cohort (p=0.049). There were increased odds of the primary outcome with mTICI 3 in patients with baseline mRS ≥2 (36% vs 7.7%; p=0.011; pinteraction=0.014) and a history of stroke (42.3% vs 15.4%; p=0.027; pinteraction=0.041).ConclusionsComplete and near-complete reperfusion after MT appear to confer comparable outcomes in patients with acute stroke.

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Abstract 118: Diffusion Lesion Volume Reduction after Recanalization Therapy for Anterior Circulation Stroke with Major Vessel Occlusion: Analysis from the RESCUE-Japan Registry Study

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.118 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mikito Hayakawa ◽

Hiroshi Yamagami ◽

Kazunori Toyoda ◽

Yuji Matsumaru ◽

Yukiko Enomoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Volume Reduction ◽

Lesion Volume ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Median Baseline ◽

Point Reduction ◽

Major Vessel

Objective: Although Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions are commonly irreversible, DWI lesion volume reduction (DVR) is occasionally observed. We investigated clinical significance and predictors of DVR in acute stroke patients with major vessel occlusion receiving recanalization therapy (RT). Methods: The Recovery by Endovascular Salvage for Cerebral Ultra-acute Embolism (RESCUE)-Japan registry prospectively registered 1,442 stroke patients with major vessel occlusion who were admitted to 84 Japanese stroke centers within 24 hours after onset from July 2010 to June 2011. We retrospectively analyzed all patients with the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (M1 or M2 segments occlusions receiving RT and undergoing MRI both on admission and at 24 hours after onset from the registry. We defined DVR as a 1 or more-point reduction of the DWI-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), and CT-DWI mismatch (CTDM) as a 2 or more-point lower DWI-ASPECTS than CT-ASPECTS on admission. Reperfusion was defined as TICI grade 2b-3 on catheter angiography or modified Mori grade 3 on MRA immediately after RT. Dramatic recovery (DR) was defined as a 10 or more-point reduction or a total NIHSS score of 0-1 at 24 hours, and favorable outcome (FO) defined as a mRS score 0-2 at 3 months. Results: A total of 390 patients (215 men, 72 years old,) was included. Median baseline NIHSS score was 16 (IQR 10-19) and median baseline DWI-ASPECTS was 8 (6-9). CTDM was seen in 92 patients (28%) on admission. Intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy were performed in 246 patients (63%) and 223 patients (57%), respectively. Reperfusion was obtained in 170 patients (51%). DVR was seen in 51 patients (13%). Eighty-eight patients (23%) obtained DR and 158 patients (41%) achieved FO. On multivariate analyses, DVR was significantly related to DR (OR 3.8, 95%CI 1.5-10) and FO (4.6, 1.8-12). CTDM was an independent predictor of DVR (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.8). Conclusions: DVR was significantly related to DR and FO. CTDM is a rough predictor of DVR of which area is considered as a “DWI-bright” ischemic penumbra, and might be a useful marker to identify the adequate candidates for RT in spite of relatively large DWI lesions.

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Abstract TP9: Safety of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke Patients Taking Oral Anticoagulants

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.tp9 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Timo Uphaus ◽

Oliver C Singer ◽

Joachim Berkefeld ◽

Christian H Nolte ◽

Georg Bohner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Stroke Treatment ◽

Male Patients

Introduction: The endovascular treatment (EVT) of cerebral ischemia in the case of large vessel occlusion has been established over recent years. Randomized trials showed a positive impact on the clinical outcome of endovascular treatment in addition to thrombolysis with respect to clinical outcome and safety, so that this therapeutic option will be implemented in future guidelines. The role of EVT in patients treated with oral anticoagulants remains uncertain. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that application of EVT is safe with regard to the occurrence of intracranial bleeding and clinical outcome in patients taking anticoagulants. Methods: The ENDOSTROKE-Registry is a commercially independent, prospective observational study in 12 stroke centers in Germany and Austria launched in January 2011. An online tool served for data acquisition of pre-specified variables concerning endovascular stroke therapy. Results: Data from 815 patients (median age 70, 57% male) undergoing EVT and known anticoagulation status were analyzed. A total of 85 (median age 76, 52% male) patients (10.4%) took oral anticoagulants prior to EVT. Anticoagulation status as measured with INR was 2.0-3.0 in 24 patients (29%), <2.0 in 52 patients (63%) and above 3.0 in 7 patients (8%) of 83 patients with valid INR data prior to EVT. Patients taking anticoagulants were significantly older (median age 76 vs. 69, p < 0.001). Comparing those patients taking anticoagulants and those not, there were no differences concerning NIHSS at admission (with anticoagulants Median-NIHSS 17 vs. without Median-NIHSS 15, p = 0.492, Mann Whitney Test) and the rate of intracranial hemorrhage after intervention (with anticoagulants 11.8% vs. without 12.2%, p = 0.538). After adjustment for age and NIHSS at admission there were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to good clinical outcome, as measured with the modified ranking scale (mRS, 90d-mRS 0-2, 39.2% of patients not receiving anticoagulants; 25.9% of those receiving anticoagulants). Conclusion: The application of endovascular treatment in patients taking oral anticoagulants is safe and should be considered in acute stroke treatment as an important alternative to contraindicated intravenous thrombolysis.

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Antiplatelet pretreatment and outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy for emergent large vessel occlusion strokes

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2017-013532 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 828-833 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Abhi Pandhi ◽

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Rashi Krishnan ◽

Muhammad F Ishfaq ◽

Savdeep Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Few Data

BackgroundFew data are available regarding the safety and efficacy of antiplatelet (APT) pretreatment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We sought to evaluate the association of APT pretreatment with safety and efficacy outcomes following MT for ELVO.MethodsConsecutive ELVO patients treated with MT during a 4-year period in a tertiary stroke center were evaluated. The following outcomes were documented using standard definitions: symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), successful recanalization (SR; modified TICI score 2b/3), mortality, and functional independence (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2).ResultsThe study population included 217 patients with ELVO (mean age 62±14 years, 50% men, median NIH Stroke Scale score 16). APT pretreatment was documented in 71 cases (33%). Patients with APT pretreatment had higher SR rates (77% vs 61%; P=0.013). The two groups did not differ in terms of sICH (6% vs 7%), 3-month mortality (25% vs 26%), and 3-month functional independence (50% vs 48%). Pretreatment with APT was independently associated with increased likelihood of SR (OR 2.18, 95% CI1.01 to 4.73; P=0.048) on multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders. A significant interaction (P=0.014) of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) pretreatment on the association of pre-hospital antiplatelet use with SR was detected. APT pretreatment was associated with SR (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.15 to 6.54; P=0.024) in patients treated with combination therapy (IVT and MT) but not in those treated with direct MT (OR 1.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 5.03; P=0.276).ConclusionAPT pretreatment does not increase the risk of sICH and may independently improve the odds of SR in patients with ELVO treated with MT. The former association appears to be modified by IVT.

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Abstract TP10: Selection Criteria, Is The Clue To Successful Thrombectomy?

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.atp10 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Pedro Cardona ◽

Helena Quesada ◽

Luis Cano ◽

Lucia Aja ◽

De Miquel MA. ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Selection Criteria ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Correct Selection ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Stroke Treatment

In our comprehensive stroke center we analyze correct selection criteria to use self-expandable retrievable intracranial stents for acute stroke treatment. The criteria for intervention were the onset of neurological symptoms, a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) ≥9 at presentation, large vessel occlusion stroke demonstrated by angio-CT, and failure of intravenous thrombolysis or exclusion criteria to administrate it. METHODS: We performed an retrospective analysis of 512 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke candidates for thrombectomy, from April of 2010 to June of 2012, that met inclusion criteria for intervention. Experienced vascular neurologists selected 171 patients to undergoing endovascular therapy using retrievable stents (Solitaire,Trevo). Successful recanalization results were assessed by follow-up angiography immediately after the procedure (TIMI 2-3/TICI 2b-3 score), and good functional outcome was considered when ≤2 mRankin score (mRS) was achieved at 90 days. RESULTS: A total of 171 patients were treated, 87% with anterior circulation stroke. The mean age was 67.5 years (range 32-87); 58% men. The median NIHSS at presentation was 17 (range 6-26). Recanalization (TICI 2b-3) was achieved in 73% of patients. Symptomatic hemorrhage occurred in 8%. Ninety-day mortality was 19, 5% and good 90-day functional outcome (mRS ≤2) was achieved by 45%. Unsuccessful recanalization (TICI 0-2a) was a significant predictor of poor outcome (mRS≤2: 9%). When we analyzed these patients according to inclusion criteria of IMS trial, 101 patients who met strict criteria achieved good neurological outcome more frequently (51% versus 34%) and significant lower mortality rates (17% vs 28%) compared with the group of 70 patients with IMS exclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy in recanalization, safety of thrombectomy and its consequent good clinical outcome is sufficiently established. It is important an experienced vascular neurologist to select possible candidates (proportion of evaluated/treated patients 3:1). Inclusion criteria for acute stroke trials do not always represent real population of stroke patients as well as their clinical results.

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