Mothership versus drip and ship for thrombectomy in patients who had an acute stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion is time-dependent. While only stroke centers with endovascular capabilities perform MT, many patients who had a stroke initially present to the closest primary stroke centers capable of administering earlier intravenous thrombolysis, and then require to be transferred to a comprehensive stroke center for MT.PurposeTo compare the outcomes of this care pathway (drip and ship (DS)) with that whereby patients are directly transferred to a comprehensive stroke center (mothership (MS)).MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies using several electronic databases to determine whether successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction ≥2b), functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and 90-day mortality differed between those who underwent MT with the DS or the MS treatment pathway. Outcomes were meta-analyzed and the results expressed as adjusted relative risk (aRR) for the primary analysis and unadjusted relative risk (uRR) for secondary analysis.ResultsEight studies including 2068 patients were selected, including one study reporting results fully adjusted for baseline characteristics. Patients undergoing MS had better functional independence than those undergoing DS (uRR=0.87, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.93; aRR=0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.98). No difference was found between the treatment pathways in successful reperfusion (uRR=1.05, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.15; aRR=1.00, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.10), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (uRR=1.37, 95% CI 0.91 to 2.06; aRR, 1.53, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.98), and 90-day mortality (uRR=1.00, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.19; aRR=1.21, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.64).ConclusionsPatients who had an acute ischemic stroke admitted directly to a comprehensive stroke center (MS patients) with endovascular capacities may have better 90-day outcomes than those receiving DS treatment. However, major limitations of current evidence (ie, retrospective studies and selection bias) suggest a need for adequately powered studies. Multicenter randomized controlled trials are expected to answer this question.

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Tenecteplase versus alteplase for acute ischemic stroke thrombolysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Neurology Asia ◽

10.54029/2021mzi ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 671-683

Author(s):

YinQin Hu ◽

YangBo Hou ◽

Zhen Chen ◽

Qian Xiao ◽

Huixia Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Thrombolytic Drug ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis is the preferred clinical treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Alteplase is an intravenous thrombolytic drug used in clinical practice. Recently, studies have shown the efficacy of another intravenous thrombolytic drug, tenecteplase, and have reported that the risk of bleeding is low. However, at present, Chinese and international research has yielded controversial results regarding the efficacy and risks of tenecteplase. Therefore, this systematic review and meta- analysis of the efficacy and safety of tenecteplase were performed. Methods: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, the Wanfang Database and CNKI were searched for all studies on the thrombolytic treatment of acute ischemic stroke. All studies published in English prior to March 2021 were retrieved. The studies were screened and selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, the data were extracted and recorded by trained researchers. RevMan 5.4 statistical software was used to analyze the data on the 24h recanalization rate, early neurological improvement (24h reduction in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score of at least 8 points or 24 h NIHSS score of 0~1 point), mRS score at 90 days, intracranial hemorrhage, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality in the tenecteplase group and alteplase group. Results: A total of 565 related studies were identified through the initial searches in each database. The citations of meta-analyses and related reviews were screened for additional eligible articles. Eventually, 9 high-quality English-language articles that included 2149 patients with acute ischemic stroke (including 1035 in the tenecteplase group and 1046 in the alteplase group)were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results were as follows: (1) Efficacy: The 24 h recanalization rate with regard to vascular recanalization was significantly better in the tenecteplase group than in the alteplase group(OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.23~2.72, z = 2.97, P = 0.003). There was significantly greater improvement in early neurological function in the tenecteplase group than in the alteplase group (OR= 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11~1.63, Z=3.00, P =0.003). There were no significant differences in 90-day mRS scores between the two groups (mRS score =0-1, OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.99~1.46, z = 1.82, p = 0.07; mRS score =0-2, OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.94~1.45, z = 1.38, p = 0.17). However, the subgroup analysis showed that the 90-day mRS score of the 0.25 mg/kg tenecteplase group was significantly different from that of groups treated with other doses of tenecteplase (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.01~2.03, z = 2.03, p = 0.04). (2) Safety: The incidences of any intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.91, 95% Ci: 0.55~1.49, z = 0.39, p = 0.70), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.63~2.32, z = 0.56 P = 0.57), and mortality (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.57~1.26, z = 0.82, p = 0.41) were not significantly different between the tenecteplase and alteplase groups. Conclusions: Tenecteplase can significantly increase the 24-hour vascular recanalization rate and improve the neurological prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke and it does not increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage or mortality.

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EXPRESS: Impact of renal impairment on short-term outcomes following endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/17474930211047337 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 174749302110473

Author(s):

Jin Pyeong Jeon ◽

Chih-Hao Chen ◽

Fon-Yih Tsuang ◽

Jianming Liu ◽

Michael D Hill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Renal Impairment ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Continuous Variable ◽

Endovascular Thrombectomy ◽

Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

The Impact

Background. The impact of renal impairment (RI) on the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) was relatively limited and contradictory. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate this. Aims. We registered a protocol on September 2020 and searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar accordingly. RI was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Predefined outcomes included functional independence (defined as a modified Rankin Scale of 0, 1, or 2) at 3 months, successful reperfusion, mortality, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Summary of review. Eleven studies involving 3453 patients were included. For the unadjusted outcomes, RI was associated with fewer functional independence (odds ratio (OR), 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39â0.62) and higher mortality (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 2.03â3.21). RI was not associated with successful reperfusion (OR, 0.80; 95% CI 0.63â1.00) and sICH (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.95â2.10). For the adjusted outcomes, results derived from a multivariate meta-analysis were consistent with the respective unadjusted outcomes: functional independence (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.45â0.77), mortality (OR, 2.23, 95% CI, 1.45â3.43), and sICH (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.85â2.10). Conclusions. We presented the first systematic review to demonstrate that RI is associated with fewer functional independence and higher mortality. Future EVT studies should publish complete renal eGFR data to facilitate prognostic studies and permit eGFR to be analyzed in a continuous variable. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020191309

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Endovascular thrombectomy without versus with intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke: a non-inferiority meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2021-017667 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2021-017667

Author(s):

Chun-Hsien Lin ◽

Jeffrey L Saver ◽

Bruce Ovbiagele ◽

Wen-Yi Huang ◽

Meng Lee

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Randomized Trials ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Risk Difference ◽

Endovascular Thrombectomy ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage

ObjectiveTo conduct a meta-analysis of randomized trials to comprehensively compare the effect of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) versus intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) plus EVT on functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2) after acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions (AIS-LVO).MethodsWe searched Pubmed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and clinicaltrials.gov from January 2000 to February 2021 and abstracts presented at the International Stroke Conference in March 2021 to identify trials comparing EVT alone versus IVT plus EVT in AIS-LVO. Five non-inferiority margins established in the literature were assessed: −15%, −10%, −6.5%, −5%, and −1.3% for the risk difference for functional independence at 90 days.ResultsFour trials met the selection criteria, enrolling 1633 individuals, with 817 participants randomly assigned to EVT alone and 816 to IVT plus EVT. Crude cumulative rates of 90-day functional independence were 46.0% with EVT alone versus 45.5% with IVT plus EVT. Pooled results showed the risk difference of functional independence was 1% (95% CI −4% to 5%) between EVT alone versus IVT plus EVT. The lower 95% CI bound of −4% fell within the non-inferiority margins of −15%, −10%, −6.5%, and −5%, but not −1.3%. Pooled results also showed the risk difference between EVT alone versus IVT plus EVT was 1% (95% CI −3% to 5%) for mRS 0–1, and 1% (95% CI −1% to 3%) for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis suggests that EVT alone is non-inferior to IVT plus EVT for several, but not the most stringent, non-inferiority margins.

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Antegrade or Retrograde Approach for the Management of Tandem Occlusions in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.757665 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaoli Min ◽

Jianhua Du ◽

Xuesong Bai ◽

Tao Wei ◽

Adam A. Dmytriw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Retrograde Approach ◽

Antegrade Approach ◽

Reperfusion Rate

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by tandem intracranial and extracranial occlusions is not rare. However, optimal strategy between antegrade (extracranial first) or retrograde (intracranial first) approaches still remains elusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to compare the two approaches to provide updated clinical evidence of strategy selection.Methods: PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for literature comparing antegrade and retrograde approaches for patients with AIS with concomitant tandem occlusions. Outcomes including successful reperfusion [Throbolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b−3] and 90-day favorable outcome [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2], any intracerebral hemorrhage, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, procedural complications, and mortality were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and illustrated in the Funnel plot. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistic. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed.Results: A total of 11 studies accounting 1,517 patients were included. 831 (55%) patients were treated with an antegrade approach and 686 (45%) patients were treated with the retrograde approach. A higher successful reperfusion rate was achieved in retrograde group than that of antegrade group [83.8 vs. 78.0%; odds ratio (OR): 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40–0.99, p = 0.04]. 90-day favorable outcome (mRS 0–2 at 90 days) also showed significantly higher in retrograde group compared with antegrade group (47.3 vs. 40.2%; OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58–0.89, p = 0.002). The incidence of any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 90-day mortality, and other complications did not differ between two groups.Conclusion: In AIS with tandem occlusions, the retrograde approach might achieve a higher successful reperfusion rate and better functional outcome with a comparable safety profile when compared with an antegrade approach. Further prospective controlled studies with more meticulous design and a higher level of evidence are needed to confirm these results.Systematic Review Registration: “PROSPERO” database (CRD 42020199093), https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.

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The Application of Tirofiban in the Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000512601 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Lisha Tang ◽

Xiangqi Tang ◽

Qianwen Yang

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tirofiban during endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies (published before May 1, 2020; no language restrictions) comparing tirofiban administration to blank control during EVT in patients with AIS. Our primary end points were the 3-month functional outcome, recanalization rate, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and 3-month mortality. Results: The incidence of 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2 score of the tirofiban group was higher than that of the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% CI [1.09, 1.48], p = 0.002) with heterogeneity (I2 = 34%, p = 0.11). Data pooled from the 6 studies describing the details of retriever stent in EVT revealed that tirofiban was associated with higher incidence of 3-month mRS 0–2 score (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.11, 1.96], p = 0.007). The recanalization rate was higher in the tirofiban group compared to the control group (OR = 1.66, 95% CI [1.16, 2.39], p = 0.006). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.73, 1.31], p = 0.86) and intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 1.08, 95% CI [0.59, 1.97], p = 0.80) between tirofiban and non-tirofiban group. Besides, the tirofiban administration was associated with lower mortality (OR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.62, 0.91], p = 0.003). Conclusions: The application of tirofiban in EVT of AIS may improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality at 3 months. Besides, tirofiban does not seem to increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and intracranial hemorrhage, either in the anterior or posterior circulation stroke.

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Risk of Intracranial Hemorrhage after Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1159/000454721 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (1-2) ◽

pp. 57-64 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Yonggang Hao ◽

Zhizhong Zhang ◽

Hao Zhang ◽

Lili Xu ◽

Zusen Ye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Medical Treatment ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Major Complication ◽

Controlled Clinical Trials ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage

Background: Intracranial hemorrhage is a major complication of endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Controlled clinical trials reported varied incidences of intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular treatment. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate whether endovascular treatment, compared with medical treatment, increases the risk of intracranial hemorrhage in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The current publications on endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke were systematically reviewed. Rates of intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke reported in controlled clinical trials were pooled and analyzed. Random and fixed-effect models were used to pool the outcomes. For analyzing their individual risks, intracranial hemorrhages after endovascular treatment were classified as symptomatic and asymptomatic. Results: Eleven studies involving 1,499 patients with endovascular treatment and 1,320 patients with medical treatment were included. After pooling the data, the risk of any intracranial hemorrhage was significantly higher in patients with endovascular treatment than in patients with medical treatment (35.0 vs. 19.0%, OR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.64-3.97, p < 0.00001). The risk of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was also significantly higher in patients with endovascular treatment than in those with medical treatment (28 vs. 12%, OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.62-6.16, p < 0.001). However, the risks of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were similar in patients with endovascular treatment and in those with medical treatment (5.6 vs. 5.2%, OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.79-1.50, p = 0.61). Conclusion: Although the risk of any intracranial hemorrhage may increase after endovascular treatment, the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage may remain similar as compared with medical treatment.

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Abstract 106: Safety and Efficacy of Sonothrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion: International Collaborative Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.106 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Aristeidis H Katsanos ◽

Jürgen Eggers ◽

Vincent Larrue ◽

Lars Thomassen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Safety And Efficacy

Introduction: Conflicting evidence has been published regarding the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-enhanced thrombolysis (sonothrombolysis) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Methods: We conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing sonothrombolysis with or without addition of microspheres (treatment group) to intravenous thrombolysis alone (control group) in AIS patients with LVO. Results: We included 6 in total RCTs that enrolled 1077 AIS patients. A total of 138 and 134 confirmed LVO patients were randomized to treatment and control groups respectively (median age 68 years, 58% men, median baseline NIHSS score 16). Patients randomized to sonothrombolysis had increased odds of complete recanalization compared to patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis alone (40.3% vs. 22.4%; OR=2.30, 95%CI: 1.05-5.02; adjusted OR=2.33, 95%CI: 1.02-5.34). They also tended to have increased odds of any (complete or partial recanalization (66.4% vs. 53.0%; OR=1.78, 95%CI: 0.95-3.33; adjusted OR=1.85, 95%CI: 0.97-3.53). The likelihood of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage did not differ between the two groups (7.3% vs. 3.7%, OR=2.52, 95%CI: 0.77-8.29; adjusted OR=2.55, 95%CI: 0.76-8.52). No differences in the likelihood of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted OR: 1.30, 95%CI: 0.38-4.39), three-month mortality (adjusted OR: 1.23, 95%CI: 0.25-6.05), three-month favorable functional outcome (mRS-scores of 0-1; adjusted OR: 1.43, 95%CI: 0.64-3.19) and three-month functional independence (mRS-scores of 0-2; adjusted OR: 1.43, 95%CI: 0.77-2.64) were documented. Conclusion: Sonothrombolysis was associated with a two-fold increase in the odds of complete recanalization compared to intravenous thrombolysis alone in AIS patients with LVOs. Further study of the safety and efficacy of sonothrombolysis is warranted.

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Abstract 185: Association of Antiplatelet Pretreatment With Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated With Intravenous Thrombolysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.185 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Aristeidis H Katsanos ◽

Ramin Zand ◽

Vijay K Sharma ◽

Martin Köhrmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Stroke Severity

Background & Purpose: In a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) antiplatelet pre-treatment (APP) was associated with adverse outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of available RCTs to investigate the association of APP with outcomes of AIS patients treated with IVT. Methods: The outcome events of interest included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), complete recanalization (CR), 3-month favorable functional outcome (FFO, mRS-score: 0-1), functional independence (FI, mRS-score: 0-2), and mortality. Both unadjusted and adjusted (for baseline stroke severity and age) analyses were performed using random effects methodology. Results: We included 8 RCTs (5,332 total patients, 34% with APP). In unadjusted analyses (Figure 1), APP was associated with higher likelihood of sICH (OR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.53-2.63) and death (OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.24-2.03; 1C) and lower likelihood of 3-month FI (OR=0.69, 0.56-0.85). No association was detected between APP and 3-month FFO (OR=0.79, 95%CI: 0.58-1.07) and CR (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.04-11.66). In adjusted analyses (Figure 2), APP was related to higher odds of sICH (OR=1.89, 95%CI: 1.14-3.12). There was no association between APP and 3-month FI (OR=0.94, 95%CI: 0.70-1.26) or death (OR=1.01, 95%CI: 0.55-1.86). In all analyses no evidence of heterogeneity was detected. Conclusion: Despite APP association with a higher risk of sICH after thrombolysis, three-month functional outcomes appear un-affected by APP. APP before IVT should not be used as an excuse to withhold or to lower the dose of IVT.

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Mechanical thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke with a new intermediate aspiration catheter: preliminary results

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2017-013679 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 975-977 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Fabrizio Sallustio ◽

Enrico Pampana ◽

Alessandro Davoli ◽

Stefano Merolla ◽

Giacomo Koch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Frequent Site ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Procedural Outcomes

Background and purposeTo report clinical and procedural outcomes of acute ischemic stroke patients after endovascular treatment with the new thromboaspiration catheter AXS Catalyst 6.MethodsPatients with anterior and posterior circulation stroke were selected. Successful reperfusion defined as a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score ≥2 b and 3-month functional independence defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2 were the main efficacy outcomes. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality were the main safety outcomes.Results107 patients were suitable for analysis. Mean age was 73.18±12.62 year and median baseline NIHSS was 17 (range: 3–32). The most frequent site of occlusion was the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (60.7%). 76.6% of patients were treated with AXS Catalyst 6 alone without the need for rescue devices or thromboaspiration catheters. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 84.1%, functional independence in 47.6%, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 3.7%, and mortality in 21.4%.ConclusionsEndovascular treatment with AXS Catalyst 6 proved to be safe, technically feasible, and effective. Comparison analyses with other devices for mechanical thrombectomy are needed.

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Drip-and-Ship for Thrombectomy Treatment in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Leads to Inferior Clinical Outcomes in a Stroke Network Covering Vast Rural Areas Compared to Direct Admission to a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.743151 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Christian A. Taschner ◽

Alexandra Trinks ◽

Jürgen Bardutzky ◽

Jochen Brich ◽

Ralph Hartmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Stroke Onset ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Direct Admission ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Introduction: Organizing regional stroke care considering thrombolysis as well as mechanical thrombectomy (MTE) remains challenging in light of a wide range of regional population distribution. To compare outcomes of patients in a stroke network covering vast rural areas in southwestern Germany who underwent MTE via direct admission to a single comprehensive stroke center [CSC; mothership (MS)] with those of patients transferred from primary stroke centers [PSCs; drip-and-ship (DS)], we undertook this analysis of consecutive stroke patients with MTE.Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent MTE at the CSC between January 2013 and December 2016 were included in the analysis. The primary outcome measure was 90-day functional independence [modified Rankin score (mRS) 0–2]. Secondary outcome measures included time from stroke onset to recanalization/end of MTE, angiographic outcomes, and mortality rates.Results: Three hundred and thirty-two consecutive patients were included (MS 222 and DS 110). Median age was 74 in both arms of the study, and there was no significant difference in baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (median MS 15 vs. 16 DS). Intravenous (IV) thrombolysis (IVT) rates differed significantly (55% MS vs. 70% DS, p = 0.008). Time from stroke onset to recanalization/end of MTE was 112 min shorter in the MS group (median 230 vs. 342 min, p < 0.001). Successful recanalization [thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b-3] was achieved in 72% of patients in the MS group and 73% in the DS group. There was a significant difference in 90-day functional independence (37% MS vs. 24% DS, p = 0.017), whereas no significant differences were observed for mortality rates at 90 days (MS 22% vs. DS 17%, p = 0.306).Discussion: Our data suggest that patients who had an acute ischemic stroke admitted directly to a CSC may have better 90-day outcomes than those transferred secondarily for thrombectomy from a PSC.

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