Abstract WMP3: Direct Transfer to Angio-suite to Reduce Door-to-puncture Time in Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Ribo ◽  
Alejandro Tomasello ◽  
Sandra Boned ◽  
Pilar Coscojuela ◽  
Jesus Juega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Direct Transfer ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Femoral Puncture ◽  
Procedural Time ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Race 4

Background: We aim to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a direct transfer to the angio-suite protocol for acute stroke patients candidates for endovascular treatment (EVT). Methods: Starting June 2016, patients with pre-hospital stroke code activation (RACE≥4) admitted within 4.5h from symptoms-onset were directly transferred on admission to angio-suite (DTA) bypassing the emergency room. After Xpert-CT in the angio-suite for parenchymal evaluation, femoral puncture and EVT were performed as usual. Patients following DTA were compared to all patients with same admission criteria treated with EVT in the previous 2 years (control group, CG). Results: Of the 16 patients that followed DTA, 1 (6%) showed an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) on Xpert-CT and 15 underwent EVT, representing 50% of EVT admitted within 4.5h or 34% of all EVT performed in the study period. 56% of DTA patients had previous neuroimaging at a primary stroke center, 44% were primary admissions with no previous neuroimaging. Baseline characteristics including age (71 Vs 72 years; p=0.71) and admission NIHSS (18.5 Vs 18;p=0.68) were comparable. Median time from admission to groin puncture was significantly shorter in DTA patients (15 minutes IQR:13-19 Vs 65 IQR:45-10;p<0.01). Rate of no treatable occlusion on initial angiogram was 13.3% in DTA Vs 2.4% in CG (p=0.17). Procedural time (36 Vs 55 minutes;p=0.034) was shorter in the DTA group, while recanalization (TICI 2b-3: 86% Vs 81%;p=0.24) and symptomatic ICH rates(6.7% Vs 6.6%;p=0.98) and 24h NIHSS (10 Vs 10.5; p=0.81) were comparable. The total time from admission to recanalization was significantly shorter when DTA was applied (median 52 Vs 123;p<0.01). Conclusion: In a subgroup of acute stroke patients presenting in the early window, direct transfer and triage in the angio-suite seems feasible, safe and achieves a significant reduction in hospital workflow times.

Abstract T MP75: Facilities Available in Chinese Hospitals From China Stroke Research Network

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunjuan Wang ◽  
Zixiao Li ◽  
Yilong Wang ◽  
Yong Jiang ◽  
Xingquan Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Level Of Care ◽  
Minimum Level ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Research ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the first leading cause of death in China and millions of patients were admitted to various levels of hospitals each year. However, it is unknown how many of these hospitals are able to provide an appropriate level of care for stroke patients since the certification program of comprehensive stroke center (CSC) and primary stroke center (PSC) has not been initiated in China. Method: In 2012, we selected all 554 hospitals that joined into the China Stroke Research Network (CSRN) to start a survey. These hospitals were from 31 provinces or municipalities, covered nearly the entire Mainland China. A six-page questionnaire was sent to each of them to obtain the stroke facility information. We used the same criteria and definitions for CSC, PSC, and minimum level for any hospital ward (AHW) admitting stroke patients with that of the European Stroke Facilities Survey. Results: For all the hospitals in CSRN, 521 (94.0%) returned the questionnaire, 20 (3.8%) met criteria for CSC, 179 (34.4%) for PSC, 64 (12.3%) for AHW, and 258 (49.5%) met none of them and provided a lower level of care. Hospitals meeting criteria for CSC, PSC, AHW, and none of them admitted 70 052 (8.8%), 334 834 (42.2%), 88 364 (11.1%), and 299 806 (37.8%) patients in the whole of last year. There was no 24-hour availability for brain CT scan in 4.3% of hospitals not meeting criteria for AHW, while neither stroke care map nor stroke pathway for patients admission in 81.0% of them. Conclusions: Less than two fifths of Chinese hospitals admitting acute stroke patients have optimal facilities, and nearly half even the minimum level is not available. Our study suggests that only one half acute stroke patients are treated in appropriate centers in China, facilities for hospitals admitting stroke patients should be enhanced and certification project of CSCs and PSCs may be a feasible choice.

scholarly journals Emergency Medical Services Support for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Receiving Thrombolysis at a Primary Stroke Center

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. JCNSD.S2221
Author(s):  
Byron R. Spencer ◽  
Omar M. Khan ◽  
Bentley J. Bobrow ◽  
Bart M. Demaerschalk
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Stroke Onset ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Field Assessment ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Background Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a vital link in the overall chain of stroke survival. A Primary Stroke Center (PSC) relies heavily on the 9-1-1 response system along with the ability of EMS personnel to accurately diagnose acute stroke. Other critical elements include identifying time of symptom onset, providing pre-hospital care, selecting a destination PSC, and communicating estimated time of arrival (ETA). Purpose Our purpose was to evaluate the EMS component of thrombolysed acute ischemic stroke patient care at our PSC. Methods In a retrospective manner we retrieved electronic copies of the EMS incident reports for every thrombolysed ischemic stroke patient treated at our PSC from September 2001 to August 2005. The following data elements were extracted: location of victim, EMS agency, times of dispatch, scene, departure, emergency department (ED) arrival, recordings of time of stroke onset, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), cardiac rhythm, blood glucose (BG), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Cincinnati Stroke Scale (CSS) elements, emergency medical personnel field assessment, and transport decision making. Results Eighty acute ischemic stroke patients received thrombolysis during the study interval. Eighty-one percent arrived by EMS. Two EMS agencies transported to our PSC. Mean dispatch-to-scene time was 6 min, on-scene time was 16 min, transport time was 10 min. Stroke onset time was recorded in 68%, BP, HR, and cardiac rhythm each in 100%, BG in 81%, GCS in 100%, CSS in 100%, and acute stroke diagnosis was made in 88%. Various diagnostic terms were employed: cerebrovascular accident in 40%, unilateral weakness or numbness in 20%, loss of consciousness in 16%, stroke in 8%, other stroke terms in 4%. In 87% of incident reports there was documentation of decision-making to transport to the nearest PSC in conjunction with pre-notification. Conclusion The EMS component of thrombolysed acute ischemic stroke patients care at our PSC appeared to be very good overall. Diagnostic accuracy was excellent, field assessment, decision-making, and transport times were very good. There was still room for improvement in documentation of stroke onset and in employment of a common term for acute stroke.

Central Triage of Acute Stroke Patients Across a Distributive Stroke Network Is Safe and Reduces Transfer Denials

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Holder ◽  
Kevin Leeseberg ◽  
James A. Giles ◽  
Jin-Moo Lee ◽  
Sheyda Namazie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Similar Rate ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Community Hospitals ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Background and Purpose: Mechanical thrombectomy has dramatically increased patient volumes transferred to comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs), resulting in transfer denials for patients who need higher level of care only available at a CSC. We hypothesized that a distributive stroke network (DSN), triaging low severity acute stroke patients to a primary stroke center (PSC) upon initial telestroke consultation, would safely reduce transfer denials, thereby providing additional volume to treat severe strokes at a CSC. Methods: In 2017, a DSN was implemented, in which mild stroke patients were centrally triaged, via telestroke consultation, to a PSC based upon a simple clinical severity algorithm, while higher acuity/severity strokes were triaged to the CSC. In an observational cohort study, data on acute ischemic stroke patients presenting to regional community hospitals were collected pre- versus post-DSN implementation. Safety outcomes and rate of CSC transfer denials were compared pre-DSN versus post-DSN. Results: The pre-DSN cohort (n=150), triaged to the CSC, had a similar rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and discharge location compared with the post-DSN cohort (n=150), triaged to the PSC. Time to stroke unit admission was faster post-DSN (2 hours 40 minutes) versus pre-DSN (3 hours 29 minutes; P <0.001). Transfer denials were reduced post-DSN (3.8%) versus pre-DSN (1.8%; P =0.02), despite an increase in telestroke consultation volume over the same period (median, 3 calls pre-DSN versus 5 calls post-DSN; P =0.001). No patients who were triaged to the PSC required subsequent transfer to the CSC. Conclusions: A DSN, triaging mild ischemic stroke patients from community hospitals to a PSC, safely reduced transfer denials to the CSC, allowing greater capacity at the CSC to treat higher acuity stroke patients.

Direct transfer to angiosuite to reduce door-to-puncture time in thrombectomy for acute stroke

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Ribo ◽  
Sandra Boned ◽  
Marta Rubiera ◽  
Alejandro Tomasello ◽  
Pilar Coscojuela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Cone Beam Ct ◽  
Cone Beam ◽  
Dramatic Improvement ◽  
Direct Transfer ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Femoral Puncture ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Adjusted Model

ObjectiveTo evaluate direct transfer to the angiosuite protocol of patients with acute stroke, candidates for endovascular treatment (EVT).MethodsWe studied workflow metrics of all patients with stroke who had undergone EVT in the past 12 months. Patients followed three protocols: direct transfer to emergency room (DTER), CT room (DTCT) or angiosuite (DTAS, only last 6 months if admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score >9 and time from onset <4.5 hours) according to staff/suite availability. DTAS patients underwent cone-beam CT before femoral puncture. Dramatic clinical improvement was defined as 10 NIHSS points drop at 24 hours.Results201 patients were included: 87 DTER (43.3%), 74 DTCT (36.8%), 40 DTAS (19.9%).Ten DTAS patients (25%) did not receive EVT: 3 (7.5%) showed intracranial hemorrhage on cone-beam CT and 7 (17.5%) did not show an occlusion on angiography. Mean door-to-puncture (D2P) time was shorter in DTAS (17±8 min) than DTCT (60±29 min; p<0.01). D2P was longer in DTER (90±53 min) than in the other protocols (p<0.01). For outcome analyses only patients who received EVT were compared; no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including time from symptom-onset to admission, puncture-to-recanalization, or recanalization rate, were seen. However, time from symptom-to-puncture (DTAS: 197±72 min, DTER: 279±156, DTCT: 224±142 min; p=0.01) and symptom-to-recanalization (DTAS: 257±74, DTER: 355±158, DTCT: 279±146 min; p<0.01) were longer in the DTER group. At 24 hours, there were no differences in NIHSS score (p=0.81); however, the rate of dramatic clinical improvement was significantly higher in DTAS: 48.6% (DTER 24.1%, DTCT 27.4%); p=0.01). An adjusted model pointed to shorter onset-to-puncture time as an independent predictor of dramatic improvement (OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.13 to 133; p<0.01)ConclusionIn a subgroup of patients direct transfer and triage in the angiosuite seems feasible, safe, and achieves significant reduction in hospital workflow times.

Referral facility CT perfusion prior to inter-facility transfer in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 818-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Aghaebrahim ◽  
Eric Sauvageau ◽  
Pedro Aguilar-Salinas ◽  
Gustavo Cortez ◽  
Roberta Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Ct Perfusion ◽  
Significant Delay ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Group 1

Background and purposeThe use of CT perfusion (CTP) imaging at a referring hospital is feasible and may shorten the door to puncture time for patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsWe conducted a single center retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive ischemic stroke patients transferred to our center for consideration of endovascular therapy. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients transferred from facilities where CTP (using automated RAPID software) was routinely performed and group 2 consisted of patients transferred from facilities that did not perform perfusion imaging.ResultsWe identified a total of 132 patients, all of whom were transferred to our center, from April 2014 to April 2017. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. A total of 34 patients were transferred from a facility after CTP (group 1) and 98 were transferred from a facility with no CTP (group 2). Door to puncture time was significantly shorter for patients in group 1 compared with those in group 2 (median 12 (IQR 8–16) min and 48.5 (32.8–71.8) min, respectively; P<0.001). Despite obtaining additional pre-transfer imaging in group 1, there was no difference in door in and door out times at the referring facilities compared with group 2.ConclusionsWe found that triaging from a primary stroke center after CTP RAPID was feasible and significantly reduced the door to puncture time without any significant delay in the transfer process.

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

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juha-Pekka Pienimäki ◽  
Jyrki Ollikainen ◽  
Niko Sillanpää ◽  
Sara Protto
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Stroke Center

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.

scholarly journals Clinical Efficacy of a New Robot-assisted Gait Training System for Acute Stroke Patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Chien ◽  
Fei-Chun Chang ◽  
Nai-Hsin Meng ◽  
Pei-Yu Yang ◽  
Ching Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ◽  
Gait Training ◽  
Training System ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Robot Assisted ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Purpose Robot-assisted gait rehabilitation has been proposed as a plausible supplementary rehabilitation strategy in stroke rehabilitation in the last decade. However, its exact benefit over traditional rehabilitation remain sparse and unclear. It is therefore the purpose of the current study to comparatively investigate the clinical benefits of the additional robot-assisted training in acute stroke patients compared to standard hospital rehabilitation alone. Methods Ninety acute stroke patients (< 3 month) were recruited. All participants received the standard hospital neurorehabilitation comprises 45–60 min sessions daily for 3 weeks. Sixty patients also received an additional 30 min of robot-assisted gait training with the HIWIN MRG-P100 gait training system after each of the standard neurorehabilitation session. Outcome measures included: 1. Berg Balance Scale (BBS); 2. Brunnstrom Stage; 3. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and 4. Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire (TDQ) which were assessed pre-treatment and then after every five training sessions. Results Both groups demonstrated significant improvement pre- and post-treatment for the BBS (robotic group p = 0.023; control group p = 0.033) but no significant difference (p > 0.1) between the groups were found. However, the robotic training group had more participants demonstrating larger BBS points of improvement as well as greater Brunnstrom stage of improvement, when compared to the control group. No significant within and between group statistical differences (p > 0.3) were found for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire. Conclusion The addition of robotic gait training on top of standard hospital neurorehabilitation for acute stroke patients appear to produce a slightly greater improvement in clinical functional outcomes, which is not transferred to psychological status.

How do treatment times impact on functional outcome in stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy in Germany? Results from the German Stroke Registry

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302098526
Author(s):  
Juliane Herm ◽  
Ludwig Schlemm ◽  
Eberhard Siebert ◽  
Georg Bohner ◽  
Anna C Alegiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Poor Functional Outcome ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Center Time

Background Functional outcome post-stroke depends on time to recanalization. Effect of in-hospital delay may differ in patients directly admitted to a comprehensive stroke center and patients transferred via a primary stroke center. We analyzed the current door-to-groin time in Germany and explored its effect on functional outcome in a real-world setting. Methods Data were collected in 25 stroke centers in the German Stroke Registry-Endovascular Treatment a prospective, multicenter, observational registry study including stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. Functional outcome was assessed at three months by modified Rankin Scale. Association of door-to-groin time with outcome was calculated using binary logistic regression models. Results Out of 4340 patients, 56% were treated primarily in a comprehensive stroke center and 44% in a primary stroke center and then transferred to a comprehensive stroke center (“drip-and-ship” concept). Median onset-to-arrival at comprehensive stroke center time and door-to-groin time were 103 and 79 min in comprehensive stroke center patients and 225 and 44 min in primary stroke center patients. The odds ratio for poor functional outcome per hour of onset-to-arrival-at comprehensive stroke center time was 1.03 (95%CI 1.01–1.05) in comprehensive stroke center patients and 1.06 (95%CI 1.03–1.09) in primary stroke center patients. The odds ratio for poor functional outcome per hour of door-to-groin time was 1.30 (95%CI 1.16–1.46) in comprehensive stroke center patients and 1.04 (95%CI 0.89–1.21) in primary stroke center patients. Longer door-to-groin time in comprehensive stroke center patients was associated with admission on weekends (odds ratio 1.61; 95%CI 1.37–1.97) and during night time (odds ratio 1.52; 95%CI 1.27–1.82) and use of intravenous thrombolysis (odds ratio 1.28; 95%CI 1.08–1.50). Conclusion Door-to-groin time was especially relevant for outcome of comprehensive stroke center patients, whereas door-to-groin time was much shorter in primary stroke center patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03356392 . Unique identifier NCT03356392

Abstract 2903: Nutritional Access of Dysphagic Patients 3 Months after Onset of Acute Stroke -From Database of 5,000 Patients in a Single Stroke Center-

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Nakajima ◽  
Yuichiro Inatomi ◽  
Toshiro Yonehara ◽  
Yoichiro Hashimoto ◽  
Teruyuki Hirano
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Oral Intake ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Swallowing Dysfunction ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Dysphagic Patients

Background and purpose: Prediction of swallowing function in dysphagic patients with acute stroke is indispensable for discussing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement. We performed a retrospective study using database of a large number of acute ischemic stroke patients to clarify predictors for acquisition of oral intake in chronic phase. Methods: A total 4,972 consecutive acute stroke patients were admitted to our stroke center during 8.5 years; a questionnaire was sent to all the survivors after 3 months of onset. We investigated nutritional access after 3 months of onset in 588 patients who could not eat orally 10 days after admission, and analyzed predictive factors for their acquisition of oral intake. Continuous variables were dichotomized to identify the most sensitive predictors; the cutoff values were investigated by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Results: Out of 588 dysphagic patients, 75 died during the 3 months, and 143 (28%) of the residual 513 achieved oral intake after 3 months. In logistic-regression models, age ≤80 years, absence of hyperlipidemia, absence of atrial fibrillation, modified Rankin Scale score 0 before onset, and low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score independently predicted oral intake 3 months after onset. From two different model analyses, NIHSS score ≤17 on day 10 (OR 3.63, 95% CI 2.37-5.56) was found to be a stronger predictor for oral intake than NIHSS score ≤17 on admission (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.52-3.59). At 3 months, 17/143 (12%) patients with oral intake were living at home, while only 1/370 (0.3%) patients without oral intake were. Conclusion: A quarter of dysphagic patients with acute stroke obtained oral intake 3 months after onset. Clinicians should be cautious about PEG placement for stroke patients with severe dysphagia who were independent prior to the stroke, aged ≤80 years, and show NIHSS score ≤17 on day 10, because their swallowing dysfunction may improve in a few months.

scholarly journals Effect of heparin on recanalization in acute stroke patients with intra-arterial thrombi

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bijal K. Mehta ◽  
Haris Kamal ◽  
Aaron McMurtray ◽  
Mohammed Shafie ◽  
Ping Li
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Intraluminal Thrombus ◽  
Heparin Infusion ◽  
Intravenous Heparin ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Infusion Protocol

Anticoagulant use, such as heparin, is usually contraindicated in acute stroke patients. We present a study of patients, who were treated with intravenous heparin after a stroke that were also found to have an intraluminal thrombus. Prior studies imply that recanalization is achieved with heparin; however heparin should only prevent thrombus propagation. Therefore it is unclear whether and how IV heparin can achieve recanalization of intraluminal thrombi in acute stroke patients. A retrospective review of all acute stroke patients from a single stroke center who received a therapeutic IV heparin infusion from 5/2006 to 9/2011 were included in the study. We compared patients who had complete/partial recanalization and/or improved flow versus those that did not, with both these groups on a standard intravenous heparin infusion protocol. Demographic data was compared between the groups. Average partial thromboplastin time (PTT) during heparin infusion, time between computed tomography angiographies (CTAs), time from stroke onset to receiving IV heparin, and vessel occluded were also compared between groups. Forty-one patients (19 female, 22 male) were included in the study with a total of 55 vessels (either carotid, middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery/posterior circulation) having intraluminal thrombi; 31 patients had 41 vessels with either partial or complete recanalization of effected vessels, while 10 patients had 14 vessels that did not have at least one vessel recanalize while on heparin. Using t-test we noted that the average PTT between the vessels that had partial/complete recanalization group (61.74) and non-recanalization group (66.30) was not statistical significantly different (P=0.37).The average time in days on heparin between vascular imaging studies (CTA/conventional angiogram) in the group of vessels with partial/complete recanalization (7.12 days) and the ones with no change (6.11 days) was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.59). Patient’s vessels receiving heparin for &lt;24 hours <em>versus</em> those &gt;24 hours did not significantly differ either (P=0.17). This study compares patient characteristics associated with recanalization of intraluminal thrombi in acute stroke patients on heparin. Recanalization of intraluminal thrombi are not associated with average PTT or duration on heparin.

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