Abstract TP239: Cross-Training In-Hospital Operating Staff Significantly Improves Door-to-Puncture Time in Thrombectomy Patients
Objective: Delay in endovascular reperfusion in patients with acute large-vessel cerebral occlusion decreases the likelihood of functional independence. Given the large contribution of the pre-puncture, in-hospital time period to the overall speed of reperfusion therapy we evaluated the benefits and impediments of utilizing an immediately available OR team to reduce door-to-puncture time compared to a traditional model of an on-call team. Methods: Prospectively collected data were retrospectively analyzed to compare the readiness strategies of 2 comprehensive stroke centers of the Geisinger Health System serving stroke patients in rural and suburban Pennsylvania with different hospital level characteristics: Center A with an in-hospital available operating room team cross-trained in both operating and neuroendovascular procedures and center B with a dedicated on-call neuroendovascular team. Data compared included patient demographics and presentation characteristics, stroke severity, door-to-puncture time, and successful reperfusion ( t test, Fisher exact test, Chi square test). Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline stroke patient characteristics at center A (n=31) and center B (n= 45): 61% vs. 62% females; mean age 72 (range 47 to 93) vs. 69 (range 28 to 96) (p=0.35); admission NIHSS 17 vs 17, respectively. Successful reperfusion (TICI 2b-3) was achieved in 98% and 97% of cases in center A and B, respectively (p=0.79) but door-to-puncture time differed significantly between 50 in center A compared to 121 minutes in center B (58% reduction, p<0.02). Conclusion: Crossed-training in-hospital operating room staff in neuroendovascular procedures significantly reduces door-to-puncture time in thrombectomy patients when compared to a traditional on-call neuroendovascular call team. Based on existing data, this achievement in earlier reperfusion is expected to translate directly to improve clinical outcome.