scholarly journals Bypassing the Closest Stroke Center for Thrombectomy Candidates

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 867-875 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludwig Schlemm ◽  
Matthias Endres ◽  
Christian H. Nolte

Background and Purpose— Patients with acute ischemic stroke who have large vessel occlusion benefit from direct transport to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) capable of endovascular therapy. To avoid harm for patients without large vessel occlusion from delayed access to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), it has been suggested to only redirect patients with high likelihood of large vessel occlusion for whom the additional delay to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) caused by transport to the CSC is below a certain threshold. However, which threshold achieves the greatest clinical benefit is unknown. Methods— We used mathematical modeling to calculate additional-delay-to-IVT thresholds associated with the greatest reduction in disability-adjusted life years in abstracted 2-stroke center and multiple-stroke center scenarios. Model parameters were extracted from recent meta-analyses or large prospective cohort studies. Uncertainty was quantified in probabilistic and 2-way univariate sensitivity analyses. Results— Assuming ideal treatment time performance metrics, transport to the nearest CSC was the preferred strategy irrespective of additional delay-to-IVT when the transfer time between primary stroke center and CSC was <40 minutes (95% credible interval: 25–66 minutes); otherwise, the optimal additional delay-to-IVT-threshold ranged from 28 to 139 minutes. In multiple-stroke center scenarios, optimal additional-delay-to-IVT thresholds were 30 to 54 minutes in urban and 49 to 141 minutes in rural settings; use of optimal thresholds as compared with a 15 minute-threshold saved 0 to 0.11 and 0 to 0.37 disability-adjusted life years per triage case, respectively. Assuming slower treatment times at primary stroke centers and CSCs yielded longer permissible additional delays. Conclusions— Our results suggest that patients with acute ischemic stroke with suspected large vessel occlusion should be redirected to a CSC if the additional delay to IVT is <30 minutes in urban and 50 minutes in rural settings.

Author(s):  
Ludwig Schlemm ◽  
Matthias Endres ◽  
Jan F. Scheitz ◽  
Marielle Ernst ◽  
Christian H. Nolte ◽  
...  

Background The best strategy to identify patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke and unknown vessel status (large vessel occlusion) for direct transport to a comprehensive stroke center instead of a nearer primary stroke center is unknown. Methods and Results We used mathematical modeling to estimate the impact of 10 increasingly complex prehospital triage strategy paradigms on the reduction of population‐wide stroke‐related disability. The model was applied to suspected acute ischemic stroke patients in (1) abstract geographies, and (2) 3 real‐world urban and rural geographies in Germany. Transport times were estimated based on stroke center location and road infrastructure; spatial distribution of emergency medical services calls was derived from census data with high spatial granularity. Parameter uncertainty was quantified in sensitivity analyses. The mothership strategy was associated with a statistically significant population‐wide gain of 8 to 18 disability‐adjusted life years in the 3 real‐world geographies and in most simulated abstract geographies (net gain −4 to 66 disability‐adjusted life years). Of the more complex paradigms, transportation of patients with clinically suspected large vessel occlusion based on a dichotomous large vessel occlusion detection scale to the nearest comprehensive stroke center yielded an additional clinical benefit of up to 12 disability‐adjusted life years in some rural but not in urban geographies. Triage strategy paradigms based on probabilistic conditional modeling added an additional benefit of 0 to 4 disability‐adjusted life years over less complex strategies if based on variable cutoff scores. Conclusions Variable stroke severity cutoff scores were associated with the highest reduction in stroke‐related disability. The mothership strategy yielded better clinical outcome than the drip‐‘n'‐ship strategy in most geographies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C. C. van Meenen ◽  
Frank Riedijk ◽  
Jeffrey Stolp ◽  
Bas van der Veen ◽  
Patricia H. A. Halkes ◽  
...  

Background: Patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke are often initially admitted to a primary stroke center (PSC) and subsequently transferred to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). This interhospital transfer delays initiation of EVT. To identify potential workflow improvements, we analyzed pre- and interhospital time metrics for patients with LVO stroke who were transferred from a PSC for EVT.Methods: We used data from the regional emergency medical services and our EVT registry. We included patients with LVO stroke who were transferred from three nearby PSCs for EVT (2014–2021). The time interval between first alarm and arrival at the CSC (call-to-CSC time) and other time metrics were calculated. We analyzed associations between various clinical and workflow-related factors and call-to-CSC time, using multivariable linear regression.Results: We included 198 patients with LVO stroke. Mean age was 70 years (±14.9), median baseline NIHSS was 14 (IQR: 9–18), 136/198 (69%) were treated with intravenous thrombolysis, and 135/198 (68%) underwent EVT. Median call-to-CSC time was 162 min (IQR: 137–190). In 133/155 (86%) cases, the ambulance for transfer to the CSC was dispatched with the highest level of urgency. This was associated with shorter call-to-CSC time (adjusted β [95% CI]: −27.6 min [−51.2 to −3.9]). No clinical characteristics were associated with call-to-CSC time.Conclusion: In patients transferred from a PSC for EVT, median call-to-CSC time was over 2.5 h. The highest level of urgency for dispatch of ambulances for EVT transfers should be used, as this clearly decreases time to treatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 753-757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Laure Kaminsky ◽  
Gioia Mione ◽  
Yacoubou Omorou ◽  
Lisa Humbertjean ◽  
Mathieu Bonnerot ◽  
...  

IntroductionWhile telestroke allows early intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for ischemic strokes in spoke centers, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) is mainly performed at comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs). We aimed to compare 3 month outcome in patients with LVO after admission to a spoke center using telestroke compared with first CSC admission in our large regional stroke network, irrespective of final treatment decision.MethodsAll consecutive LVO patients who were admitted to one of six spoke centers or to the regional CSC within 6 hours of symptom onset were prospectively included from September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2017. All patients admitted to spoke centers were assessed on site with cerebral and vessel imaging. Primary outcome was 3 month favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2).ResultsDistances between spoke centers and CSC ranged from 36 to 77 miles. Among 207 included patients, 132 (63.8%) were first admitted to CSCs and 75 (36.2%) to spoke centers. IVT was administered more in spoke centers (81.3% vs 53.8%, p<0.0001) while MT was performed less (26.7% vs 49.2%, p=0.001) and with a longer time from onset (303 vs 200 min, p<0.0001). No difference was found in 3 month favorable outcome between spoke centers compared with CSCs (32.0% and 35.1%, respectively; OR=0.68; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.10; p=0.12).ConclusionsDespite different distribution of reperfusion therapies for LVO patients managed by telemedicine, we could not demonstrate a difference in functional outcome according to admission location in a large area with long distances between centers.


2021 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2020-017155
Author(s):  
Alexander M Kollikowski ◽  
Franziska Cattus ◽  
Julia Haag ◽  
Jörn Feick ◽  
Alexander G März ◽  
...  

BackgroundEvidence of the consequences of different prehospital pathways before mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in large vessel occlusion stroke is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the infarct extent and progression before and after MT in directly admitted (mothership) versus transferred (drip and ship) patients using the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS).MethodsASPECTS of 535 consecutive large vessel occlusion stroke patients eligible for MT between 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed for differences in the extent of baseline, post-referral, and post-recanalization infarction between the mothership and drip and ship pathways. Time intervals and transport distances of both pathways were analyzed. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between infarct progression (baseline to post-recanalization ASPECTS decline), patient characteristics, and logistic key figures.ResultsASPECTS declined during transfer (9 (8–10) vs 7 (6-9), p<0.0001), resulting in lower ASPECTS at stroke center presentation (mothership 9 (7–10) vs drip and ship 7 (6–9), p<0.0001) and on follow-up imaging (mothership 7 (4–8) vs drip and ship 6 (3–7), p=0.001) compared with mothership patients. Infarct progression was significantly higher in transferred patients (points lost, mothership 2 (0–3) vs drip and ship 3 (2–6), p<0.0001). After multivariable adjustment, only interfacility transfer, preinterventional clinical stroke severity, the degree of angiographic recanalization, and the duration of the thrombectomy procedure remained predictors of infarct progression (R2=0.209, p<0.0001).ConclusionsInfarct progression and postinterventional infarct extent, as assessed by ASPECTS, varied between the drip and ship and mothership pathway, leading to more pronounced infarction in transferred patients. ASPECTS may serve as a radiological measure to monitor the benefit or harm of different prehospital pathways for MT.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Jacob R. Morey ◽  
Xiangnan Zhang ◽  
Kurt A. Yaeger ◽  
Emily Fiano ◽  
Naoum Fares Marayati ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background and Purpose:</i></b> Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the importance of time to endovascular therapy (EVT) in clinical outcomes in large vessel occlusion (LVO) acute ischemic stroke. Delays to treatment are particularly prevalent when patients require a transfer from hospitals without EVT capability onsite. A computer-aided triage system, Viz LVO, has the potential to streamline workflows. This platform includes an image viewer, a communication system, and an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that automatically identifies suspected LVO strokes on CTA imaging and rapidly triggers alerts. We hypothesize that the Viz application will decrease time-to-treatment, leading to improved clinical outcomes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was assessed for patients who presented to a stroke center currently utilizing Viz LVO and underwent EVT following transfer for LVO stroke between July 2018 and March 2020. Time intervals and clinical outcomes were compared for 55 patients divided into pre- and post-Viz cohorts. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The median initial door-to-neuroendovascular team (NT) notification time interval was significantly faster (25.0 min [IQR = 12.0] vs. 40.0 min [IQR = 61.0]; <i>p</i> = 0.01) with less variation (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05) following Viz LVO implementation. The median initial door-to-skin puncture time interval was 25 min shorter in the post-Viz cohort, although this was not statistically significant (<i>p</i> = 0.15). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Preliminary results have shown that Viz LVO implementation is associated with earlier, more consistent NT notification times. This application can serve as an early warning system and a failsafe to ensure that no LVO is left behind.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 175628642199901
Author(s):  
Meredeth Zotter ◽  
Eike I. Piechowiak ◽  
Rupashani Balasubramaniam ◽  
Rascha Von Martial ◽  
Kotryna Genceviciute ◽  
...  

Background and aims: To investigate whether stroke aetiology affects outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke who undergo endovascular therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analysed patients from the Bernese Stroke Centre Registry (January 2010–September 2018), with acute large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation due to cardioembolism or large-artery atherosclerosis, treated with endovascular therapy (±intravenous thrombolysis). Results: The study included 850 patients (median age 77.4 years, 49.3% female, 80.1% with cardioembolism). Compared with those with large-artery atherosclerosis, patients with cardioembolism were older, more often female, and more likely to have a history of hypercholesterolaemia, atrial fibrillation, current smoking (each p < 0.0001) and higher median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores on admission ( p = 0.030). They were more frequently treated with stent retrievers ( p = 0.007), but the median number of stent retriever attempts was lower ( p = 0.016) and fewer had permanent stent placements ( p ⩽ 0.004). Univariable analysis showed that patients with cardioembolism had worse 3-month survival [72.7% versus 84%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.51; p = 0.004] and modified Rankin scale (mRS) score shift ( p = 0.043) and higher rates of post-interventional heart failure (33.5% versus 18.5%, OR = 2.22; p < 0.0001), but better modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score shift ( p = 0.025). Excellent (mRS = 0–1) 3-month outcome, successful reperfusion (mTICI = 2b–3), symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and Updated Charlson Comorbidity Index were similar between groups. Propensity-matched analysis found no statistically significant difference in outcome between stroke aetiology groups. Stroke aetiology was not an independent predictor of favourable mRS score shift, but lower admission NIHSS score, younger age and independence pre-stroke were (each p < 0.0001). Stroke aetiology was not an independent predictor of heart failure, but older age, admission antithrombotics and dependence pre-stroke were (each ⩽0.027). Stroke aetiology was not an independent predictor of favourable mTICI score shift, but application of stent retriever and no permanent intracranial stent placement were (each ⩽0.044). Conclusion: We suggest prospective studies to further elucidate differences in reperfusion and outcome between patients with cardioembolism and large-artery atherosclerosis.


2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512110068
Author(s):  
Yu Hang ◽  
Zhen Yu Jia ◽  
Lin Bo Zhao ◽  
Yue Zhou Cao ◽  
Huang Huang ◽  
...  

Background Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO) were usually transferred from a primary stroke center (PSC) to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for endovascular treatment (drip-and-ship [DS]), while driving the doctor from a CSC to a PSC to perform a procedure is an alternative strategy (drip-and-drive [DD]). Purpose To compare the efficacy and prognosis of the two strategies. Material and Methods From February 2017 to June 2019, 62 patients with LVO received endovascular treatment via the DS and DD models and were retrospectively analyzed from the stroke alliance based on our CSC. Primary endpoint was door-to-reperfusion (DTR) time. Secondary endpoints included puncture-to-recanalization (PTR) time, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) rates at the end of the procedure, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Results Forty-one patients received the DS strategy and 21 patients received the DD strategy. The DTR time was significantly longer in the DS group compared to the DD group (315.5 ± 83.8 min vs. 248.6 ± 80.0 min; P < 0.05), and PTR time was shorter (77.2 ± 35.9 min vs. 113.7 ± 69.7 min; P = 0.033) compared with the DD group. Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b/3) was achieved in 89% (36/41) of patients in the DS group and 86% (18/21) in the DD group ( P = 1.000). Favorable functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) were observed in 49% (20/41) of patients in the DS group and 71% (15/21) in the DD group at 90 days ( P = 0.089). Conclusion Compared with the DS strategy, the DD strategy showed more effective and a trend of better clinical outcomes for AIS patients with LVO.


Author(s):  
Sonam Thind ◽  
Ali Mansour ◽  
Scott Mendelson ◽  
Elisheva Coleman ◽  
James Brorson ◽  
...  

Introduction : Acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) can be secondary to thromboembolism or underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Data on the management of LVO due to underlying ICAD are scarce. We hypothesized that patients with ICAD would have worse clinical outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) than those without ICAD. Methods : We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent MT for LVO in a large academic comprehensive stroke center between 01/2018 and 05/2021. Presence of underlying ICAD at the site of LVO was determined by the treating interventionalist. We compared outcomes including in‐hospital mortality and 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) between those with and without underlying ICAD, adjusting for relevant covariates using logistic regression. Results : Among 195 patients (mean age 67.4+15.1 years, 56.9% female, 81% black, median NIHSS score 15), underlying ICAD was present in 39 (20.0%). Stent‐retrievers were used 196 patients with only 3 having rescue stent placement. There were no significant differences in baseline factors amongst the two groups except diabetes was more common (69.2% vs. 49.7%, p = 0.028) and intravenous thrombolysis provided less often (17.9% vs. 36.5%, p = 0.027) in those with ICAD. TICI 2B or higher was achieved in 82.1% of ICAD compared with 94.3% of non‐ICAD patients (p = 0.012). Mortality was more common (50.0% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.025) and good functional outcome (mRS 0–2) at 90 days was less common (10.8% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.002) in the ICAD group. Adjusting for age, diabetes, intravenous thrombolysis, baseline NIHSS score, and final TICI score, underlying ICAD was an independent predictor of mRS 0–2 at 90 days (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4‐14.2, p = 0.010). Conclusions : Underlying ICAD is associated with 4.5‐fold increase in poor functional outcome in patients with LVO undergoing traditional MT. Further research is needed to understand factors associated with poor outcomes investigate alternative interventional approaches and medical management in this high‐risk population.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C.C. van Meenen ◽  
Maritta N. van Stigt ◽  
Arjen Siegers ◽  
Martin D. Smeekes ◽  
Joffry A.F. van Grondelle ◽  
...  

A reliable and fast instrument for prehospital detection of large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke would be a game-changer in stroke care, because it would enable direct transportation of LVO stroke patients to the nearest comprehensive stroke center for endovascular treatment. This strategy would substantially improve treatment times and thus clinical outcomes of patients. Here, we outline our view on the requirements of an effective prehospital LVO detection method, namely: high diagnostic accuracy; fast application and interpretation; user-friendliness; compactness; and low costs. We argue that existing methods for prehospital LVO detection, including clinical scales, mobile stroke units and transcranial Doppler, do not fulfill all criteria, hindering broad implementation of these methods. Instead, electroencephalography may be suitable for prehospital LVO detection since in-hospital studies have shown that quantification of hypoxia-induced changes in the electroencephalography signal have good diagnostic accuracy for LVO stroke. Although performing electroencephalography measurements in the prehospital setting comes with challenges, solutions for fast and simple application of this method are available. Currently, the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of electroencephalography in the prehospital setting are being investigated in clinical trials.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 828-833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhi Pandhi ◽  
Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽  
Rashi Krishnan ◽  
Muhammad F Ishfaq ◽  
Savdeep Singh ◽  
...  

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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