scholarly journals Thrombectomy for distal medium vessel occlusion with a new generation of Stentretriever (Tigertriever 13)

2021 ◽  
pp. 159101992110399
Author(s):  
Adrien Guenego ◽  
Benjamin Mine ◽  
Thomas Bonnet ◽  
Stephanie Elens ◽  
Juan Vazquez Suarez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Procedural Complications ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Reperfusion Rate

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Tigertriever 13 (Rapid Medical, Yoqneam, Israel) stent retriever in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with primary or secondary distal, medium vessel occlusions (DMVO). Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive AIS patients who underwent thrombectomy with the Tigertriever13 for DMVO. Patients’ characteristics were reviewed, procedural complications, angiographic (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score [mTICI]) and clinical (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) outcomes were documented. Results Between November 2019 and November 2020, 16 patients with 17 DMVO were included (40% female, median age 60 [50–65] years). The Tigertriever13 was used in 11/17 (65%, median NIHSS of 8 [6–15]) primary DMVO and in 6/17 (35%, median NIHSS of 20 [13–24]) cases of secondary DMVO after a proximal thrombectomy. The successful reperfusion rate (mTICI 2b, 2c, 3) was 94% (16/17) for the dedicated vessel. At day 1, CT imaging showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage in 29% of the cases and a parenchymal hematoma in 12%. At 3 months, 65% of the patients (11/17) had a favorable outcome (mRS 0–2). Conclusion Mechanical thrombectomy using the Tigertriever13 appears to be safe and effective for DMVO. Clinical and anatomical results are in line with those of patients with proximal occlusions.

scholarly journals Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke With the Penumbra System in Routine Practice: COMPLETE Registry Results

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osama O. Zaidat ◽  
Johanna T. Fifi ◽  
Ashish Nanda ◽  
Benjamin Atchie ◽  
Keith Woodward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Real World ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Real World Setting ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Background and Purpose: The purpose of the COMPLETE (International Acute Ischemic Stroke Registry With the Penumbra System Aspiration Including the 3D Revascularization Device) registry was to evaluate the generalizability of the safety and efficacy of the Penumbra System (Penumbra, Inc, Alameda) in a real-world setting. Methods: COMPLETE was a global, prospective, postmarket, multicenter registry. Patients with large vessel occlusion–acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using the Penumbra System with or without the 3D Revascularization Device as frontline approach were enrolled at 42 centers (29 United States, 13 Europe) from July 2018 to October 2019. Primary efficacy end points were successful postprocedure angiographic revascularization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b) and 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2). The primary safety end point was 90-day all-cause mortality. An imaging core lab determined modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scores, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores, clot location, and occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage at 24 hours. Independent medical reviewers adjudicated safety end points. Results: Six hundred fifty patients were enrolled (median age 70 years, 54.0% female, 49.2% given intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator before thrombectomy). Rate of modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b to 3 postprocedure was 87.8% (95% CI, 85.3%–90.4%). First pass and postprocedure rates of modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2c to 3 were 41.5% and 66.2%, respectively. At 90 days, 55.8% (95% CI, 51.9%–59.7%) had modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2, and all-cause mortality was 15.5% (95% CI, 12.8%–18.3%). Conclusions: Using Penumbra System for frontline mechanical thrombectomy treatment of patients with large vessel occlusion–acute ischemic stroke in a real-world setting was associated with angiographic, clinical, and safety outcomes that were comparable to prior randomized clinical trials with stringent site and operator selection criteria. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT03464565.

Acute intracranial stenting with mechanical thrombectomy is safe and efficacious in patients diagnosed with underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 159101992110394
Author(s):  
Ameer E Hassan ◽  
Victor M Ringheanu ◽  
Laurie Preston ◽  
Wondwossen G Tekle ◽  
Adnan I Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Intracranial Stenting ◽  
Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease

Objective To investigate whether significant differences exist in recanalization rates and primary outcomes between patients who undergo mechanical thrombectomy alone versus those who undergo mechanical thrombectomy with acute intracranial stenting. Methods Through the utilization of a prospectively collected endovascular database at a comprehensive stroke center between 2012 and 2020, variables such as demographics, co-morbid conditions, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, mortality rate at discharge, and good/poor outcomes in regard to modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score and modified Rankin Scale were examined. The outcomes between patients receiving acute intracranial stenting + mechanical thrombectomy and patients that underwent mechanical thrombectomy alone were compared. Results There were a total of 420 acute ischemic stroke patients who met criteria for the study (average age 70.6 ± 13.01 years; 46.9% were women). Analysis of 46 patients from the acute stenting + mechanical thrombectomy group (average age 70.34 ± 13.75 years; 37.0% were women), and 374 patients from the mechanical thrombectomy alone group (average age 70.64 ± 12.92 years; 48.1% were women). Four patients (8.7%) in the acute stenting + mechanical thrombectomy group experienced intracerebral hemorrhage versus 45 patients (12.0%) in the mechanical thrombectomy alone group ( p = 0.506); no significant increases were noted in the median length of stay (7 vs 8 days; p = 0.208), rates of modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2B-3 recanalization ( p = 0.758), or good modified Rankin Scale scores ( p = 0.806). Conclusion Acute intracranial stenting in addition to mechanical thrombectomy was not associated with an increase in overall length of stay, intracerebral hemorrhage rates, or any change in discharge modified Rankin Scale. Further research is required to determine whether mechanical thrombectomy and acute intracranial stenting in acute ischemic stroke patients is unsafe.

Intraarterial urokinase for thrombus migration after mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel ischemic stroke

2021 ◽  
pp. 159101992110694
Author(s):  
Hiroaki Neki ◽  
Takehiro Katano ◽  
Takuma Maeda ◽  
Aoto Shibata ◽  
Hiroyuki Komine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Procedure Time ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Ultimate Purpose

Background Achieving rapid and complete reperfusion is the ultimate purpose for ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Although mechanical thrombectomy (MT) had been a proverbially important procedure, medium vessel occlusion (MeVO) with thrombus migration can sporadically occur after MT. Moreover, the safe and effective approach for such had been unknown. We reported thrombolysis with intraarterial urokinase for MeVO with thrombus migration after MT. Methods We included 122 patients who were treated by MT with LVO stroke at our institution between April 2019 and March 2021. Of 26 patients (21.3%) who developed MeVO with thrombus migration after MT, 11 (9.0%) underwent additional MT (MT group) and 15 (12.3%) received intraarterial urokinase (UK group). The procedure time; angiographically modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia Scale (mTICI); functional independence, which was defined as modified Rankin Scale 0–2, on day 30 or upon discharge; and symptomatic and asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) were compared between the UK and MT groups. Results The procedure time, mTICI, and asymptomatic ICH did not significantly differ between the groups. In the UK group, 8 of 15 (53.3%) patients obtained functional independence, and the functional independence rate was significantly higher in the UK group than in the MT group ( p < 0.05). Symptomatic ICH did not occur in the UK group, and its incidence was significantly smaller than that in the MT group ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that intraarterial urokinase for MeVO with thrombus migration after MT may safely improve angiographic reperfusion.

Abstract 1122‐000140: National Trends in Readmission after Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liqi Shu ◽  
Diogo Haussen ◽  
Radmehr Torabi ◽  
Mahesh Jayaraman ◽  
Ryan McTaggart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Absolute Risk ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Cardiac Dysrhythmias ◽  
The Us

Introduction : Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the standard of care in patients with large vessel occlusion after trials have demonstrated (MT) improved outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) as compared to medical therapy. Despite leading to high reperfusion rates, MT patients are at high risk for recurrent ischemic events and complications of stroke. We performed an analysis to evaluate temporal trends in readmission of post‐MT among stroke patients over a three‐year period. Methods : From the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmission Database, we obtained in‐hospital adult patient data with a principal diagnosis of AIS in the US from 2016 to 2018. AIS, MT, thrombolysis treatment and other diagnosis were identified based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We compared the trend of 30‐day readmission in AIS patients who received MT, thrombolysis only and neither treatment with linear regression. Using Clinical Classifications Software Refined tool, we categorized the readmission principal diagnoses of patients underwent MT into groups. All analyses were performed in Stata/SE 15.1 software. Results : Of the 1,271,958 patients admitted from throughout the US with AIS within the study period, 1,130,737 (88.90%) did not receive thrombolysis nor MT, 100,737 (7.92%) received thrombolysis only, and 40,849 (3.21%) underwent MT with or without thrombolysis. The endovascular treatment rate doubled from 2016 (2.40%) to 2018 (4.11%, p < 0.0001). From 2016 to 2018, the readmission rate has significantly decreased from 15.00% to 12.04% (absolute risk reduction (ARR) 2.96%, p = 0.0001) in patients who underwent MT, decreased from 10.46% to 9.51% (ARR 0.95%, p = 0.0097) in patients who received thrombolysis only, and decreased from 11.96% to 11.56% (ARR 0.40%, p = 0.0130) in patients received neither therapy. Among all the patients who underwent MT during the three‐year period, sepsis (1.88%), cerebral infarction (1.59%), sequelae of cerebral infarction (0.82%), cardiac dysrhythmias (0.67%) and heart failure (0.49%) were the most common principal readmission diagnoses. From 2016 to 2018, there were significant decreases in rate of readmissions with septic infection (p = 0.0001), sequelae of cerebral infarction (p < 0.0001), and heart failure (p = 0.0123), but no significant change in cerebral infarction (p = 0.4853) and cardiac dysrhythmias (p = 0.1834). Conclusions : Over three years, the rate of readmissions in AIS patients receiving MT significantly declined, particularly in rate of readmissions in sepsis, sequelae of cerebral infarction, and heart failure. Improved reperfusion rate and better outcomes may explain the reduction in post‐MT complication rate, which needs further studies.

scholarly journals Mechanical thrombectomy using the new Tigertriever in acute ischemic stroke patients – A Swiss prospective multicenter study

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 598-601
Author(s):  
Philipp Gruber ◽  
Michael Diepers ◽  
Alexander von Hessling ◽  
Johannes Weber ◽  
Timo Kahles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
First Line ◽  
Prospective Multicenter Study ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
First Pass ◽  
Reperfusion Rate

Purpose Tigertriever is a novel operator-adjustable clot retriever designed to enhance the operator's options to control the interaction of retriever and clot. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the Tigertriever device system. Methods Prospective multi-center registry study at three comprehensive stroke centers in Switzerland from 2017 to 2019 of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and large vessel occlusion (LVO) using Tigertriever as a first-line device. Results 30 AIS patients (median age 72.5 years (IQR 64–79), 50% women) with a median NIHSS on admission of 11 (IQR 6-13) and a median ASPECT score of 9 (IQR 7–10) were treated with the new Tigertriever and included in this study. The first-pass effect was 24% (n = 7). A good recanalization (eTICI 2 b/2c/3) was achieved in 94% of the cases. Median mRS at 90 days was 1 (IQR 1–2). Conclusion This study demonstrated feasibility, safety and effectiveness of the Tigertriever in AIS patients with LVO with a high reperfusion rate.

First Experience of Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes Without Bridging Technique: A 3-Year Retrospective Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Saima Ahmad ◽  
Umair Rashid Chaudhry ◽  
Ossama Yassin Mansour
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Stent Retriever ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Bridging Technique

Introduction: Mechanical thrombectomy has become the cornerstone and standard of care for acute stroke patients. Early reperfusion in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke is the most important factor. The motivation behind this investigation is to display the aftereffects of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion in anterior and posterior circulation and to demonstrate that it lessens the level of handicap 3 months post stroke. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who presented with acute ischemic stroke at our center from 2015 to 2018 and received mechanical thrombectomy using combined manual aspiration with a stent retriever and with large bore catheters without the bridging technique. Result factors including recanalization rate and modified Rankin Scale at 90 days post procedure were assessed. An aggregate of 30 patients were included. Results: About 30 patients presented at the institute and met the inclusion criteria for the study. Successful recanalization (the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Score [TICI 2B]) was accomplished in 90% of patients, TICI 3 score was accomplished in 56% of the patients. 67% of the patients had good modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 result at 90 days. There were 3 symptomatic hemorrhages and 3 procedure and comorbidity-related deaths (10%). Conclusion: Mechanical thrombectomy using combined manual aspiration with a stent retriever and with large bore catheters alone without the bridging technique is an effective and safe procedure for endovascular revascularization of large vessel occlusion presenting with acute ischemic stroke.

Abstract P528: Intra-Arterial Adjunctive Medications for Acute Ischemic Stroke During Mechanical Thrombectomy a Meta-Analysis

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace K Lee ◽  
Vanessa Chen ◽  
Choon Han Tan ◽  
Aloysius Leow ◽  
Anil Gopinathan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Risk Ratio ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction and hypothesis: In patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO), the role of intra-arterial adjunctive medications (IAM) like urokinase, tPA or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has not been clearly established. We hypothesize that AIS-LVO patients treated with both MT + IAM (rescue or concurrent) achieve better safety and efficacy outcomes than patients treated with MT alone and aim to determine the efficacy and safety of concomitant or rescue IAM for AIS-LVO patients undergoing MT. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase and Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register databases from inception until 13th March 2020. We analysed all studies with patients diagnosed with AIS-LVO in the anterior or posterior circulation, that provided data for the two treatment arms: 1)MT+IAM and 2)MT-only, and also reported on at least one of the following outcomes: reperfusion, 90-days modified Rankin Scale (mRS), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and 90-days mortality. Data were collated in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Results: Sixteen non-randomized observational studies with a total of 4581 patients were analysed. MT-only was performed in 3233 (70.6%) patients, while 1348 (29.4%) patients were treated with both MT+IAM. As compared to patients treated with MT alone, patients treated with combination therapy (MT +IAM) had a higher likelihood of achieving good functional outcome (risk ratio=1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24) and a lower risk of 90-day mortality (risk ratio=0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.94). There was no significant difference in successful reperfusion (risk ratio=1.02, 95% CI 0.99-1.06) and sICH between the two groups (risk ratio = 1.13, 95% CI 0.87-1.46) (Figure 1). Conclusions: In AIS-LVO, use of IAM together with MT may achieve better functional outcomes and lower mortality rates. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of IAM as adjunctive treatment of MT.

scholarly journals Efficacy of beveled tip aspiration catheter in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke

2020 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2020-016695
Author(s):  
Jan Vargas ◽  
Jonathan Blalock ◽  
Anand Venkatraman ◽  
Vania Anagnostakou ◽  
Rrobert M King ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Aspiration Thrombectomy ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Tissue Plasminogen

BackgroundDirect aspiration thrombectomy techniques use large bore aspiration catheters for mechanical thrombectomy. Several aspiration catheters are now available. We report a bench top exploration of a novel beveled tip catheter and our experience in treating large vessel occlusions (LVOs) using next-generation aspiration catheters.MethodsA retrospective analysis from a prospectively maintained database comparing the bevel shaped tip aspiration catheter versus non-beveled tip catheters was performed. Patient demographics, periprocedural metrics, and discharge and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were collected. Patients were divided into two groups based on which aspiration catheter was used.ResultsOur data showed no significant difference in age, gender, IV tissue plasminogen activator administration, admission NIH Stroke Scale score, baseline mRS, or LVO location between the beveled tip and flat tip groups. With the beveled tip, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2C or better recanalization was more frequent overall (93.2% vs 74.2%, p=0.017), stent retriever usage was lower (9.1% vs 29%, p=0.024), and patients had lower mRS on discharge (median 3 vs 4, p<0.001) and at 90 days (median 2 vs 4, p=0.008).ConclusionPatients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with the beveled tip catheter had a higher proportion of TICI 2C or better and had a significantly lower mRS score on discharge and at 90 days.

No Racial Disparity in Outcome Measures After Endovascular Treatment for Stroke in the Elderly

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud H. Mohammaden ◽  
Diogo C. Haussen ◽  
Leonardo Pisani ◽  
Alhamza R. Al-Bayati ◽  
Nicolas Bianchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion

Background and Purpose: Despite the lower rates of good outcomes and higher mortality in elderly patients, age does not modify the treatment effect of mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion strokes. We aimed to study whether racial background influences the outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in the elderly population. Methods: We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy from October 2010 through June 2020 to identify all consecutive patients with age ≥80 years and anterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes. The patients were categorized according to their race as Black and White. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to define the predictors of 90-day modified Rankin Scale and mortality in the overall population and in each race separately. Results: Among 2241 mechanical thrombectomy, a total of 344 patients (median [interquartile range]; age 85 [82–88] years, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 19 [15–23], Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 9 [7–9], 69.5% females) were eligible for the analysis. White patients (n=251; 73%) had significantly lower median body mass index (25.37 versus 26.89, P =0.04) and less frequent hypertension (78.9% versus 90.3%, P =0.01) but more atrial fibrillation (64.5% versus 44.1%, P =0.001) compared with African Americans (n=93; 27%). Other clinical, imaging, and procedural characteristics were comparable between groups. The rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, and mortality were comparable among both groups. On multivariable analysis, race was neither a predictor of 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 (White race: odds ratio, 0.899 [95% CI, 0.409–1.974], P =0.79) nor 90-day mortality (White race: odds ratio, 1.368; [95% CI, 0.715–2.618], P =0.34). Conclusions: In elderly patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke, there was no racial difference in terms of outcome.

First-line use of contact aspiration for thrombectomy versus a stent retriever for recanalization in acute cerebral infarction: The randomized ASTER study protocol

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bertrand Lapergue ◽  
Julien Labreuche ◽  
Raphael Blanc ◽  
Xavier Barreau ◽  
Jérome Berge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Stent Retriever ◽  
Treatment Technique ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
First Line ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Vessel Occlusion

Rationale Mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever is now the standard of care in anterior circulation ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. New techniques for mechanical thrombectomy, such as contact aspiration, appear promising to increase reperfusion status and improve clinical outcome. Aim We aim at ascertaining whether contact aspiration is more efficient than the stent retriever as a first-line endovascular procedure. Sample size estimates With a two-sided test (alpha = 5%, power = 90%) and an anticipated rate of spontaneous recanalization and catheterization failures of 15%, we estimate that a sample size of 380 patients will be necessary to detect an absolute difference of 15% in primary outcome (superiority design). Methods and design The ASTER trial is a prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled, open-label, blinded end-point clinical trial. Patients admitted with suspected ischemic anterior circulation stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion, with onset of symptoms <6 h, will be randomly assigned to contact aspiration or stent retriever in a 1:1 ratio; stratified by center and prior IV thrombolysis. If the assigned treatment technique is not successful after three attempts, another technique will be applied, at the operator’s discretion. Study outcomes The primary outcome will be successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b–3) at the end of the endovascular procedures. Secondary outcome will include successful recanalization after the assigned first-line treatment technique alone, procedural times, the need for a rescue technique, complications and modified Rankin Scale at three months. Discussion No previous head to head randomized trials have directly compared contact aspiration versus stent retriever reperfusion techniques. This prospective trial aims to provide further evidence of benefit of contact aspiration versus stent retriever techniques among patients with ischemic stroke.

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