A comparative propensity-adjusted analysis of microsurgical versus endovascular treatment of unruptured ophthalmic artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVE Ophthalmic artery (OA) aneurysms are surgically challenging lesions that are now mostly treated using endovascular procedures. However, in specialized tertiary care centers with experienced neurosurgeons, controversy remains regarding the optimal treatment of these lesions. This study used propensity adjustment to compare microsurgical and endovascular treatment of unruptured OA aneurysms in experienced tertiary and quaternary settings. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent microsurgical treatment of an unruptured OA aneurysm at the University of California, San Francisco, from 1997 to 2017 and either microsurgical or endovascular treatment at Barrow Neurological Institute from 2011 to 2019. Patients were categorized into two cohorts for comparison: those who underwent open microsurgical clipping, and those who underwent endovascular flow diversion or coil embolization. Outcomes included neurological or visual outcomes, residual or recurrent aneurysms, retreatment, and severe complications. RESULTS A total of 345 procedures were analyzed: 247 open microsurgical clipping procedures (72%) and 98 endovascular procedures (28%). Of the 98 endovascular procedures, 16 (16%) were treated with primary coil embolization and 82 (84%) with flow diversion. After propensity adjustment, microsurgical treatment was associated with higher odds of a visual deficit (OR 8.5, 95% CI 1.1–64.9, p = 0.04) but lower odds of residual aneurysm (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.28, p < 0.001) or retreatment (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02–0.58, p = 0.008) than endovascular therapy. No difference was found between the two cohorts with regard to worse modified Rankin Scale score, modified Rankin Scale score greater than 2, or severe complications. CONCLUSIONS Compared with endovascular therapy, microsurgical clipping of unruptured OA aneurysms is associated with a higher rate of visual deficits but a lower rate of residual and recurrent aneurysms. In centers experienced with both open microsurgical and endovascular treatment of these lesions, the treatment choice should be based on patient preference and aneurysm morphology.

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Hemodynamic Status During Endovascular Stroke Treatment: Association of Blood Pressure with Functional Outcome

Neurocritical Care ◽

10.1007/s12028-021-01229-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Min Chen ◽

Dorothea Kronsteiner ◽

Johannes Pfaff ◽

Simon Schieber ◽

Laura Jäger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Standard Deviation ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Scale Score ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Stroke Treatment ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background Optimal blood pressure (BP) management during endovascular stroke treatment in patients with large-vessel occlusion is not well established. We aimed to investigate associations of BP during different phases of endovascular therapy with reperfusion and functional outcome. Methods We performed a post hoc analysis of a single-center prospective study that evaluated a new simplified procedural sedation standard during endovascular therapy (Keep Evaluating Protocol Simplification in Managing Periinterventional Light Sedation for Endovascular Stroke Treatment). BP during endovascular therapy in patients was managed according to protocol. Data from four different phases (baseline, pre-recanalization, post recanalization, and post intervention) were obtained, and mean BP values, as well as changes in BP between different phases and reductions in systolic BP (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) from baseline to pre-recanalization, were used as exposure variables. The main outcome was a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 three months after admission. Secondary outcomes were successful reperfusion and change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score after 24 h. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results Functional outcomes were analyzed in 139 patients with successful reperfusion (defined as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2b–3). The mean (standard deviation) age was 76 (10.9) years, the mean (standard deviation) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 14.3 (7.5), and 70 (43.5%) patients had a left-sided vessel occlusion. Favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) was less likely with every 10-mm Hg increase in baseline (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, P = 0.04) and pre-recanalization (OR 0.65, P = 0.011) SBP. This was also found for baseline (OR 0.76, P = 0.05) and pre-recanalization MAP (OR 0.66, P = 0.03). The maximum Youden index in a receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed an SBP of 163 mm Hg and MAP of 117 mm Hg as discriminatory thresholds during the pre-recanalization phase to predict functional outcome. Conclusions In our protocol-based setting, intraprocedural pre-recanalization BP reductions during endovascular therapy were not associated with functional outcome. However, higher intraprocedural pre-recanalization SBP and MAP were associated with worse functional outcome. Prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to determine whether BP is a feasible treatment target for the modification of outcomes.

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125 Staged Endovascular Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Acute Coiling Followed By Delayed Flow Diversion

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/neuros/nyx417.125 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 64 (CN_suppl_1) ◽

pp. 228-228

Author(s):

Erick Michael Westbroek ◽

Matthew Bender ◽

Narlin B Beaty ◽

Bowen Jiang ◽

Risheng Xu AB ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Complication Rate ◽

Coil Embolization ◽

Intracranial Aneurysms ◽

Major Complication ◽

Flow Diversion ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Major Complication Rate ◽

Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Abstract INTRODUCTION ISAT demonstrated that coiling is effective for aneurysm treatment in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH); however, complete occlusion of wide-necked aneurysms frequently requires adjuvants relatively contraindicated in SAH. As such, a limited “dome occlusive” strategy is often pursued in the setting of SAH. We report a single institution series of coiling of acutely ruptured aneurysms followed by delayed flow diversion for definitive, curative occlusion. METHODS A prospectively collected IRB-approved database was screened for patients with aneurysmal SAH who were initially treated by coil embolization followed by planned flow diversion at a single academic medical institution. Peri-procedural outcomes, complications, and angiographic follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS >50 patients underwent both acute coiling followed by delayed, planned flow diversion. Average aneurysm size on initial presentation was 9.5 mm. Common aneurysm locations included Pcomm (36%), Acomm (30%), MCA (10%), ACA (10%), and vertebral (5%). Dome occlusion was achieved in all cases following initial coiling. Second-stage implantation of a flow diverting stent was achieved in 49/50 cases (98%). Follow-up angiography was available for 33/50 patients (66%), with mean follow-up of 11 months. 27 patients (82%) had complete angiographic occlusion at last follow up. All patients with residual filling at follow-up still had dome occlusion. There were no mortalities (0%). Major complication rate for stage I coiling was 2% (1 patient with intra-procedural aneurysm re-rupture causing increase in a previous ICH). Major complication rate for stage 2 flow diversion was 2% (1 patient with ischemic stroke following noncompliance with dual antiplatelet regimen). Minor complications occurred in 2 additional patients (4%) with transient neurological deficits. CONCLUSION Staged endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with acute dome-occlusive coil embolization followed by delayed flow diversion is a safe and effective treatment strategy.

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Endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke in octogenarians and nonagenarians compared with younger patients

The Neuroradiology Journal ◽

10.1177/1971400919840847 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (4) ◽

pp. 303-308 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yasuhiro Kawabata ◽

Norio Nakajima ◽

Hidenori Miyake ◽

Shunichi Fukuda ◽

Tetsuya Tsukahara

Keyword(s):

Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Scale Score ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Acute Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Favourable Outcome ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Very Elderly ◽

Younger Patients

Purpose: Endovascular therapy for emergent large vessel occlusion has been established as the standard approach for acute ischaemic stroke. However, the effectiveness and safety of endovascular therapy in the very elderly population has not been proved. Objective: To determine the safety and effectiveness of endovascular therapy in octogenarians and nonagenarians. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent endovascular therapy at two stroke centres between April 2012 and July 2018. Functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin scale at 90 days after stroke or at discharge. A favourable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 0–2 or not worsening of the modified Rankin scale score before stroke. Outcome was compared between younger patients (aged 46–79 years, n = 40) and octogenarians and nonagenarians (aged 80–97 years, n = 19). Results: Octogenarian and nonagenarian patients had pre-stroke functional deficit (modified Rankin scale score >1) more frequently than younger patients (57.9% vs. 20.0%, respectively, P = 0.0059). No difference was observed between very elderly and younger patients in the rate of successful reperfusion (89.5% vs. 67.5%, respectively, P = 0.11), favourable functional outcome (47.4% vs. 45.0%, respectively, P = 1.00) and mortality (21.1% vs. 27.5%, respectively, P = 1.00). On multiple regression analysis, successful reperfusion, concomitant use of intravenous thrombolysis, and out-of-hospital onset were independent predictors of favourable outcome ( P = 0.0003, 0.015 and 0.028, respectively). Conclusions: Successful reperfusion, concomitant use of intravenous thrombolysis, and out-of-hospital onset were clinical predictors of favourable outcome. However, we did not observe an age-dependent effect of clinical outcome after endovascular therapy.

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Endovascular treatment of unruptured ophthalmic artery aneurysms: clinical usefulness of the balloon occlusion test in predicting vision outcomes after coil embolization

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2015-011800 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (7) ◽

pp. 696-701 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Byungjun Kim ◽

Pyoung Jeon ◽

Keonha Kim ◽

Narae Yang ◽

Sungtae Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Coil Embolization ◽

Collateral Circulation ◽

Ophthalmic Artery ◽

Balloon Occlusion ◽

Endovascular Coiling ◽

External Carotid ◽

Occlusion Test ◽

Balloon Occlusion Test ◽

Retrograde Filling

BackgroundEndovascular coil embolization for ophthalmic artery (OphA) aneurysms has the latent risk of occlusion of the OphA during the procedure, which can lead to loss of vision. We report clinical and angiographic results of endovascular treatment of OphA aneurysms together with the efficacy of the balloon occlusion test (BOT).MethodsFrom August 2005 to December 2013, 31 consecutive patients with 33 OphA aneurysms were treated in our institution. The patients were classified into two groups according to the location of the OphA within the aneurysmal sac. The BOT was performed in 28 patients using a hypercompliant balloon before endovascular coiling. Collateral circulation between the external carotid artery and the OphA was examined and visual function tests were performed before and after treatment. Patient demographics, angiographic and clinical outcomes were reviewed.ResultsAmong the 28 patients who underwent the BOT, intact collateral circulation was demonstrated in 26 (92.9%) patients and complete occlusion of the OphA was obtained in three patients after coiling. Retrograde filling of the OphA with choroidoretinal blush was observed on post-procedural angiography and no specific visual symptoms were reported during the follow-up period. Complete embolization was achieved in 30 lesions (96.8%) and only five patients (16.1%) had minor recanalization.ConclusionsEndovascular treatment of OphA aneurysms can be performed safely and effectively in conjunction with BOT. The BOT may give useful information to predict visual outcome in patients whose OphA is likely to be threatened by the coiling procedure and to determine the optimal treatment strategy.

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Abciximab Treatment Modalities for Thromboembolic Events Related to Aneurysm Coiling

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0b013e3181f8d1db ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 67 (suppl_2) ◽

pp. ons503-ons508 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mohamed Aggour ◽

Laurent Pierot ◽

Krisztof Kadziolka ◽

Philippe Gomis ◽

Jean-Pierre Graftieaux

Keyword(s):

Scale Score ◽

Coil Embolization ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Parent Artery ◽

Thromboembolic Events ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Thromboembolic Complications ◽

Unruptured Aneurysms ◽

Hemorrhagic Complications ◽

Flow Restoration

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Thromboembolic complications are the most common cause of periprocedural morbidity associated with the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with detachable coils. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the safety and efficacy of using combined intra-arterial and intravenous abciximab to treat thrombi complicating endovascular cerebral aneurysm coil embolization. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of 390 aneurysmal coiling procedures, we identified 39 patients (10.0%) with thromboembolic events related to the procedure. As the first line of treatment in 23 of these patients, abciximab was administered intra-arterially as a bolus followed by intravenous infusion over a 12-hour period. Eleven of the 23 patients were treated for ruptured aneurysms, 9 for unruptured aneurysms, and 3 for aneurysmal recanalization. Flow restoration and neurological outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Amelioration as measured by the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade score was achieved in 17 of 23 patients (73.9%), and no change was observed in 6 of 23 patients (26.1%). Complete recanalization was achieved in 13 patients (56.5%). A greater response to abciximab was noted for thrombi at the coil–parent artery interface, and a lesser response was noted for distal thrombi. No hemorrhagic complications were noted for any of the patients, whereas 11 patients (47.8%) showed ischemic lesions. A modified Rankin Scale score of 2 or less was achieved in 17 of 23 patients (73.9%), whereas 6 of 23 patients (26.1%) had a modified Rankin Scale score of more than 2. CONCLUSION: Combined intra-arterial/intravenous administration of abciximab is safe and effective for treating thromboembolic complications that occur during aneurysmal coil embolization with no hemorrhagic complications.

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Endovascular management of fusiform aneurysms in the posterior circulation: the era of flow diversion

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2017.3.focus1748 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 42 (6) ◽

pp. E14 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Ahmed J. Awad ◽

Justin R. Mascitelli ◽

Reham R. Haroun ◽

Reade A. De Leacy ◽

Johanna T. Fifi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural History ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Coil Embolization ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Flow Diversion ◽

Endovascular Management ◽

True Aneurysm ◽

Aneurysm Neck

Fusiform aneurysms are uncommon compared with their saccular counterparts, yet they remain very challenging to treat and are associated with high rates of rebleeding and morbidity. Lack of a true aneurysm neck renders simple clip reconstruction or coil embolization usually impossible, and more advanced techniques are required, including bypass, stent-assisted coiling, and, more recently, flow diversion. In this article, the authors review posterior circulation fusiform aneurysms, including pathogenesis, natural history, and endovascular treatment, including the role of flow diversion. In addition, the authors propose an algorithm for treatment based on their practice.

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Impact of Prior Antiplatelet Therapy on Outcomes After Endovascular Therapy for Acute Stroke: Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Registry Results

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.121.034670 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marie Couture ◽

Stephanos Finitsis ◽

Gaultier Marnat ◽

Sébastien Richard ◽

Romain Bourcier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Antiplatelet Therapy ◽

Scale Score ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Random Effect ◽

Group Versus ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Stroke Registry ◽

Excellent Outcome

Background and Purpose: The influence of prior antiplatelet therapy (APT) uses on the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular therapy is unclear. We compared procedural and clinical outcomes of endovascular therapy in patients on APT or not before stroke onset. Methods: We analyzed 2 groups from the ongoing prospective multicenter Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke registry in France: patients on prior APT (APT+) and patients without prior APT (APT−) treated by endovascular therapy, with and without intravenous thrombolysis. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic models including center as random effect were used to compare angiographic (rates of reperfusion at the end of procedure, procedural complications) and clinical (favorable and excellent outcome, 90-day all-cause mortality, and hemorrhagic complications) outcomes according to APT subgroups. Comparisons were adjusted for prespecified confounders (age, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, intravenous thrombolysis, and time from onset to puncture), as well as for meaningful baseline between-group differences. Results: A total of 2939 patients were analyzed, of whom 877 (29.8%) were on prior APT. Patients with prior APT were older, had more frequent vascular risk factors, cardioembolic stroke mechanism, and prestroke disability. Rates of complete reperfusion (37.9% in the APT− group versus 42.7 % in the APT+ group; aOR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.88–1.34]; P =0.41) and periprocedural complication (16.9% versus 13.3%; aOR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.7–1.2]; P =0.66) did not differ between the two groups. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (aOR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.63–1.37]; P =0.73), 3 months favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2; aOR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.77–1.25]; P =0.89), and mortality (aOR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.72–1.26]; P =0.76) at 90 days did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Prior APT does not influence angiographic and functional outcomes following endovascular therapy and should not be taken into account for acute revascularization strategies.

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Is Endovascular Treatment Still Good for Ischemic Stroke in Real World?

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.120.029742 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (11) ◽

pp. 3250-3263

Author(s):

Zixu Zhao ◽

Jiarui Zhang ◽

Xin Jiang ◽

Li Wang ◽

Zixiao Yin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Scale Score ◽

Real World ◽

Observational Studies ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Severe Stroke ◽

Stroke Group ◽

Mild Stroke

Background and Purpose: Although endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke is classified as I evidence, outcomes after EVT in real-world practice appear to be less superior than those in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Additionally, the effect of EVT is unclear compared with medical treatment (MT) for patients with mild symptoms defined by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <6 or with severe symptoms defined by Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <6. Methods: Literatures were searched in big databases and major meetings from December 6, 2009, to December 6, 2019, including RCTs and observational studies comparing EVT against MT for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Observational studies were precategorized into 3 groups based on imaging data on admission: mild stroke group with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <6, severe stroke group with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <6 or ischemic core ≥50 mL, and normal stroke group for all others. Outcome was measured as modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, mortality at 90 days, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) at 24 hours. Results: Fifteen RCTs (n=3694) and 37 observational studies (n=9090) were included. EVT was associated with higher modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 rate and lower mortality in RCTs and normal stroke group, whereas EVT was associated with higher sICH rate in normal stroke group, and no difference of sICH rate appeared between EVT and MT in RCTs. In severe stroke group, EVT was associated with higher modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 rate and lower mortality, whereas no difference of sICH rate was found. In mild stroke group, there was no difference in modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 rate between EVT and MT, whereas EVT was associated with higher mortality and sICH rate. Conclusions: Evidence from RCTs and observational studies supports the use of EVT as the first-line choice for eligible patients corresponding to the latest guideline. For patients with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <6, EVT showed superiority over MT, also in line with the guidelines. On the contrary to the guideline, our data do not support EVT for patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <6.

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Expanding Endovascular Therapy of Very Small Ruptured Aneurysms with the 1.5-mm Coil

Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1159/000437275 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (1-2) ◽

pp. 59-63 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Thanh N. Nguyen ◽

Hesham Masoud ◽

Nicholas Tarlov ◽

James Holsapple ◽

Lawrence S. Chin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Coil Embolization ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Transverse Diameter ◽

Surgical Clipping ◽

Excellent Outcome ◽

Ruptured Aneurysms ◽

Aneurysm Treatment ◽

Small Aneurysms

Background: Very small ruptured aneurysms (≤3 mm) demonstrate a significant risk for procedural rupture with endovascular therapy. Since 2007, 1.5-mm-diameter coils have been available (Micrus, Microvention, and ev3), allowing neurointerventionalists the opportunity to offer patients with very small aneurysms endovascular treatment. In this study, we review the clinical and angiographic outcome of patients with very small ruptured aneurysms treated with the 1.5-mm coil. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study in which we examined consecutive ruptured very small aneurysms treated with coil embolization at a single institution. The longest linear aneurysm was recorded, even if the first coil was sized to a smaller transverse diameter. Very small aneurysms were defined as ≤3 mm. Descriptive results are presented. Results: From July 2007 to March 2015, 81 aneurysms were treated acutely with coils in 78 patients presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage. There were 5 patients with 3-mm aneurysms, of which the transverse diameter was ≤2 mm in 3 patients. In all 5 patients, a balloon was placed for hemostatic prophylaxis in case of rupture, and a single 1.5-mm coil was inserted for aneurysm treatment without complication. Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 1 patient, residual neck in 2, and residual aneurysm in 2 patients. Aneurysm recanalization was present in 2 patients with an anterior communicating artery aneurysm; a recoiling attempt was unsuccessful in 1 of these 2 patients due to inadvertent displacement and distal coil embolization, but subsequent surgical clipping was successful. Another patient was retreated by surgical clipping for a residual wide-neck carotid terminus aneurysm. One patient died of ventriculitis 3 weeks after presentation; all 4 other patients had an excellent outcome with no rebleed at follow-up (mean 21 months, range 1-62). Conclusion: The advent of the 1.5-mm coil may be used in the endovascular treatment of patients with very small ruptured aneurysms, providing a temporary protection to the site of rupture in the acute phase. If necessary, bridging with elective clipping may provide definitive aneurysm treatment.

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Endovascular retrograde approach may be a better option for acute tandem occlusions stroke

Interventional Neuroradiology ◽

10.1177/1591019918805140 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 194-201 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Dong Yang ◽

Zhonghua Shi ◽

Min Lin ◽

Zhiming Zhou ◽

Wenjie Zi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebral Infarction ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Scale Score ◽

Interventional Therapy ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Retrograde Approach ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Tandem Occlusion ◽

Angiographic Data

Objective The endovascular treatment strategy for acute tandem occlusion stroke is challenging, and controversy exists regarding which lesion should be treated first. This study addresses the uncertainty regarding the priority choice for thrombectomy in acute anterior circulation tandem occlusion stroke. Methods We analysed the clinical and angiographic data of tandem stroke patients who underwent interventional therapy from the endovAsCular Treatment of acUte Anterior circuLation ischaemic stroke (ACTUAL) registry. Recanalisation was assessed according to the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 90 days using the modified Rankin scale score. Results Sixty tandem occlusion stroke patients were enrolled. Thirty-one (51.7%) patients received anterograde therapy, while 29 (48.3%) patients underwent the retrograde approach. Successful recanalisation (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b–3) occurred in 78.3% (47/60) of patients, and 50.0% (30/60) of patients achieved a modified Rankin scale score of 0–2 at 90 days. Patients undergoing the retrograde approach spent less time in distal occlusion recanalisation (125 (86–167) vs. 95 (74–122) minutes; P = 0.04) and achieved better functional outcomes at 90 days (69.0% (20/29) vs. 32.3% (10/31); P = 0.004) than patients who received anterograde therapy. The retrograde approach was associated with favourable clinical outcomes (odds ratio 0.21; 95% confidence interval 0.07–0.64; P = 0.006). Conclusion For acute tandem occlusion stroke, favourable outcomes were better in patients undergoing retrograde therapy than in patients who received the anterograde approach. Future randomised trials are warranted to determine the optimal treatment.

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