scholarly journals Pre- and Interhospital Workflow Times for Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Transferred for Endovasvular Thrombectomy

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.

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob R. Morey ◽  
Emily Fiano ◽  
Kurt A. Yaeger ◽  
Xiangnan Zhang ◽  
Johanna T. Fifi

AbstractIntroductionRandomized controlled trials have demonstrated the importance of time-to-treatment on clinical outcomes in large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. Delays in interventional radiology (INR) consultation are associated with a significant delay in overall time to endovascular treatment (EVT). Delays in EVT are particularly prevalent in Primary Stroke Centers (PSC), hospitals without thrombectomy capability onsite, where the patient requires transfer to a Thrombectomy Capable or Comprehensive Stroke Center for EVT. A novel computer aided triage system, Viz LVO, assists in early notification of the PSC stroke team and affiliated INR team. This platform includes an image viewer, communication system, and an artificial intelligence algorithm that automatically identifies suspected LVO strokes on CTA imaging and rapidly triggers alerts.HypothesisViz LVO will decrease time-to-treatment and improve clinical outcomes.MethodsA prospectively maintained database was assessed for all patients who presented to a PSC currently utilizing Viz LVO in the Mount Sinai Health System in New York and underwent EVT following transfer for LVO stroke between October 1, 2018 and March 15, 2020. There were 42 patients who fit the inclusion criteria and divided into pre- and post-Viz ContaCT implementation by comparing the periods of October 1, 2018, to March 15, 2019, “Pre-Viz”, and October 1, 2019, to March 15, 2020, “Post-Viz.” Time intervals and clinical outcomes were collected and compared.ResultsThe Pre- and Post-Viz cohorts were similar in terms of gender, age, proportion receiving IV-tPA, and proportion with revascularization of TICI > 2B. The presenting NIHSS and pre-stroke mRS scores were not statistically different.The median initial door-to-INR notification was significantly faster in the post-Viz cohort (21.5 minutes vs 36 minutes; p=0.02). The median initial door-to-puncture time interval was 20 minutes shorter in the Post-Viz cohort, but this was not statistically significant (p=0.20).The 5-day NIHSS and discharge mRS were both significantly lower in the Post-Viz cohort (p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively). The median 90-day mRS scores were also significantly lower post-Viz implementation, although a similar proportion received a good outcome (mRS score ≤ 2) (p=0.02 and p=0.42, respectively).ConclusionsEVT is a time-sensitive intervention that is only available at select stroke centers. Significant delays in time-to-treatment are present when patients require transfer from PSCs to a EVT capable stroke center. In a large health care system, we have shown that Viz LVO implementation is associated with improved time to INR notification and clinical outcomes. Viz LVO has the potential for wide-spread improvement in clinical outcomes with implementation across large hub and stroke systems across the country.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 3495-3503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob R. Morey ◽  
Thomas J. Oxley ◽  
Daniel Wei ◽  
Christopher P. Kellner ◽  
Neha S. Dangayach ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose: Triage of patients with emergent large vessel occlusion stroke to primary stroke centers followed by transfer to comprehensive stroke centers leads to increased time to endovascular therapy. A Mobile Interventional Stroke Team (MIST) provides an alternative model by transferring a MIST to a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center (TSC) to perform endovascular therapy. Our aim is to determine whether the MIST model is more time-efficient and leads to improved clinical outcomes compared with standard drip-and-ship (DS) and mothership models. Methods: This is a prospective observational cohort study with 3-month follow-up between June 2016 and December 2018 at a multicenter health system, consisting of one comprehensive stroke center, 4 TSCs, and several primary stroke centers. A total of 228 of 373 patients received endovascular therapy via 1 of 4 models: mothership with patient presentation to a comprehensive stroke center, DS with patient transfer from primary stroke center or TSC to comprehensive stroke center, MIST with patient presentation to TSC and MIST transfer, or a combination of DS with patient transfer from primary stroke center to TSC and MIST. The prespecified primary end point was initial door-to-recanalization time and secondary end points measured additional time intervals and clinical outcomes at discharge and 3 months. Results: MIST had a faster mean initial door-to-recanalization time than DS by 83 minutes ( P <0.01). MIST and mothership had similar median door-to-recanalization times of 192 minutes and 179 minutes, respectively ( P =0.83). A greater proportion had a complete recovery (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of 0 or 1) at discharge in MIST compared with DS (37.9% versus 16.7%; P <0.01). MIST had 52.8% of patients with modified Rankin Scale of ≤2 at 3 months compared with 38.9% in DS ( P =0.10). Conclusions: MIST led to significantly faster initial door-to-recanalization times compared with DS, which was comparable to mothership. This decrease in time has translated into improved short-term outcomes and a trend towards improved long-term outcomes. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT03048292.


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. 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.


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.


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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 330-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahesh V Jayaraman ◽  
Arshad Iqbal ◽  
Brian Silver ◽  
Matthew S Siket ◽  
Caryn Amedee ◽  
...  

We describe the process by which we developed a statewide field destination protocol to transport patients with suspected emergent large vessel occlusion to a comprehensive stroke center.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Bernardo Escribano Paredes ◽  
Julian Klug ◽  
Elisabeth Dirren ◽  
Nicolae Sanda ◽  
Maria Vargas ◽  
...  

Introduction: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is the therapy of choice, in patients with unknown stroke onset (unwitnessed and wake-up strokes) and large vessel occlusion (LVO) with a favorable perfusion pattern. Whether bridging therapy (intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and EVT) is superior to EVT alone remains unknown. Material and Methods: We retrospectively included all patients admitted to the Geneva University Hospital from 01.2016 to 06.2020 with i) stroke of unknown onset, due to ii) anterior circulation occlusion, with iii) favorable CT perfusion pattern based on the DEFUSE criteria (ischemic core volume< 70ml; mismatch ratio >= 1.8 and mismatch volume >= 15ml), and iv) treated < 4.5 hours after symptom recognition. As a standard of care, the patients fulfilling these inclusion criteria were treated with EVT and IVT or EVT alone when IVT was contraindicated. Outcome measures were any intracerebral bleeding (symptomatic or asymptomatic), mortality and favorable outcome (mRS 0-1) at three months. Results: 32 patients were included (17 treated with EVT alone and 15 with EVT and IVT). Mean age was 69±18 yo. Median NIHSS was 16 (IQR 12-20) and median time from symptom recognition to treatment was 184 (146-226) minutes. Median hypoperfused tissue volume (Tmax > 6s) was 119 ml (80-151) and infarcted core (CBF ratio <30%) 8 ml (0-27). After propensity score weighting, bridging therapy was not associated with an increased risk of intracerebral bleeding (p=0.72) or mortality (p=0.55). The proportion of favorable outcomes at three months was similar between treatment groups (p=0.78). Conclusion: These results suggest that IVT before EVT is a safe therapeutic option in patients with unknown stroke onset selected on perfusion imaging and treated <4.5 hours after symptom recognition. Early administration of IVT may be particularly relevant before interhospital transfer to a comprehensive stroke center for EVT.


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