Antegrade or Retrograde Approach for the Management of Tandem Occlusions in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by tandem intracranial and extracranial occlusions is not rare. However, optimal strategy between antegrade (extracranial first) or retrograde (intracranial first) approaches still remains elusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to compare the two approaches to provide updated clinical evidence of strategy selection.Methods: PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for literature comparing antegrade and retrograde approaches for patients with AIS with concomitant tandem occlusions. Outcomes including successful reperfusion [Throbolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b−3] and 90-day favorable outcome [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2], any intracerebral hemorrhage, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, procedural complications, and mortality were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and illustrated in the Funnel plot. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistic. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed.Results: A total of 11 studies accounting 1,517 patients were included. 831 (55%) patients were treated with an antegrade approach and 686 (45%) patients were treated with the retrograde approach. A higher successful reperfusion rate was achieved in retrograde group than that of antegrade group [83.8 vs. 78.0%; odds ratio (OR): 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40–0.99, p = 0.04]. 90-day favorable outcome (mRS 0–2 at 90 days) also showed significantly higher in retrograde group compared with antegrade group (47.3 vs. 40.2%; OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58–0.89, p = 0.002). The incidence of any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 90-day mortality, and other complications did not differ between two groups.Conclusion: In AIS with tandem occlusions, the retrograde approach might achieve a higher successful reperfusion rate and better functional outcome with a comparable safety profile when compared with an antegrade approach. Further prospective controlled studies with more meticulous design and a higher level of evidence are needed to confirm these results.Systematic Review Registration: “PROSPERO” database (CRD 42020199093), https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.

Aspiration thrombectomy using a novel 088 catheter and specialized delivery catheter

BackgroundWe describe the first-in-human experience using the Route 92 Medical Aspiration System to perform thrombectomy in the initial 45 consecutive stroke patients enrolled in the SUMMIT NZ trial. This aspiration system includes a specifically designed delivery catheter which enables delivery of 0.070 inch and 0.088 inch aspiration catheters.MethodsThe SUMMIT NZ trial is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study with core lab imaging adjudication. Patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion are eligible to enrol. The study has had three phases which transitioned from use of the 0.070 inch to the 0.088 inch catheter.ResultsVessel occlusions were located in the internal carotid artery (27%), M1 (60%) and M2 (13%). Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 16 (IQR 10). Across the three phases, the first-pass reperfusion rate of modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b was 62% using the Route 92 Medical system; this rate was 29% in phase 1, 56% in phase 2, and 80% in phase 3. The first-pass reperfusion rate of mTICI ≥2c was 42% overall, 29% in phase 1, 33% in phase 2%, and 55% in phase 3. A final reperfusion rate of mTICI ≥2b was achieved in 96% of cases, with 36% of cases using adjunctive devices. Patients had an average improvement of 6.7 points in NIHSS from baseline at 24 hours, and at 90 days 48% were functionally independent (modified Rankin Scale 0–2).ConclusionsIn this early experience, the Route 92 Medical Aspiration System has been effective and safe. The system has design features that improve catheter deliverability and have the potential to increase first-pass reperfusion rates in aspiration thrombectomy.

Impact of Prior Statin Use on Reperfusion Rate and Stroke Outcomes in Patients Receiving Endovascular Treatment

Background: We evaluated the impact of prior statin use on successful reperfusion and stroke outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT). Method: Using consecutive multicenter databases, we enrolled acute ischemic stroke patients receiving EVT between 2015 and 2021. Patients were classified into prior statin users and no prior statin users after a review of premorbid medications. The primary outcome measure was successful reperfusion defined as modified TICI grade 2b or 3 after EVT. Secondary outcome measures were early neurologic deterioration (END) and a 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 2. Results: Among 385 patients receiving EVT, 74 (19.2%) were prior statin users, who had a significantly higher successful reperfusion rate compared with no prior statin users (94.6% versus 78.8%, p = 0.002). Successful reperfusion and END occurrence were improved according to statin intensity with a dose–response relationship. In multivariate analysis, prior statin was associated with successful reperfusion after EVT (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 5.31 (1.67–16.86)). In addition, prior statin was associated with a lower occurrence of END and good functional status. Conclusion: Our study showed that prior statin use before ischemic stroke might improve successful reperfusion and stroke outcomes after EVT.

High-risk acute pulmonary embolism in a Portuguese centre: are we doing enough?

Introduction For high-risk acute Pulmonary Embolism patients (HR-PE pts), reperfusion treatment is imperative to improve mortality. Although systemic thrombolysis (ST) is generally an appropriate first-line therapy, several population-based studies report its underuse. Data on epidemiology, management and outcomes of HR-PE in Portugal is scarce. Purpose Estimate the reperfusion rate in HR-PE pts, the reasons for non-reperfusion (NR) and how it influences outcomes. Methods Retrospective single-centre registry of consecutive HR-PE pts between 2008–2018, defined by the 2019 ESC guidelines criteria. Independent predictors for NR were assessed by multivariate logistic regression. The cumulative incidence of PE-related mortality at 30 days was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and differences stratified by reperfusion were assessed using the log-rank test. Results Of a total of 1955 pts admitted with acute PE, 74 (3.8%) had HD instability at admission (mean age 68±15 years). The majority of pts (68.5%) came from the emergency department while the remaining 31.5% were already hospitalized for other reasons. The total reperfusion rate was 50% - 35pts were submitted to systemic thrombolysis, 1pt to first-line percutaneous embolectomy and 1pt to rescue endovascular treatment. Age was an independent predictor of NR (63±17 vs 73±12, p=0.02) with >75 years representing 15 times the risk of non-treatment (OR 15.5, 95% CI 3.23–74.25, p<0.001). Absolute contraindication for thrombolysis was present in 29.7% (22pts), with recent major surgery (13pts) and recent cerebral event (8pts) as the most common reasons. The presence of an absolute contraindication for systemic thrombolysis was also an independent predictor of NR (66.7% vs 13.6%; OR 13.3, 95% CI 2.51–70.65, p=0.002). Being hospitalized was associated with the presence of absolute contraindications for thrombolysis (68.2% vs 14.0%, p<0.001) and was also an independent predictor of NR (38% vs 77.3%; OR 8.49, 95% CI 1.56–46.11, p=0.013). PE-related death at 30 days was 28.4% (21pts), which was significantly lower in the reperfusion group (17.1% vs 38.9%, p=0.042). At a mean follow-up of 2.5±3.3 years, survival rate was 33.8% (figure 1). Conclusions Low reperfusion rate due to contraindications for thrombolysis was associated with high PE-related mortality. This data suggests that it is necessary to implement interventional alternative strategies, at a national level, to improve outcomes. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Survival rate according to reperfusion.

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

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.

Efficacy of a Direct Aspiration First-Pass Technique (ADAPT) for Endovascular Treatment in Different Etiologies of Large Vessel Occlusion: Embolism vs. Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis

Background and Aims: Aspiration thrombectomy is an effective method of recanalizing large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, the efficacy of a direct aspiration first-pass technique (ADAPT) for recanalization of LVO of different etiologies is not properly understood.Methods: The prospectively collected database on ADAPT was reviewed retrospectively. We defined two groups of enrolled patients: the embolism-related occlusions (EMB-O) group and the intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS)-related occlusion (ICAS-O) group. Baseline characteristics, procedural variables, and post-procedural variables were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify first-pass recanalization predictors.Results: Of 114 registered patients, 94 were eligible for this study (51 patients in the EMB-O group and 43 patients in the ICAS-O group). Achieving successful reperfusion immediately after direct aspiration was more frequent in the EMB-O group than in the ICAS-O group (64.71 vs. 27.91%, respectively, p = 0.006), with fewer additional rescue treatments needed (35.29 vs. 70.09%, respectively, p = 0.001). The EMB-O group also showed a higher final successful reperfusion rate (96.8 vs. 74.41%, p = 0.006). However, the 90-day good functional outcomes were not affected by the groups. Independent predictors of first-pass success of aspiration included the isolated middle cerebral artery site of occlusion, embolic etiology, and use of larger bore catheters.Conclusions: The efficacy of ADAPT recanalization approach was better in EMB-O than in ICAS-O. In case of embolic etiology and the isolated MCA site of occlusion, using a larger aspiration catheter for direct aspiration thrombectomy may be reasonable.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Terminal Internal Carotid Artery Occlusions Using a Large Manually Expandable Stentretriever (Tiger XL Device): Multicenter Initial Experience

Background: The recently introduced Tigertriever XL Device for treatment of cerebral vessel occlusions combines manual adjustability and maximum length in one device. In this study, we report our initial experience with the Tigertriever XL in terminal ICA occlusions. Methods: Retrospective multicenter analysis of acute terminal ICA occlusions treated by mechanical thrombectomy using the Tigertriever XL Device. Results: 23 patients were treated using the Tigetriever XL due to an acute occlusion of the terminal ICA. The overall successful reperfusion rate after a median of two maneuvers using the Tigertriever XL Device was 78.3% (mTICI 2b-3). In 43.5% (10/23) additional smaller devices were applied to treat remaining occlusions in downstream territories, which resulted in a final successful reperfusion rate of 95.7%. Device related complications did not occur. Two symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages (sICH) were observed. Conclusions: The Tigertriever XL Device might be a helpful tool in the treatment of ICA terminus occlusions with large clot burden resulting in high reperfusion rates. This is mainly related to the manual adjustability of the device combined with the maximum length.

Added Value of Rescue Devices in Intra-Arterial Thrombectomy: When Should We Apply Them?

Introduction: Recent trials have demonstrated the superior efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy over other medical treatments for acute ischemic stroke; however, not every large vessel occlusion (LVO) can be recanalized using a single thrombectomy device. Rescue devices were proved to increase the reperfusion rate, but the efficacy is unclear.Objective: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the efficacy of rescue therapy in different locations of LVO.Methods: We analyzed the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy from a prospective registry of consecutive 82 patients in Taipei Medical University Hospital. The reperfusion rate and the functional outcome were compared in patients who received first-line therapy only and patients who need rescue therapy.Results: An 84.1% reperfusion rate was achieved in our cohort. We applied first-line stent retriever (SR) treatment in 6 patients, among which 4 (66.6%) achieved successful reperfusion. We applied a direct-aspiration first-pass technique (ADAPT) as the first-line treatment in 76 patients, among which 46 (60.5%) achieved successful reperfusion. Successful reperfusion could not be achieved in 30 cases (39.5%); therefore, we applied a second-line rescue SR for 28 patients, and reperfusion was established in 18 (64.3%) of them. These results revealed that the LVO in anterior circulation has a higher chance to respond to SR rescue therapy than posterior circulation lesions (68 vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001). Patients who received only first-line therapy exhibited significantly better functional outcomes than those who were also treated with rescue SR therapy (41.2 vs. 16.7%, P = 0.001). In addition, patients with LVO in the anterior circulation were found to have a higher probability of achieving functional independence than patients with posterior circulation lesions (10.7 vs. 0.0%, P < 0.001). The adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that successful reperfusion and treatment type (first-line or rescue therapy) were significantly related to a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days.Conclusion: This study reveals that rescue SR therapy improves the reperfusion rate. Patients who require rescue SR therapy have a lower likelihood of functional independence. LVO in the anterior circulation responds better to rescue SR therapy and results in better functional outcomes than posterior circulation lesions.

The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios Predict Reperfusion and Prognosis after Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Studies assessing the prognostic effect of inflammatory markers of blood cells on the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular treatment (EVT) are sparse. We evaluated whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) affect reperfusion status in patients receiving EVT. Methods: Using a multicenter registry database, 282 patients treated with EVT were enrolled in this study. The primary outcome measure was unsuccessful reperfusion rate after EVT defined by thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grades 0–2a. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between NLR/PLR and unsuccessful reperfusion rate after EVT. Results: Both NLR and PLR were higher in the unsuccessful reperfusion group than in the successful reperfusion group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that both NLR and PLR were significantly associated with unsuccessful reperfusion (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.11 (1.04–1.19), PLR: 1.004 (1.001–1.01)). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the predictive ability of both NLR and PLR was close to good (area under the curve (AUC) of NLR: 0.63, 95% CI (0.54–0.72), p < 0.001; AUC of PLR: 0.65, 95% CI (0.57–0.73), p < 0.001). The cutoff values of NLR and PLR were 6.2 and 103.6 for unsuccessful reperfusion, respectively. Conclusion: Higher NLR and PLR were associated with unsuccessful reperfusion after EVT. The combined application of both biomarkers could be useful for predicting outcomes after EVT.

Frailty impairs the endothelial function of elderly with chronic heart failure

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Frailty has a high prevalence of heart failure (HF). It is believed that existing circulatory disturbance increase oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, predisposing to anabolic-catabolic imbalance. Thus, there is impairment of the efficient use of oxygen by skeletal muscles, limiting the physical-functional performance in these individuals. However, little is known about the influence of frailty on endothelial function in the elderly. Purpose To analyze the influence of frailty on endothelial function in the elderly with and without HF. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which included individuals aged ≥60 years, with or without HF, who did not have diabetes, anemia, peripheral obstructive arterial disease and/or congenital heart disease. The Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) frailty scale criteria were used to assess frailty (phenotype). Endothelial function at rest was evaluated by near-infrared spectroscopy ([NIRS]; slope 1, lowest tissue oxygen saturation [StO2], area under the curve [AUC] of StO2, slope 2, StO2 peak, overshoot, ΔStO2nadir_peak and Δtime nadir_peak) during arterial occlusion maneuver on the forearm. Results were grouped according to the frailty phenotype: robust, pre-frail and frail. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of data. Quantitative data were compared using a two-way analysis of variance plus Bonferroni post hoc test to determine the influence of the frailty or HF on endothelial function variables. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Fifty-two elderly people (61% women) participated in the study, with a mean age of 70.3 ± 7.1 years. Of these, 52% (n = 27) had a diagnosis of HF. Among the sample, 35% (n = 18) were robust, 45% (n = 23) pre-frail, and 20% (n = 11) frail. Endothelial function analysis identified that there was an influence of frailty on reperfusion rate (slope 2 and ΔStO2 nadir-peak; p &lt; 0.05) and desaturation during arterial occlusion (AUC StO2; p &lt; 0.05) only in the HF group. Conclusion The coexistence of frailty and HF seems to impair endothelial function since frail elderly with HF had lower reperfusion rate and higher desaturation during the arterial occlusion test. Abstract Figure. Endothelial function assessment by NIRS