Mechanical thrombectomy in basilar artery occlusions: impact of first-line strategy as a function of the occlusion level.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective studies suggest the superiority of first-line contact aspiration (CA) thrombectomy over stent-retriever (SR) in basilar artery occlusions (BAO). We aimed to investigate the impact of first-line mechanical thrombectomy per the occlusion level, considering differences in stroke etiology prevalence between proximal and distal BAO. METHODS: A retrospective, multicentric analysis of the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Registry (ETIS) included consecutive BAO patients treated from January 2016 to May 2022. Patients were categorized into SR (±aspiration) and CA alone groups. Occlusion levels were determined through digital subtraction angiography. Favorable clinical outcome was defined as 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-3. RESULTS: A total of 380 patients were analyzed (251 CA alone, 129 SR±aspiration). Globally, first-line SR showed lower recanalization rates (89.1% vs 94.8%, OR=0.29, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.53; p<0.001) and worse clinical outcomes (mRS 0-3: 46.0% vs 52.2%, OR=0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.87; p=0.006) compared with CA. In proximal occlusions, SR was significantly associated with poorer clinical outcomes (mRS 0-3: 20.9% vs 37.1%; OR=0.40, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.83; p=0.014) despite similar recanalization rates. Conversely, in distal occlusions there was no difference in clinical outcomes although recanalization rates were higher with CA (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score (mTICI 2b/3): 97.7% vs 91.7%; OR=0.17, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.66; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our BAO population, CA demonstrated better angiographic outcomes in middle and distal occlusions and better clinical outcomes in proximal occlusions. This translated into better angiographic and clinical results in the global study population. Clinical results were particularly influenced by the negative impact of SR on 90-day mRS, independently of recanalization rates in proximal BAO.

Embolization of the middle meningeal artery for the prevention of chronic subdural hematoma recurrence in high-risk patients: a randomized controlled trial-the EMPROTECT study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has been proposed as a treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The benefit of the procedure has yet to be demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. We aim to assess the efficacy of MMA embolization in reducing the risk of CSDH recurrence 6 months after burr-hole surgery compared with standard medical treatment in patients at high risk of postoperative recurrence. METHODS: The EMPROTECT trial is a multicenter open label randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 12 French centers. Adult patients (≥18 years) operated for CSDH recurrence or for a first episode with a predefined recurrence risk factor are randomized 1:1 to receive either MMA embolization within 7 days of the burr-hole surgery (experimental group) or standard medical care (control group). The number of patients to be included is 342. RESULTS: The primary outcome is the rate of CSDH recurrence at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include the rate of repeated surgery for a homolateral CSDH recurrence during the 6-month follow-up period, the rate of disability and dependency at 1 and 6 months, defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥4, mortality at 1 and 6 months, total cumulative duration of hospital stay during the 6-month follow-up period, directly or indirectly related to the CSDH and embolization procedure-related complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: The EMPROTECT trial is the first RCT evaluating the benefit of MMA embolization as a surgical adjunct for the prevention of CSDH recurrence. If positive, this trial will have a significant impact on patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04372147.

Longitudinal radiological follow-up of individual level non-ischemic cerebral enhancing lesions following endovascular aneurysm treatment.

BACKGROUND: Non-ischemic cerebral enhancing (NICE) lesions following aneurysm endovascular therapy are exceptionally rare, with unknown longitudinal evolution. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiological behavior of individual NICE lesions over time. METHODS: Patients included in a retrospective national multicentric inception cohort were analyzed. NICE lesions were defined, using MRI, as delayed onset punctate, nodular, or annular foci enhancements with peri-lesion edema, distributed in the vascular territory of the aneurysm treatment, with no other confounding disease. Lesion burden and the longitudinal behavior of individual lesions were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included, with a median initial lesion burden of 36 (IQR 17-54) on the first MRI scan. Of the 22 patients with at least one follow-up MRI scan, 16 (73%) had new lesions occurring mainly within the first 200 weeks after the date of the procedure. The median number of new lesions per MRI was 6 (IQR 2-16). Among the same 22 patients, 7 (32%) had recurrent lesions. The median persistent enhancement of a NICE lesion was 13 weeks (IQR 6-30). No factor was predictive of early regression of enhancement activity with lesion regression kinetics mainly being patient-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: The behavior of individual NICE lesions was found to be highly variable with an overall patient-dependent regression velocity.

Safety and efficacy of intensive systolic blood pressure lowering after successful endovascular therapy: a post hoc analysis of the BP TARGET trial.

BACKGROUND: The Safety and Efficacy of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering after Successful Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischaemic Stroke (BP TARGET) trial demonstrated no benefit from intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) treatment after successful reperfusion with endovascular therapy. However, it remains unknown if the response to blood pressure treatment is modified by other factors. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a post hoc analysis of the BP TARGET trial data to determine if the response to blood pressure treatment is modified by factors such as age, history of hypertension, recanalization status, location of occlusion, diabetes, hyperglycemia, or pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of the BP TARGET trial. Patients were divided into groups based on age, diabetes, blood glucose, site of occlusion, history of hypertension, and pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis. The primary outcome was any intraparenchymal hemorrhage. RESULTS: 318 patients were included. Diabetes modified the treatment effect on favorable functional outcome (Pheteogenity=0.041). There was a trend towards benefit from intensive SBP treatment in diabetic patients (OR=2.81; 95% CI 0.88 to 8.88; p=0.08) but not in non-diabetic patients (OR=0.75; 95% 0.45 to 126; p 0.28). Age, location of occlusion, admission SBP, pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis, and history of hypertension did not modify the effect of intensive SBP treatment on any of the outcomes. CONCLUSION: The effect of SBP lowering treatment was not modified by age, location of occlusion history of hypertension, intravenous thrombolysis, and admission SBP. Diabetes modified the effect of intensive SBP lowering treatment, and there was a trend towards benefit from intensive SBP treatment in diabetic patients. This finding is hypothesis generating and requires further validation.

Carotid artery direct access for mechanical thrombectomy: the Carotid Artery Puncture Evaluation (CARE) study.

BACKGROUND: In acute ischemic stroke due to anterior large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO), accessing the target occluded vessel for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is sometimes impossible through the femoral approach. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of direct carotid artery puncture (DCP) for MT in patients with failed alternative vascular access. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 45 stroke centers in France, Switzerland and Germany through two research networks from January 2015 to July 2019. We collected physician-centered data on DCP practices and baseline characteristics, procedural variables and clinical outcome after DCP. Uni- and multivariable models were conducted to assess risk factors for complications. RESULTS: From January 2015 to July 2019, 28 149 MT were performed, of which 108 (0.39%) resulted in DCP due to unsuccessful vascular access. After DCP, 77 patients (71.3%) had successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score ≥2b) and 28 (25.9%) were independent (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2) at 3 months. 20 complications (18.5%) attributed to DCP occurred, all of them during or within 1 hour of the procedure. Complications led to extension of the intubation time in the intensive care unit in 7 patients (6.4%) and resulted in death in 3 (2.8%). The absence of use of a hemostatic closure device was associated with a higher complication risk (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.03 to 8.97; p=0043). CONCLUSION: In this large multicentric study, DCP was scantly performed for vascular access to perform MT (0.39%) in patients with AIS-LVO and had a high rate of complications (18.5%). Our results provide arguments for not closing the cervical access by manual compression after MT.

The ARTISSE intrasaccular device for intracranial aneurysm treatment: short-term, mid-term and long-term clinical and angiographic results.

BACKGROUND: The concept of intra-aneurysmal flow disruption has emerged as a new paradigm for the treatment of primarily bifurcation aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients treated with the new ARTISSE intrasaccular device (ISD). METHODS: Selected patients with bifurcation aneurysms that matched the indications of the ARTISSE ISD defined by the manufacturer were treated in a single center. Clinical and angiographic follow-up was conducted at 6 and 36 months. Aneurysm occlusion was assessed using the Raymond-Roy classification scale. RESULTS: Nine subjects with nine unruptured bifurcation aneurysms were enrolled. Mean aneurysm size was 7.2±1.2 mm (range 5.5-9.7 mm). An adequate aneurysm occlusion (defined as a complete occlusion or a neck remnant) was achieved in 6/9 patients (66.7%) at 6 months and 4/7 patients (57.1%) at 36 months follow-up. Two of the nine subjects experienced a major stroke (22.2%), including one on postoperative day 1 due to a procedure-related parent vessel occlusion and subsequent ischemic stroke. The other major stroke occurred within the 36-month follow-up period during treatment of a separate aneurysm with coils, leading to perforation with hemorrhagic stroke causing a permanent neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: The ARTISSE ISD was successfully deployed in all nine cases. There were, however, several procedure-related complications and results in terms of angiographic aneurysm occlusion were modest.

Rescue carotid puncture for ischemic stroke treated by endovascular therapy: a multicentric analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) can be challenging in older patients with supra-aortic tortuosity. Rescue carotid puncture (RCP) can be an alternative in case of supra-aortic catheterization failure by femoral access, but data regarding RCP are scarce. We sought to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of RCP for AIS treated by EVT. METHODS: Patients treated by EVT with RCP were included from January 2012 to December 2019 in the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) multicentric registry. Main outcomes included reperfusion rates ( ≥ TICI2B), 3 month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) and 3 month mortality. We also performed an additional systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA checklist to summarize previous studies on RCP. RESULTS: 25 patients treated by EVT with RCP were included from the ETIS registry. RCP mainly concerned elderly patients (median age 85 years, range 73-92) with supra-aortic tortuosity (n=16 (64%)). Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) was used for nine patients (36%). Successful reperfusion was achieved in 64%, 87.5% of patients were dependent at 3 months, and 3 month mortality was 45.8%. The systematic review yielded comparable results. In pooled individual data, there was a shift toward better functional outcome in patients with successful reperfusion (median (IQR) 4 (2-6) vs 6 (4-6), p=0.011). CONCLUSION: RCP mainly concerned elderly patients admitted for AIS with anterior LVO with supra-aortic tortuosity. The procedure seemed feasible, notably for patients treated with IVT, and led to significant reperfusion rates at the end of procedure, but with pronounced unfavorable outcomes at 3 months. RCP should be performed under general anesthesia to avoid life-threatening complications and ensure airways safety. Finally, RCP led to low rates of closure complications, emphasizing that this concern should not withhold RCP, if indicated.

Endovascular treatment as the main approach for Spetzler-Martin grade III brain arteriovenous malformations.

BACKGROUND: Because Spetzler-Martin (SM) grade III brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions with various combination of sizes, eloquence, and venous drainage patterns, their management is usually challenging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical/imaging outcomes and the procedural safety of endovascular approach as the main treatment for the cure of SM grade III bAVMs. METHODS: In this retrospective study, prospectively collected data of SM grade III bAVMs treated by endovascular techniques between 2010 and 2018 at our hospital were reviewed. Patients older than 16 years with angiographic follow-up of at least 6 months after endovascular treatment were entered in the study. The patients had a mean follow-up of 12 months. The data were assessed for clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale), permanent neurological deficit, post-operative complications, and optimal imaging outcome, defined by complete exclusion of AVM. The independent predictive variables of poor outcome or hemorrhagic complication were assessed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with 65 AVMs were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 40.0±14.4. Most common presentation was hemorrhage (61.5%). The patients underwent one to eight endovascular procedures (median=2). Mean nidus diameter was 30.2±13.0. A complete obliteration of AVM was achieved in 57 patients (87.7%). Post-procedure significant hemorrhagic and ischemic complications were seen in 13 (20%) and five (7.7%) patients respectively, leading to five (7.7%) transient and four (6.2%) permanent neurological deficits. Eight patients (12.3%) experienced worsening of mRS after embolization. Ten patients (15.4%) had poor outcome (mRS 3-5) at follow-up and two (3%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment can achieve a high rate of complete exclusion of grade III AVM but may be associated (as in other treatment modalities) with significant important complications. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02879071.

Antiplatelet Therapy During Emergent Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Stenting: Comparison of Three Intravenous Antiplatelet Perioperative Strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines for antiplatelet therapy administration, during emergent stenting for extra-cranial internal carotid artery (EC-ICA) occlusion in the setting of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are lacking. Different antiplatelet regimen are used in association to endovascular therapy (EVT) for the treatment of EC-ICA lesions. We aimed to compare the clinical and radiological effects of three intravenous antiplatelet agents used during emergent EC-ICA stenting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical data were collected from January 2015 to December 2019 in a monocentric prospective registry of AIS patients treated by EVT. All patients who underwent emergent EC-ICA stenting were sorted regarding the intravenous antiplatelet agent used during the procedure. RESULTS: Among 218 patients treated by EVT for an EC-ICA occlusion of the anterior circulation during the study period, 70 underwent an emergent stenting of the EC-ICA. 60 were included in the present study, 9 received intravenous (IV) Cangrelor, 8 IV abciximab and 43 Aspirin. The rate of favorable neurological outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2 at three months were better in the Cangrelor and Aspirin groups (66,7% and 58,1%, respectively) than in the Abciximab group (37,5%), as well as, the rate of any intracranial ICH (22,2% and 37,2% vs 62,5%). The rate of acute stent reocclusion was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: When used as a rescue treatment during emergent stenting of EC-ICA, Cangrelor and Aspirin present a better safety profile than Abciximab, with less intracranial hemorrhages and a higher rate of good clinical outcome. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Visual Field Defect Before and After Endovascular Treatment of Occipital Arteriovenous Malformations.

BACKGROUND: Occipital arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) carry a high risk of postoperative morbidity because of their anatomic relation to the visual cortex and optic radiations. Data regarding endovascular management of these lesions are scant. OBJECTIVE: To report our single-center experience with occipital AVMs, most of which were treated endovascularly, with a special interest for postoperative visual impairment. METHODS: From a prospective database, we assessed the clinical and radiological data of all patients with an occipital AVM managed between 1997 and 2018. The extension of the nidus to the primary visual cortex was assessed and correlated to the pre- and postintervention visual symptomatology. Modified Rankin Scale and visual fields (VFs) were assessed pre- and post-treatment and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients (47 males [56.6%]) with an occipital AVM were included in the study. Mean age at presentation was 33.5 ± 15.0 yr (min-max = 7-76). A total of 34 patients (41%) presented with hemorrhage related to the AVM. A total of 57 patients (68.7%) underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) alone, 20 (24.1%) underwent embolization and surgery, 3 (3.6%) underwent embolization and radiosurgery, and 3 (3.6%) were conservatively managed. A complete obliteration of the AVM was achieved in 53 patients (66.3%). A post-treatment worsening of the VF was found in 24 of the treated patients (30%), 3 patients (9%) for ruptured AVMs, and in 21 patients (46%) for unruptured AVMs. Morbidity rate was 3.7% and mortality rate was 2.5%. CONCLUSION: EVT of occipital AVM carries a non-negligible rate of complications, especially regarding visual functions.

Direct aspiration stroke thrombectomy: a comprehensive review.

Mechanical thrombectomy is now the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions, and can be performed with several devices and techniques. One of these techniques, direct aspiration (DA), consists of navigating a large-bore catheter up to the face of the clot and initiating forceful suction. This comprehensive review has three objectives: (1) to describe the direct aspiration technique; (2) to present the available evidence regarding predictive factors of DA success and performance compared with other techniques; and (3) to discuss the forthcoming improvements in distal aspiration.

Predictors of Parenchymal Hematoma After Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Multicenter Study

Background and Purpose: Parenchymal hematoma (PH) is a rare but dreadful complication of acute ischemic stroke with unclear underlying mechanisms. We aimed to study the incidence and predictors of PH after mechanical thrombectomy. Methods: Data from a prospective observational multicenter registry was screened to identify acute ischemic stroke patients with an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Clinical, imaging, and procedural characteristics were used for the analysis, including brain imaging systematically performed at 24 hours. PH occurrence was assessed according to ECASS (European Collaborative Acute Stroke Study) criteria. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of PH. Results: A total of 1316 patients were included in the study. PH occurred in 153 out of 1316 patients (11.6%) and was associated with a lower rate of favorable outcome and increased mortality. On multivariable analysis, age (per 1 year increase, odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00­1.03; P=0.05), current smoking (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.32­3.09; P<0.01), admission Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (per a decrease of 1 point, OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.18­2.44; P<0.01), general anesthesia (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.36­2.90; P<0.001), angiographic poor collaterals (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.36­3.33; P<0.001) and embolization in new territory (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.70­5.10; P<0.001) were identified as independent predictors of PH. Conclusions: PH occurred at a rate of 11.6% after mechanical thrombectomy, with high morbidity and mortality. Our study identified clinical, radiological, and procedural predictors of PH occurrence that can serve as the focus of future periprocedural management studies with the aim of reducing its occurrence.

Double stent assisted coiling of intracranial bifurcation aneurysms in Y and X configurations with the Neuroform ATLAS stent: immediate and mid term angiographic and clinical follow-up.

PURPOSE: Self-expandable stents have broadened the spectrum of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. However, procedures involving double stenting in Y/X configurations carry a relatively high risk of procedural complications. The Neuroform ATLAS, the evolution of Neuroform EZ, is a nitinol self-expanding hybrid/open cell stent which can be delivered through a low profile 0.017 inch catheter. We present our experience in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms with this stent in Y and X configurations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively maintained a database from consecutive patients who underwent double stent assisted coiling with the Neuroform ATLAS, from July 2015 to February 2019. Clinical and angiographic results were analyzed. RESULTS: 55 patients harboring 55 bifurcation aneurysms were treated with double stenting: 52 'Y' configurations, 3 'X' configurations. Deployment was successful in all cases. Post-treatment control angiography showed complete occlusion in 33 cases (60%), neck remnant in 8 cases (14.5%), and incomplete occlusion in 14 cases (25.4%). The overall symptomatic periprocedural complication rate was 12.7%. 38 aneurysms underwent follow-up (69%, mean duration 16 months): 33 aneurysms (87%) were completely occluded, 3 aneurysms (8%) had a neck remnant, and 2 aneurysms (5%) were incompletely occluded. CONCLUSION: The Neuroform ATLAS is an effective device for treatment of bifurcation aneurysms, allowing good conformability, a high level of navigability, and easy mesh crossing to perform Y/X stenting procedures. The rate of procedural complications remains non-negligible, and an indication for a double stenting procedure should be carefully discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting.

Visual assessment of diffusion weighted imaging infarct volume lacks accuracy and reliability.

PURPOSE: The DAWN trial (Diffusion weighted imaging or CT perfusion Assessment with clinical mismatch in the triage of Wake-up and late presenting strokes undergoing Neurointervention with Trevo) has demonstrated the benefits of thrombectomy in patients with unknown or late onset strokes, using automated software (RAPID) for measurement of infarct volume. Because RAPID is not available in all centers, we aimed to assess the accuracy and repeatability of visual infarct volume estimation by clinicians and the consequences for thrombectomy decisions based on the DAWN criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 18 physicians, who routinely depend on MRI for acute stroke imaging, assessed 32 MR scans selected from a prospective databaseover two independent sessions. Raters were asked to visually estimate the diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) infarct volume for each case. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the estimated volumes were compared with the available RAPID measurements for various volume cut-off points. Thrombectomy decisions based on DAWN criteria with RAPID measurements and raters' visual estimates were compared. Inter-rater and intra-rater agreement was measured using kappa statistics. RESULTS: The mean accuracy of raters was <90% for all volume cut-points. Inter-rater agreement was below substantial for each DWI infarct volume cut-off points. Intra-rater agreement was substantial for 55-83% of raters, depending on the selected cut-off points. Applying DAWN criteria with visual estimates instead of RAPID measurements led to 19% erroneous thrombectomy decisions, and showed a lack of reproducibility. CONCLUSION: The visual assessment of DWI infarct volume lacks accuracy and repeatability, and could lead to a significant number of erroneous decisions when applying the DAWN criteria.

Balloon remodeling-assisted Woven EndoBridge technique: description and feasibility for complex bifurcation aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Woven EndoBridge (WEB) deployment remains challenging in aneurysms with a complex shape or orientation. OBJECTIVE: To show that embolization of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms using the WEB device balloon remodeling-assisted technique is a feasible and elegant endovascular solution compared with other techniques, such as balloon remodeling or stent-assisted coiling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 cases (10 aneurysms in 9 patients) of balloon remodeling-assisted WEB treatment of unruptured complex bifurcation aneurysms were treated in our institution and retrospectively analyzed. Details of clinical presentations, technical details, perioperative and postoperative complications, and outcomes were collected. Immediate and long-term angiographic results were also evaluated. RESULTS: Aneurysms included six middle cerebral artery aneurysms, one anterior communicating artery aneurysm, one posterior communicating artery aneurysm, one basilar artery aneurysm, and one T-shaped carotid aneurysm. Mean dome width was 6.55 mm, mean neck size 4.5 mm, mean height 4.79 mm, and mean dome-to-neck ratio was 1:1.46. Treatment was performed exclusively with the balloon remodeling-assisted WEB technique in all cases. The device was successfully deployed in every case. Periprocedural thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events did not occur. The modified Rankin Scale score at discharge was 0 for all patients. At mid-term or long-term angiographic follow-up, adequate occlusion was observed in 7 aneurysms from 8 controlled cases (87.5%), and one patient (2 aneurysms) did not have angiographic follow-up. CONCLUSION: The balloon remodeling-assisted WEB technique seems to be a safe and effective solution for endovascular treatment of unruptured wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms with specific complex anatomy. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the rate of complications and long-term efficacy.

Anterior cerebral artery embolism during thrombectomy increases disability and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: During thrombectomy, thromboembolic migration in previously unaffected territory may occur and is not systematically notified. We report our data on the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcome of anterior cerebral artery emboli (ACAE). METHODS: From a prospectively collected thrombectomy database of consecutive patients with anterior circulation stroke between January 2012 and December 2016, 690 angiographic images were analyzed to assess ACAE. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome, defined as a 3 month modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 or equal to the pre-stroke score. RESULTS: ACAE occurred in 65 patients (9.4%; 95% CI 7.2% to 11.6%). Internal carotid artery occlusion (tandem or terminal), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <7, increasing number of passes, and use of stent retriever alone (compared with distal aspiration alone or combined with stent retriever) were found to be independent predictors of ACAE. Compared with patients without ACAE, patients with ACAE had lower rates, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 0.48 (0.25 to 0.92; P=0.027) for favorable outcome and 0.49 (0.25 to 0.96; P=0.038) for early neurologic improvement. ACAE was significantly associated with a higher mortality (adjusted OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.61; P=0.039) and intracranial hemorrhagic complications (adjusted OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.33 to 4.47; P=0.004). Despite a successful reperfusion modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b-3 at the end of the procedure, a favorable outcome was reached in 30% of patients with ACAE compared with 52.4% in the other patients (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.78; P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Procedural ACAE was not an uncommon condition, and was associated with increased mortality and disability rates, regardless of the success of reperfusion.