Endovascular Clot Retrieval by Hub-and-Spoke Service Delivery is Feasible Compared with Direct-to-Mothership.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular clot retrieval (ECR) improves outcomes for acute ischaemic stroke with large artery occlusion. However, the provision of ECR requires resource-intensive comprehensive stroke centres (CSC), which are impractical to establish in regional hospitals. An alternative is a "hub-and-spoke" model, whereby ischaemic strokes are triaged at the regional primary centres and where eligible, transferred to a CSC. We aimed to compare the outcomes of patients directly admitted to a CSC with patients treated in the "hub-and-spoke" model. We hypothesize that there are no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the 2 systems. METHODS: We included patients undergoing ECR at a CSC. Patients were categorised into 2 groups; the first group included patients directly admitted to the CSC and the second group included patients in the "hub-and-spoke" model. Good clinical outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale 0-2 and the difference between the 2 groups was tested by logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 178 patients, 50 (28%) presented directly to CSC and 128 (72%) were transferred from a referring hospital. The median age was 70 (interquartile range 58-77) and 61% were male. Thrombolysis in ischaemic cerebral-infarction 2b/3 recanalisation was achieved in 79% of patients. Of the direct group, 63% (95% CI 48-77%) achieved good clinical outcomes compared to 52% (95% CI 43-61%) in the "hub-and-spoke" group (p = 0.233). CONCLUSION: This state-wide service model demonstrates comparable clinical outcomes to that described in clinical trials. We found no significant difference in outcome between patients directly admitted to CSC and those with "hub-and-spoke" service delivery.

Streamlining Workflow for Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy: Lessons Learned from a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

BACKGROUND: Recently, 5 randomized controlled trials confirmed the superiority of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) to intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion. The implication is that our health systems would witness an increasing number of patients treated with EMT. However, in-hospital delays, leading to increased time to reperfusion, are associated with poor clinical outcomes. This review outlines the in-hospital workflow of the treatment of acute ischemic stroke at a comprehensive stroke center and the lessons learned in reduction of in-hospital delays. METHODS: The in-hospital workflow for acute ischemic stroke was described from prehospital notification to femoral arterial puncture in preparation for EMT. Systematic review of literature was also performed with PubMed. RESULTS: The implementation of workflow streamlining could result in reduction of in-hospital time delays for patients who were eligible for EMT. In particular, time-critical measures, including prehospital notification, the transfer of patients from door to computed tomography (CT) room, initiation of intravenous thrombolysis in the CT room, and the mobilization of neurointervention team in parallel with thrombolysis, all contributed to reduction in time delays. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified issues resulting in in-hospital time delays and have reported possible solutions to improve workflow efficiencies. We believe that these measures may help stroke centers initiate an EMT service for eligible patients.