RapidpulseTM cyclic aspiration system for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions.

BACKGROUND: The best strategy to achieve optimal reperfusion outcomes during mechanical thrombectomy remains to be defined. The RapidPulseTM Cyclic Aspiration System is a novel technology, delivering high-frequency pulsed vacuum forces to increase the efficiency of aspiration thrombectomy. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, open-label, core lab-adjudicated, two-arm study comparing safety and efficacy of a feasibility version of the RapidPulseTM system compared with contemporary controls. Primary endpoint was the rate of mTICI ≥ 2c after first-pass effect (FPE). Additional efficacy endpoints were the rates of mTICI ≥ 2b after first pass (modified FPE (mFPE)), last pass with study device defined as frontline technical success, and after all passes including rescue therapy. The primary safety endpoints included symptomatic ICH (sICH) within 24 h post-procedure. RESULTS: Between February 2022 to December 2022, 80 subjects were consented and enrolled in the study (n = 40 treatment arm, n = 40 control arm). In the intent to treat (ITT) population, mean age was 67.8 ± 11.5 years; 19 (47.5%) were male. Median NIHSS score was 16 (IQR: 13-22). Median ASPECTS score was 9 (IQR: 8-10). The rate of mTICI ≥ 2c after first pass was 53.9% in ITT population (60.0% in per-protocol population) versus 38.5% in the corresponding control population. Functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90 days was achieved in 61.1% (22/36) in the RapidPulseTM arm and 52.8% (19/36) in the control arm. In the RapidPulseTM arm, no sICH within 24 h and no device-related morbidity or mortality occurred. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggests RapidPulseTM Aspiration System is highly effective and safe for recanalization of large vessel occlusions.

Device size selection can enhance Y-stentrieving efficacy and safety as a rescue strategy in stroke thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Despite advancements in stroke treatment, refractory clots are relatively common, prompting the exploration of alternative techniques. Bifurcation occlusions pose specific intraprocedural challenges, occasionally dealt with by two stentrievers deployed in Y-configuration. Previous studies have portrayed this strategy as feasible, yet little is known about its safety and efficacy, and how to best select retrievers. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether device selection influences the efficacy and safety of Y-stentrieving. METHODS: We performed a multicentric, retrospective analysis of patients undergoing Y-stentrieving rescue for bifurcation occlusions. Demographics, devices, procedural metrics, neurological severity, reperfusion, disability, and safety were assessed. RESULTS: Y-configuration stents were used as a rescue maneuver after 2.16±1.5 failed attempts with other techniques in 20 patients. Successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b-3) was achieved in 70% of patients after the first Y-stentrieving attempt. The first stentriever more often had a larger diameter (5.15±0.92 vs 3.67±0.57 mm, p=0.017) and longer length (33.12±5.78 vs 20.67±1.15 mm, p=0.002) in successfully reperfused cases. Also, the diameter of the first device was associated with both any parenchymal (6.0 vs 4.71±0.99 mm, p=0.045) and symptomatic (6.0 vs 4.86±1.02 mm, p<0.001) hemorrhages. Exact logistic regression demonstrated that a longer length first stentriever independently predicted better angiographic outcomes (OR=1.26, p=0.036), and a 6 mm diameter first stentriever independently predicted more intracranial hemorrhages (OR=15.28, p=0.044). No periprocedural mortality was recorded. CONCLUSION: Y-stentrieving is an effective and safe bail-out strategy for refractory bifurcation clots. Longer stents may promote better angiographic outcomes, whereas avoidance of disproportionately large retrievers may mitigate intracranial hemorrhage. Future studies should account for these factors when evaluating alternative stentriever techniques.

Unfavorable Vascular Anatomy during Endovascular Treatment of Stroke: Challenges and Bailout Strategies.

The benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel intracranial occlusions is directly related to the technical success of the procedures in achieving fast and complete reperfusion. While a precise definition of refractoriness is lacking in the literature, it may be considered when there is reperfusion failure, long procedural times, or high number of passes with the MT devices. Detailed knowledge about the causes for refractory MT in AIS is limited; however, it is most likely a multifaceted problem including factors related to the vascular anatomy and the underlying nature of the occlusive lesion amongst other factors. We aim to review the impact of several key unfavorable anatomical factors that may be encountered during endovascular AIS treatment and discuss potential bail-out strategies to these challenging situations.