Thrombectomy for Stroke With Large Infarct on Noncontrast CT: The TESLA Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Recent large infarct thrombectomy trials used heterogeneous imaging modalities and time windows for patient selection. Noncontrast computed tomographic (CT) scan is the most common stroke imaging approach. It remains uncertain whether thrombectomy is effective for patients with large infarcts identified using noncontrast CT alone within 24 hours of stroke onset. Objective: To evaluate the effect of thrombectomy in patients with a large infarct on a noncontrast CT scan within 24 hours of onset. Design, Setting, and Participants: Open-label, blinded-end point, bayesian-adaptive randomized trial with interim analyses for early stopping (futility or success) or population enrichment, which was conducted at 47 US academic and community-based stroke thrombectomy centers. Three hundred patients presenting within 24 hours with anterior-circulation, large-vessel occlusion and large infarct on noncontrast CT scan, with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores of 2 to 5, were randomized to undergo thrombectomy or usual care. Enrollment occurred July 16, 2019 to October 17, 2022; final follow-up, January 25, 2023. Intervention: The intervention patients (n = 152) underwent endovascular treatment using standard thrombectomy devices and usual medical care. Control patients (n = 148) underwent usual medical care alone. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary efficacy end point was improvement in 90-day functional outcome measured using mean utility-weighted modified Rankin Scale (UW-mRS) scores (range, 0 [death or severe disability] to 10 [no symptoms]; minimum clinically important difference, 0.3). A bayesian model determined the posterior probability that the intervention would be superior to usual care; statistical significance was a 1-sided posterior probability of .975 or more. The primary adverse event end point was 90-day mortality; secondary adverse event end points included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and radiographic intracranial hemorrhage. Results: The trial enrolled 300 patients (152 intervention, 148 control; 138 females [46%]; median age, 67 years), without early stopping or enrichment; 297 patients completed the 90-day follow-up. The mean (SD) 90-day UW-mRS score was 2.93 (3.39) for the intervention group vs 2.27 (2.98) for the control group with an adjusted difference of 0.63 (95% credible interval [CrI], -0.09 to 1.34; posterior probability for superiority of thrombectomy, .96). The 90-day mortality was similar between groups: 35.3% (53 of 150) for the intervention group vs 33.3% (49 of 147) for the control group. Six of 151 patients (4.0%) in the intervention group and 2 of 149 (1.3%) in the control group experienced 24-hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Fourteen patients of 148 (9.5%) in the intervention group vs 4 of 146 (2.7%) in the control group experienced parenchymal hematoma type 1 hemorrhages; 14 (9.5%) in the intervention group vs 5 (3.4%) in the control group experienced parenchymal hematoma type 2 hemorrhages; and 24 (16.2%) in the intervention group vs 9 (6.2%) in the control group experienced subarachnoid hemorrhages. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with a large infarct on noncontrast CT within 24 hours, thrombectomy did not demonstrate improvement in functional outcomes. But the width of the credible interval around the effect estimate includes the possibility of both no important effect and a clinically relevant benefit, so the potential role of thrombectomy with this imaging approach and time window will likely require additional study. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03805308.

Comparative Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with ASPECTS 2-3 vs. 4-5.

BACKGROUND: The influence of Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with low ASPECTS remains unknown. In this study, we compared the outcomes of AIS patients treated with MT for large vessel occlusion (LVO) categorized by ASPECTS value. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 305 patients with AIS caused by LVO, defined as the occlusion of the internal carotid artery and/or the M1 segments of the middle cerebral artery, stratified into two groups: ASPECTS 2-3 and 4-5. The primary outcome was favorable outcome defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3. Secondary outcomes were 90-day mRS 0-2, 90-day mortality, any intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and symptomatic ICH (sICH). We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate the impact of ASPECTS 2-3 vs. 4-5 on outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (19.3%) had ASPECTS 2-3 and 246 (80.7%) had ASPECTS 4-5. Favorable outcomes showed no significant difference between the two groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]= 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-2.41, p=0.80). There were also no significant differences in 90-day mRS 0-2 (aOR= 1.65, 95% CI: 0.66-3.99, p=0.30), 90-day mortality (aOR= 1.14, 95% CI: 0.58-2.20, p=0.70), any ICH (aOR= 0.54, 95% CI: 0.28-1.00, p=0.06), and sICH (aOR= 0.70, 95% CI: 0.27-1.63, p = 0.40) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: AIS patients with LVO undergoing MT with ASPECTS 2-3 had similar outcomes compared to ASPECTS 4-5.

Does preoperative embolization improve outcomes of meningioma resection? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Current evidence regarding the benefit of preoperative embolization (POE) of meningiomas is inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety profile of the procedure and to compare outcomes in embolized versus non-embolized meningiomas. PubMed was queried for studies after January 1990 reporting outcomes of POE. Pertinent variables were extracted and synthesized from eligible articles. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2, and random-effects model was employed to calculate pooled 95% CI effect sizes. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Harbord's and Begg's tests. Meta-analyses were used to assess estimated blood loss and operative duration (mean difference; MD), gross-total resection (odds ratio; OR), and postsurgical complications and postsurgical mortality (risk difference; RD). Thirty-four studies encompassing 1782 preoperatively embolized meningiomas were captured. The pooled immediate complication rate following embolization was 4.3% (34 studies, n = 1782). Although heterogeneity was moderate to high (I2 = 35-86%), meta-analyses showed no statistically significant differences in estimated blood loss (8 studies, n = 1050, MD = 13.9 cc, 95% CI = -101.3 to 129.1), operative duration (11 studies, n = 1887, MD = 2.4 min, 95% CI = -35.5 to 30.8), gross-total resection (6 studies, n = 1608, OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.8-1.5), postsurgical complications (12 studies, n = 2060, RD = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.04 to 0.07), and postsurgical mortality (12 studies, n = 2060, RD = 0.01, 95% CI = 0-0.01). Although POE is relatively safe, no clear benefit was observed in operative and postoperative outcomes. However, results must be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity and selection bias between studies. Well-controlled future investigations are needed to define the patient population most likely to benefit from the procedure.

Direct thrombectomy versus bridging thrombolysis with mechanical thrombectomy in middle cerebral artery stroke: a real-world analysis through National Inpatient Sample data.

OBJECTIVE: A paradigm shift in the management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large-vessel occlusion (LVO) occurred after 2015 when 7 randomized controlled trials demonstrated better outcomes using second-generation thrombectomy devices combined with best medical management than did stand-alone intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). All recently published landmark trials were designed to study the outcome of mechanical thrombectomy (MT); therefore, the majority of the patients enrolled in these trials received intravenous tPA. Currently, initiating IVT before MT is a matter of debate. Recent trials (DIRECT-MT, DEVT) exploring this clinical question showed noninferiority of MT alone compared with the combined treatment. With this uncertainty, the authors aimed to explore real-world data through the latest National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to compare the safety and outcomes of MT alone with bridging IVT and MT in AIS due to LVO in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). METHODS: NIS data from 2017 to 2018 were analyzed to compare the outcomes and safety profiles of patients who underwent MT+IVT with those who underwent MT alone. RESULTS: A total of 2895 patients were included in the final analysis (MT, n = 1669; MT+IVT, n = 1226). The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 16.2 (SD 6.1) in the MT group and 16.6 (SD 5.97) in the MT+IVT group (p = 0.04). With respect to comorbidities, the two groups did not differ in rates of hypertension (p = 0.730), atrial fibrillation/flutter (p = 0.828), and smoking status (p = 0.914). The rate of diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in the MT group (28%) than in the MT+IVT group (22.1%) (p < 0.001). The frequency of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the MT group was 17.7% (n = 296) and 21.5% (n = 263) in the MT+IVT group (p = 0.012). Intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.875), subarachnoid hemorrhage (p = 0.99), and vasospasm (p = 0.976) did not differ significantly between the groups. The primary outcome considered was disability status between the groups; 23.8% of patients in the MT+IVT group had minimal disability versus 18.2% in the MT group (p = 0.001). The risk of progressing to severe disability from minimal disability decreased with the addition of IVT to MT (OR 0.762, 95% CI 0.637-0.912). The adjusted odds ratio for ICH in the MT+IVT group was 1.28 (95% CI 1.043-1.571, p = 0.018) and 2.676 (95% CI 1.259-5.686, p = 0.01) for access-site hemorrhages. CONCLUSIONS: In the analysis of the NIS database, the MT+IVT group had significantly higher rates of minimal disability at the time of hospital discharge versus the MT-alone group, despite a higher rate of ICH. The question of whether to treat patients with MT+IVT rather than MT alone is currently being addressed in ongoing prospective clinical trials (SWIFT-DIRECT [NCT03494920], MR CLEAN-NO IV [ISRCTN80619088], and DIRECT-SAFE [NCT03494920]). The results of these studies will contribute to greater understanding and progressive improvement in outcomes for AIS patients.

Endovascular Retrieval of Migrated Distal End of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt from Bilateral Pulmonary Arteries: A Technical Note.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting of cerebrospinal fluid is one of the most common procedures performed by neurosurgeons around the world. Migration of distal VP shunt catheter into bilateral segmental pulmonary arteries is an extremely rare complication of VP shunt placement. In the present case, a 30-year-old male underwent VP shunting complicated by migration of distal VP shunt catheter into the bilateral pulmonary arteries. Despite manual attempt at externalizing the distal VP shunt catheter at the level of the clavicle, a small piece of distal VP shunt catheter in bilateral pulmonary arteries was noted on computed tomography of the chest obtained after manual externalization. This persistent distal VP shunt catheter was likely left behind after a break in the distal VP shunt catheter during manual externalization procedure. Given the small size of the segmental pulmonary arteries, a novel endovascular technique was used to move the distal VP shunt catheter from the bilateral segmental pulmonary arteries to the main pulmonary trunk. Once in the main pulmonary trunk, a snare device was used to retrieve the distal shunt catheter through the femoral vein. In this technical note, the authors highlight the relevant endovascular technical details to first move the VP shunt catheter from the bilateral segmental arteries followed by successful catheter retrieval using snare device.

Role of radiological parameters in predicting overall shunt outcome after ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion in pediatric patients with obstructive hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE Despite significant advances in the medical field and shunt technology, shunt malfunction remains a nightmare of pediatric neurosurgeons. In this setting, the ability to preoperatively predict the probability of shunt malfunction is quite compelling. The authors have compared the preoperative radiological findings in obstructive hydrocephalus and the subsequent clinical course of the patient to determine any association with overall shunt outcome. METHODS This retrospective study included all pediatric patients (age < 18 years) who had undergone ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion for obstructive hydrocephalus. Linear measurements were taken from pre- and postoperative CT or MRI studies to calculate different indices and ratios including Evans' index, frontal horn index (FHI), occipital horn index (OHI), frontooccipital horn ratio (FOHR), and frontooccipital horn index ratio (FOIR). Other morphological features such as bi- or triventriculomegaly, right-left ventricular symmetry, and periventricular lucency (PVL) were also noted. The primary clinical outcomes that were reviewed included the need for shunt revision, time interval to first shunt revision, frequency of shunt revisions, and revision-free survival. RESULTS A total of 121 patients were eligible for the analysis. Nearly half of the patients (47.9%) required shunt revision. The presence of PVL was associated with lower revision rates than those in others (39.4% vs 58.2%, p = 0.03). None of the preoperative radiological indices or ratios showed any correlation with shunt revision. Nearly half of the patients with shunt revision required early revision (< 90 days of primary surgery). The reduction in the FOHR was high in patients who required early shunt revision (20.16% in patients with early shunt revision vs 6.4% in patients with late shunt revision, p = 0.009). Nearly half of the patients (48.3%) requiring shunt revision ultimately needed more than one revision procedure. Greater occipital horn dilation on preoperative images was associated with a lower frequency of shunt revision, as dictated by a high OHI and a low FOIR in patients with a single shunt revision as compared with those in patients who required multiple shunt revisions (p = 0.029 and 0.009, respectively). The mean follow-up was 49.9 months. Age was a significant factor affecting shunt revision-free survival. Patients younger than 6 months of age had significantly less revision-free survival than the patients older than 6 months (median survival of 10.1 vs 94.1 months, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative radiological linear indices and ratios do not predict the likelihood of subsequent shunt malfunction. However, patients who required early shunt revision tended to have greater reductions in ventricular volumes on postoperative images. Therefore a greater reduction in ventricular volume is not actually desirable, and a ventricular volume high enough to reduce intracranial pressure is instead to be aimed at for long-term shunt compliance.

Value of Dual Arterial Access for Improved Angiographic Control for Double-Lumen Arterial Balloon Onyx Embolization of Multifeeder Complex Cranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Technical Nuance.

BACKGROUND: Here we describe our experience managing intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) via endovascular embolization using a transarterial embolization (TAE) technique with liquid embolic agents. We illustrate the technical nuance of using dual arterial access for angiographic control runs in complex DAVFs supplied by multiple feeders from 2 distinct arterial systems. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of intracranial DAVF embolization as a single treatment technique at our institution from 2013 to 2023. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with intracranial DAVF who underwent endovascular treatment as their initial treatment were included. All embolizations were approached transarterially with Onyx (n = 19), n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n = 2), or a combination (n = 2). Twenty-two patients (96%) had angiographic evidence of complete fistula obliteration after initial embolization. Six DAVF TAEs were performed with dual arterial access for simultaneous embolic delivery and angiographic control intraoperatively. Two patients recanalized twice postprocedure, 1 of whom was found to have incidental new DAVF at follow-up. Median patient follow-up was 12 months (interquartile range, 6-36 months), with a median modified Rankin Scale score on discharge of 1 and a Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 3 months of 5. CONCLUSIONS: In this initial series of patients with DAVF managed by endovascular embolization, dual arterial access was feasible, safe, and effective in achieving fistula obliteration. Dual-arterial access conveniently provides simultaneous access for control angiography and embosylate delivery intraoperatively.

Gender Differences in Procedural Clinical Complications and Outcomes of Intracranial Aneurysms: Analysis of the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Some studies have shown that female patients had a poorer prognosis after endovascular treatment for ruptured intracranial aneurysm than male patients. However, data have been sparse regarding differences in the periprocedural and perioperative complication rate with ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry, a database of 9 institutions in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The study presented intracranial aneurysms after microsurgical and/or endovascular treatment from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022. The primary outcome was incidence of periprocedural cerebral infarction. Secondary outcomes were periprocedural intracranial hemorrhage, periprocedural mortality, perioperative vasospasm, and functional outcome at 90 days after procedure. RESULTS: Among 3342 patients with aneurysm, 2447 were female and 857 were male, and the mean age of female and male patients was 59.6 and 57.1 years, respectively. Current smoker, family history of aneurysm, and ruptured aneurysm were observed in 23.5% vs 35.7 %, 10.8 % vs 5.7%, and 28.2% vs 40.5% of female and male patients, respectively. In female patients, internal carotid artery aneurysms were more commonly observed (31.1% vs 17.3%); however, anterior cerebral artery aneurysms were less commonly observed (18.5% vs 33.8%) compared with male patients. Periprocedural cerebral infarction rate was lower in female than male patients (2.4% vs 4.4%; P = .002). The adjusted odds ratio of primary outcome of female to male patients was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.46-1.12). Incidence of periprocedural intracranial hemorrhage and periprocedural mortality and perioperative symptomatic vasospasm and functional outcome was similar in both groups. In subgroup analysis, periprocedural cerebral infarction due to microsurgical treatment occurred frequently in male patients while incidence in endovascular treatment was similar in both groups (interaction P = .005). CONCLUSION: This large multicenter registry of patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm treatment found that female patients were not at increased risk of perioperative complications.

The feasibility of mechanical thrombectomy versus medical management for acute stroke with a large ischemic territory.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke is generally avoided when the expected infarction is large (defined as an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score of <6). OBJECTIVE: To perform a meta-analysis of recent trials comparing MT with best medical management (BMM) for treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large infarction territory, and then to determine the cost-effectiveness associated with those treatments. METHODS: A meta-analysis of the RESCUE-Japan, SELECT2, and ANGEL-ASPECT trials was conducted using R Studio. Statistical analysis employed the weighted average normal method for calculating mean differences from medians in continuous variables and the risk ratio for categorical variables. TreeAge software was used to construct a cost-effectiveness analysis model comparing MT with BMM in the treatment of ischemic stroke with large infarction territory. RESULTS: The meta-analysis showed significantly better functional outcomes, with higher rates of patients achieving a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-3 at 90 days with MT as compared with BMM. In the base-case analysis using a lifetime horizon, MT led to a greater gain in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of 3.46 at a lower cost of US$339 202 in comparison with BMM, which led to the gain of 2.41 QALYs at a cost of US$361 896. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was US$-21 660, indicating that MT was the dominant treatment at a willingness-to-pay of US$70 000. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that, besides having a better functional outcome at 90-days' follow-up, MT was more cost-effective than BMM, when accounting for healthcare cost associated with treatment outcome.

Impact of Race on Outcomes in the Endovascular and Microsurgical Treatment in Patients With Intracranial Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The impact of race on outcomes in the treatment of intracranial aneurysm (IA) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between race classified into White, Black, Hispanic, and other and treatment outcomes in patients with ruptured and unruptured IAs. METHODS: The study population consisted of 2836 patients with IA with endovascular treatment or microsurgical treatment (MST) from 16 centers in the United States and Asia, all participating in the observational "STAR" registry. The primary outcome was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 2. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural cerebral infarction and intracranial hemorrhage, perioperative symptomatic cerebral vasospasm in ruptured IA and mortality, and all causes of mortality within 90 days. RESULTS: One thousand fifty-three patients were White (37.1%), 350 were Black (12.3%), 264 were Hispanic (9.3%), and 1169 were other (41.2%). Compared with White patients, Hispanic patients had a significantly lower proportion of primary outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.36, 95% CI, 0.23-0.56) and higher proportion of the periprocedural cerebral infarction, perioperative mortality, and all causes of mortality (aOR 2.53, 95% CI, 1.40-4.58, aOR 1.84, 95% CI, 1.00-3.38, aOR 1.83, 95% CI, 1.06-3.17, respectively). Outcomes were not significantly different in Black and other patients. The subgroup analysis showed that Hispanic patients with age ≥65 years (aOR 0.19, 95% CI, 0.10-0.38, interaction P = .048), Hunt-Hess grades 0 to 3 (aOR 0.29, 95% CI, 0.19-0.46, interaction P = .03), and MST (aOR 0.24, 95% CI, 0.13-0.44, interaction P = .04) had a significantly low proportion of primary outcome. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that Hispanic patients with IA are more likely to have a poor outcome at 90 days after endovascular treatment or MST than White patients. Physicians have to pay attention to the selection of treatment modalities, especially for Hispanic patients with specific factors to reduce racial discrepancies.

Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Patients With Stroke Presenting With Low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in Early and Late Time Windows.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare outcomes of low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) patients with stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) within 6 hours or 6 to 24 hours after stroke onset. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a large multicenter international registry from 2013 to 2023. Patients with low ASPECTS (2-5) who underwent MT for anterior circulation intracranial large vessel occlusion were included. A propensity matching analysis was conducted for patients presented in the early (<6 hours) vs late (6-24 hours) time window after symptom onset or last known normal. RESULTS: Among the 10 229 patients who underwent MT, 274 met the inclusion criteria. 122 (44.5%) patients were treated in the late window. Early window patients were older (median age, 74 years [IQR, 63-80] vs 66.5 years [IQR, 54-77]; P < .001), had lower proportion of female patients (40.1% vs 54.1%; P = .029), higher median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (20 [IQR, 16-24] vs 19 [IQR, 14-22]; P = .004), and a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (46.1% vs 27.3; P = .002). Propensity matching yielded a well-matched cohort of 84 patients in each group. Comparing the matched cohorts showed there was no significant difference in acceptable outcomes at 90 days between the 2 groups (odds ratio = 0.90 [95% CI = 0.47-1.71]; P = .70). However, the rate of symptomatic ICH was significantly higher in the early window group compared with the late window group (odds ratio = 2.44 [95% CI = 1.06-6.02]; P = .04). CONCLUSION: Among patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and low ASPECTS, MT seems to provide a similar benefit to functional outcome for patients presenting <6 hours or 6 to 24 hours after onset.

Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Patients With Stroke Presenting With Low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in Early and Late Time Windows.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare outcomes of low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) patients with stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) within 6 hours or 6 to 24 hours after stroke onset. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a large multicenter international registry from 2013 to 2023. Patients with low ASPECTS (2-5) who underwent MT for anterior circulation intracranial large vessel occlusion were included. A propensity matching analysis was conducted for patients presented in the early (<6 hours) vs late (6-24 hours) time window after symptom onset or last known normal. RESULTS: Among the 10 229 patients who underwent MT, 274 met the inclusion criteria. 122 (44.5%) patients were treated in the late window. Early window patients were older (median age, 74 years [IQR, 63-80] vs 66.5 years [IQR, 54-77]; P < .001), had lower proportion of female patients (40.1% vs 54.1%; P = .029), higher median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (20 [IQR, 16-24] vs 19 [IQR, 14-22]; P = .004), and a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (46.1% vs 27.3; P = .002). Propensity matching yielded a well-matched cohort of 84 patients in each group. Comparing the matched cohorts showed there was no significant difference in acceptable outcomes at 90 days between the 2 groups (odds ratio = 0.90 [95% CI = 0.47-1.71]; P = .70). However, the rate of symptomatic ICH was significantly higher in the early window group compared with the late window group (odds ratio = 2.44 [95% CI = 1.06-6.02]; P = .04). CONCLUSION: Among patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and low ASPECTS, MT seems to provide a similar benefit to functional outcome for patients presenting <6 hours or 6 to 24 hours after onset.

Predicting Futile Recanalization After Endovascular Thrombectomy for Patients With Stroke With Large Cores: The SNAP Score.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to develop and validate a prediction score for futile recanalization (FR) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) presenting low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) for patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). METHODS: Patients with anterior circulation LVO with low ASPECTS (<6) who underwent successful EVT (modified treatment in cerebral ischemia score ≥2b) from Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry were retrospectively analyzed. FR was defined as 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores ≥4 despite successful EVT. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of FR, and they were used to create a clinical score. The performance of the score was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. RESULTS: Of 219 patients, 170 and 49 patients were randomly assigned to the training and validation cohort, respectively. Independent predictors of FR identified in the training cohort were used to construct the SNAP score: site of occlusion (middle cerebral artery = 0, internal carotid artery = 1), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission (≤10 = 0, 10 to 19 = 1, ≥20 = 2), age (<75 = 0, ≥75 = 2), and prestroke mRS score (0-3). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses of the SNAP score in the training and validation cohorts showed areas under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.72-0.86) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.65-0.92) for predicting FR, respectively. A SNAP score ≥5 had a positive predictive value of 92.1% [95% CI 78.8%-97.3%] for FR. CONCLUSION: The SNAP score may be useful in predicting FR after EVT in low-ASPECTS patients with LVO. It can provide patients, family members, and physicians with reliable outcome expectations among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large infarcts.

Outcomes and differences by occluded vessel after endovascular thrombectomy for isolated medium vessel occlusions.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs) of specific vascular territories remain unknown. We aimed to investigate EVT outcomes by MeVO locations using the data from an ongoing international multicenter registry. METHODS: Patients with isolated MeVO who underwent EVT between January 2013 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Isolated MeVO was defined as an occlusion of the A2 or A3 (A2/A3), M2 or M3, and P2 or P3 (P2/P3). Outcomes included a 90-day modified Rankin score (mRS) of 0-2, successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥ 2b), early neurological deterioration (END) or improvement (ENI), and 90-day mortality. END was defined as a worsening of ≥4 points from the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score within 24 h of EVT, while ENI was defined as an improvement of ≥4 points from the baseline NIHSS score within 24 h of EVT. RESULTS: 1744 MeVOs included. Compared to M2 occlusions (n = 1542, 88.4%), A2/A3 (n = 36, 2.1%) occlusions had lower odds of 90-day mRS 0-2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-0.80), and P2/P3 occlusions (n = 49, 2.8%) had lower odds of successful recanalization (aOR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.50), and higher odds of END (aOR 3.53, 95% CI 1.35-9.25). Other outcomes showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: A2/A3 occlusions were more likely to have worse outcomes compared to M2 occlusions after EVT for patients with isolated MeVOs.

Improved technical outcomes with converting thrombectomy techniques after failed first pass recanalization.

BACKGROUND: A higher number of recanalization attempts reduces the efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion (LVO). We assessed the impact of switching EVT techniques after a failed first pass on procedural and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This multicenter international study, conducted between January 2013 and December 2022, included patients undergoing EVT for anterior circulation LVO (internal carotid artery or M1 segments) with failed first pass recanalization. Propensity score matching identified a 1:1 matched cohort of patients in whom EVT technique was changed after a failed first pass and those with the same technique repeated. The primary outcome was successful recanalization at second attempt defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (TICI) score of 2B or higher. Secondary outcomes were 90-day modified Rankin Score (mRS) and postprocedural hemorrhage. RESULTS: Among 2167 patients, converting to an alternative technique after a failed first pass was associated with higher odds of successful recanalization (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.5, p=0.041), and higher odds of mRS 0-2 at 90 days (aOR=1.6, p=0.005) without additional risk of symptomatic hemorrhage (p=0.379). Using a propensity score matched cohort of 490 patients, technique conversion at second attempt increased odds of successful recanalization at second attempt (aOR=1.32, p=0.006) and 90-day mRS 0-2 (aOR=1.38, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Early conversion to an alternative EVT technique after a failed first pass recanalization in patients with AIS is associated with better technical success and clinical outcomes.

Earlier Endovascular Thrombectomy and Mortality in Patients with Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry.

BACKGROUND: The definitive impact of onset to arterial puncture time (OPT) on 90-day mortality after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of OPT on 90-day mortality in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients who underwent EVT. METHODS: Data from 33 international centers were retrospectively analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify a cutoff for OPT. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 6). Secondary outcomes included mortality at discharge, 90-day good outcome (mRS 0-2), 90-day poor outcome (mRS 5-6), successful recanalization (defined as postprocedure modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale ≥2b), and intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: A total of 2842 AIS-LVO patients with EVT were included. The cutoff for OPT for 90-day mortality was 180 min. Of these 378 patients had OPT <180 min and 378 patients had OPT ≥180 min in the propensity score-matched cohort (n = 756). Patients with OPT <180 min were less likely to have 90-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-0.96) and poor outcome (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53-0.96), and more likely to have 90-day good outcome (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16-2.08). Other outcomes showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that OPT <180 min was less related to 90-day mortality and poor outcome, and more to 90-day good outcome in AIS-LVO patients who underwent EVT.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy in medium-vessel posterior cerebral artery occlusions: Subgroup analysis from STAR.

BACKGROUND: Whereas mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become standard-of-care treatment for patients with salvageable brain tissue after acute stroke caused by large-vessel occlusions, the results of MT in patients with medium-vessel occlusions (MEVOs), particularly in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), are not well known. METHODS: Using data from the international Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), we assessed presenting characteristics and clinical outcomes for patients who underwent MT for primary occlusions in the P2 PCA segment. As a subanalysis, we compared the PCA MeVO outcomes with STAR's anterior circulation MeVO outcomes, namely middle cerebral artery (MCA) M2 and M3 segments. RESULTS: Of the 9812 patients in STAR, 43 underwent MT for isolated PCA MeVOs. The patients' median age was 69 years (interquartile range 61-79), and 48.8% were female. The median NIH Stroke Scale score was 9 (range 6-17). After recanalization, 67.4% of patients achieved successful recanalization (modified treatment in cerebral infarction score [mTICI] ≥ 2b), with a first-pass success rate of 44.2%, and 39.6% achieved a modified Rankin score of 0-2 at 90 days. Nine patients (20.9%) had died by the 90-day follow-up. In comparison with M2 and M3 MeVOs, there were no differences in presenting characteristics among the three groups. Patients with PCA MeVOs were less likely to undergo intra-arterial thrombolysis (4.7% PCA vs. 10.1% M2 vs. 16.2% M3, p = 0.046) or to achieve successful recanalization (mTICI ≥ 2b, 67.4%, 86.7%, 82.3%, respectively, p < 0.001); however, there were no differences in the rates of successful first-pass recanalization (44.2%, 49.8%, 52.3%, respectively, p = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: We describe the STAR experience performing MT in patients with PCA MeVOs. Our analysis supports that successful first-pass recanalization can be achieved in PCA MEVOs at a rate similar to that in MCA MeVOs, although further study and possible innovation may be necessary to improve successful PCA MeVO recanalization rates.

Thrombectomy in Stroke Patients With Low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score: Is Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2c/3 Superior to mTICI 2b?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are strongly correlated with successful recanalization, traditionally defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients with low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS; 2-5) who achieved mTICI 2b versus those who achieved mTICI 2c/3 after MT. METHODS: This study utilized data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), which combined databases from 32 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers between 2013 and 2023. The study included only patients with low ASPECTS who achieved mTICI 2b, 2c, or 3 after MT for internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (M1) stroke. RESULTS: Of the 10,229 patients who underwent MT, 234 met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 98 (41.9%) achieved mTICI 2b, and 136 (58.1%) achieved mTICI 2c/3. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The 90-day favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score: 0-3) was significantly better in the mTICI 2c/3 group than in the mTICI 2b group (adjusted odds ratio 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-4.81; P=0.02). Binomial logistic regression revealed that achieving mTICI 2c/3 was significantly associated with higher odds of a favorable 90-day outcome (odds ratio 2.14; 95% CI 1.07-4.41; P=0.04). CONCLUSION: In patients with low ASPECTS, achieving an mTICI 2c/3 score after MT is associated with a more favorable 90-day outcome. These findings suggest that mTICI 2c/3 is a better target for MT than mTICI 2b in patients with low ASPECTS.

Comparison between transradial and transfemoral mechanical thrombectomy for ICA and M1 occlusions: insights from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR).

BACKGROUND: The role for the transradial approach for mechanical thrombectomy is controversial. We sought to compare transradial and transfemoral mechanical thrombectomy in a large multicenter database of acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: The prospectively maintained Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) was reviewed for patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for an internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery M1 occlusion. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess outcomes including reperfusion time, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), distal embolization, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 2258 cases, 1976 via the transfemoral approach and 282 via the transradial approach, were included. Radial access was associated with shorter reperfusion time (34.1 min vs 43.6 min, P=0.001) with similar rates of Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2B or greater reperfusion (87.9% vs 88.1%, P=0.246). Patients treated via a transradial approach were more likely to achieve at least TICI 2C (59.6% vs 54.7%, P=0.001) and TICI 3 reperfusion (50.0% vs 46.2%, P=0.001), and had shorter lengths of stay (mean 9.2 days vs 10.2, P<0.001). Patients treated transradially had a lower rate of symptomatic ICH (8.0% vs 9.4%, P=0.047) but a higher rate of distal embolization (23.0% vs 7.1%, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in functional outcome at 90 days between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Radial and femoral thrombectomy resulted in similar clinical outcomes. In multivariate analysis, the radial approach had improved revascularization rates, fewer cases of symptomatic ICH, and faster reperfusion times, but higher rates of distal emboli. Further studies on the optimal approach are necessary based on patient and disease characteristics.

Impact of Procedure Time on First Pass Effect in Mechanical Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: First pass effect (FPE) is a metric increasingly used to determine the success of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) procedures. However, few studies have investigated whether the duration of the procedure can modify the clinical benefit of FPE. We sought to determine whether FPE after MT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke is modified by procedural time (PT). METHODS: A multicenter, international data set was retrospectively analyzed for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke treated by MT who achieved excellent reperfusion (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2c/3). The primary outcome was good functional outcome defined by 90-day modified Rankin scale scores of 0-2. The primary study exposure was first pass success (FPS, 1 pass vs ≥2 passes) and the secondary exposure was PT. We fit-adjusted logistic regression models and used marginal effects to assess the interaction between PT (≤30 vs >30 minutes) and FPS, adjusting for potential confounders including time from stroke presentation. RESULTS: A total of 1310 patients had excellent reperfusion. These patients were divided into 2 cohorts based on PT: ≤30 minutes (777 patients, 59.3%) and >30 minutes (533 patients, 40.7%). Good functional outcome was observed in 658 patients (50.2%). The interaction term between FPS and PT was significant ( P = .018). Individuals with FPS in ≤30 minutes had 11.5% higher adjusted predicted probability of good outcome compared with those who required ≥2 passes (58.2% vs 46.7%, P = .001). However, there was no significant difference in the adjusted predicted probability of good outcome in individuals with PT >30 minutes. This relationship appeared identical in models with PT treated as a continuous variable. CONCLUSION: FPE is modified by PT, with the added clinical benefit lost in longer procedures greater than 30 minutes. A comprehensive metric for MT procedures, namely, FPE 30 , may better represent the ideal of fast, complete reperfusion with a single pass of a thrombectomy device.