Intracerebral hemorrhage risk after adjunct intraarterial thrombolysis in thrombectomy-treated acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intraarterial thrombolysis as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy is increasingly being considered to enhance reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke patients. Intraarterial thrombolysis may increase the risk of post-thrombectomy intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in certain patient subgroups. METHODS: We analyzed acute ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy in a multicenter registry. The occurrence of any (asymptomatic and symptomatic) post-thrombectomy ICH was ascertained using standard definition requiring serial neurological examinations and computed tomographic scans acquired within 48 hours of the thrombectomy. We determined the risk of ICH in subgroups defined by clinical characteristics and the use of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis. RESULTS: A total of 146 (7.5%) patients received intraarterial thrombolysis among 1953 acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The proportion of patients who developed any ICH was 26 (17.8%) and 510 (28.2%) among patients who were and were not treated with intraarterial thrombolysis, respectively (p = .006). The proportion of patients who developed symptomatic ICH was 4 (2.7%) and 30 (1.7%) among patients who were and were not treated with intraarterial thrombolysis, respectively (p = .34). Among patients who received IV thrombolysis (n = 1042), the proportion of patients who developed any ICH was 9 (16.7%) and 294 (30.7%) among patients who were and were not treated with intraarterial thrombolysis, respectively (p = .028). The risk was not different in strata defined by age, gender, location of occlusion, preprocedure National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, time interval between symptom onset and thrombectomy, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, systolic blood pressure, and serum glucose concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy, the risk of any ICH and symptomatic ICH was not increased with intraarterial thrombolysis, including in those who had already received IV thrombolytics.

1-Year outcomes of Resolute Onyx Zotarolimus-Eluting Stent for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease: A multicenter propensity score-matched comparison with stenting versus aggressive medical management for preventing recurrent stroke in intracranial stenosis trial.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is one of the most prevalent causes of stroke across the world. Endovascular treatment has gained prominence but remains a challenge with unfavorable results. Recent literature has demonstrated that the Resolute Onyx Zotarolimus-Eluting Stent (RO-ZES) is a technically safe option with low complication rates along with 30-day outcomes associated with intracranial stent placement for ICAD with RO-ZES compared to results from the Stenting Versus Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial. Here, we aim to compare outcomes at one year with the SAMMPRIS trial with a multicenter longitudinal study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively maintained databases across seven stroke centers were analyzed for adult patients undergoing RO-ZES placement for ICAD between January 2019 and May 2023. The primary endpoint was composite of one-year stroke, ICH, and/or death. These data were propensity score matched using age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking status, and impacted vessel for comparison between RO-ZES and the SAMMPRIS percutaneous angioplasty and stenting groups (S-PTAS). RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included, mean age ± SD: 64.9 ± 10.9 years, 25.5% female. Propensity score match analysis of the 104 patients with S-PTAS demonstrated one-year stroke, ICH, and/or death rate of 11.5% in the RO-ZES group and 28.1% in the S-PTAS group (odds ratio 4.17, 95% CI 2.06-8.96, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The RO-ZES system demonstrates strong potential to reduce long-term complications at one year compared with the S-PTAS group. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to corroborate and build upon these findings.

Trends in performance of thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke patients in teaching and non-teaching hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: The value of thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke cannot be understated. As such, whether these patients get access to this treatment can significantly impact their disease outcomes. We analyzed the trends in thrombectomy adoption between teaching and non-teaching hospitals in the United States, and their impact on overall patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of hospital admissions in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke between 2012 and 2020. We compared the annual total number and proportion of patients undergoing thrombectomy between teaching and non-teaching hospitals, and their corresponding outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 3,823,490 and 1,875,705 patients were admitted to teaching and non-teaching hospitals during the study duration, respectively. The proportion of patients who underwent thrombectomy increased from 1.60 % to 7.02 % (p-value for trend p < 0.001) in teaching hospitals and from 0.32 % to 2.20 % (p-value trend p < 0.001) in non-teaching hospitals. The absolute increase in the number of acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy was highest in teaching hospitals particularly those with large bed size, an increase from 3635 patients in 2012 to 24,730 patients in 2020. Higher rates of intravenous thrombolysis and patient transfer prior to thrombectomy were seen in teaching hospitals compared with non-teaching hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights disparities between teaching and non-teaching hospitals, with teaching hospitals showing a disproportionately higher rate of thrombectomy adoption in acute ischemic stroke patients. Further studies are needed to understand the barriers to the adoption of thrombectomy in non-teaching hospitals.

Creation of a predictive calculator to determine adequacy of occlusion of the woven endobridge (WEB) device in intracranial aneurysms-A retrospective analysis of the WorldWide WEB Consortium database.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment with the woven endobridge (WEB) device has been widely utilized for managing intracranial aneurysms. However, predicting the probability of achieving adequate occlusion (Raymond-Roy classification 1 or 2) remains challenging. OBJECTIVE: Our study sought to develop and validate a predictive calculator for adequate occlusion using the WEB device via data from a large multi-institutional retrospective cohort. METHODS: We used data from the WorldWide WEB Consortium, encompassing 356 patients from 30 centers across North America, South America, and Europe. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed on a variety of demographic and clinical factors, from which predictive factors were selected. Calibration and validation were conducted, with variance inflation factor (VIF) parameters checked for collinearity. RESULTS: A total of 356 patients were included: 124 (34.8%) were male, 108 (30.3%) were elderly (≥65 years), and 118 (33.1%) were current smokers. Mean maximum aneurysm diameter was 7.09 mm (SD 2.71), with 112 (31.5%) having a daughter sac. In the multivariate regression, increasing aneurysm neck size (OR 0.706 [95% CI: 0.535-0.929], p = 0.13) and partial aneurysm thrombosis (OR 0.135 [95% CI: 0.024-0.681], p = 0.016) were found to be the only statistically significant variables associated with poorer likelihood of achieving occlusion. The predictive calculator shows a c-statistic of 0.744. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test indicated a satisfactory model fit with a p-value of 0.431. The calculator is available at: https://neurodx.shinyapps.io/WEBDEVICE/. CONCLUSION: The predictive calculator offers a substantial contribution to the clinical toolkit for estimating the likelihood of adequate intracranial aneurysm occlusion by WEB device embolization.

Predictors of Aneurysm Obliteration in Patients Treated with the WEB Device: Results of a Multicenter Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite the numerous studies evaluating the occlusion rates of aneurysms following WEB embolization, there are limited studies identifying predictors of occlusion. Our purpose was to identify predictors of aneurysm occlusion and the need for retreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a review of a prospectively maintained database across 30 academic institutions. We included patients with previously untreated cerebral aneurysms embolized using the WEB who had available intraprocedural data and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: We studied 763 patients with a mean age of 59.9 (SD, 11.7) years. Complete aneurysm occlusion was observed in 212/726 (29.2%) cases, and contrast stasis was observed in 485/537 (90.3%) of nonoccluded aneurysms. At the final follow-up, complete occlusion was achieved in 497/763 (65.1%) patients, and retreatment was required for 56/763 (7.3%) patients. On multivariable analysis, history of smoking, maximal aneurysm diameter, and the presence of an aneurysm wall branch were negative predictors of complete occlusion (OR, 0.5, 0.8, and 0.4, respectively). Maximal aneurysm diameter, the presence of an aneurysm wall branch, posterior circulation location, and male sex increase the chances of retreatment (OR, 1.2, 3.8, 3.0, and 2.3 respectively). Intraprocedural occlusion resulted in a 3-fold increase in the long-term occlusion rate and a 5-fold decrease in the retreatment rate (P < .001), offering a specificity of 87% and a positive predictive value of 85% for long-term occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Intraprocedural occlusion can be used to predict the chance of long-term aneurysm occlusion and the need for retreatment after embolization with a WEB device. Smoking, aneurysm size, and the presence of an aneurysm wall branch are associated with decreased chances of successful treatment.

Mediation Analysis of Acute Carotid Stenting in Tandem Lesions: Effect on Functional Outcome in a Multicenter Registry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Current evidence suggests that acute carotid artery stenting (CAS) for cervical lesions is associated with better functional outcomes in patients with acute stroke with tandem lesions (TLs) treated with endovascular therapy (EVT). However, the underlying causal pathophysiologic mechanism of this relationship compared with a non-CAS strategy remains unclear. We aimed to determine whether, and to what degree, reperfusion mediates the relationship between acute CAS and functional outcome in patients with TLs. METHODS: This subanalysis stems from a multicenter retrospective cohort study across 16 stroke centers from January 2015 to December 2020. Patients with anterior circulation TLs who underwent EVT were included. Successful reperfusion was defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale ≥2B by the local team at each participating center. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the potential causal pathway in which the relationship between acute CAS and functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale) is mediated by successful reperfusion. RESULTS: A total of 570 patients were included, with a median age (interquartile range) of 68 (59-76), among whom 180 (31.6%) were female. Among these patients, 354 (62.1%) underwent acute CAS and 244 (47.4%) had a favorable functional outcome. The remaining 216 (37.9%) patients were in the non-CAS group. The CAS group had significantly higher rates of successful reperfusion (91.2% vs 85.1%; p = 0.025) and favorable functional outcomes (52% vs 29%; p = 0.003) compared with the non-CAS group. Successful reperfusion was a strong predictor of functional outcome (adjusted common odds ratio [acOR] 4.88; 95% CI 2.91-8.17; p < 0.001). Successful reperfusion partially mediated the relationship between acute CAS and functional outcome, as acute CAS remained significantly associated with functional outcome after adjustment for successful reperfusion (acOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.27-2.83; p = 0.002). Successful reperfusion explained 25% (95% CI 3%-67%) of the relationship between acute CAS and functional outcome. DISCUSSION: In patients with TL undergoing EVT, successful reperfusion predicted favorable functional outcomes when CAS was performed compared with non-CAS. A considerable proportion (25%) of the treatment effect of acute CAS on functional outcome was found to be mediated by improvement of successful reperfusion rates.

Decompressive craniectomy in symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after ischemic stroke: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) after stroke is a devastating neurological complication. Current guidelines support a "possible benefit" of decompressive craniectomy (DC) for large supratentorial sICH with significant mass effect. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective study of 8 comprehensive stroke centers. They included all patients who sustained an sICH after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), as defined by the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-Monitoring Study (SITS-MOST), from January 2016 to December 2020. They compared patients who underwent DC to those who were treated with standard medical treatment to measure functional outcome at 90 days, primarily as defined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and secondarily by the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E). RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were identified, 26 of whom (30.5%) underwent DC. Patients who underwent DC were younger (58 years [DC] vs 76 years [no DC], p < 0.001). No patient with a previous history of cancer underwent DC (n = 14, p = 0.004). Twenty-five patients (96.2%) in the DC group underwent thrombectomy versus 54 (91.5%) in the non-DC group (p = 0.443). Patients who underwent DC had a longer ICU stay (median [IQR] 240 [38-408] hours vs 24 [5-96] hours in non-DC patients, p = 0.002). At 90 days, 3 patients (4.1%) had obtained an mRS score of 0-2 and 10 patients (11.7%) an mRS score of 0-3. Patients who had improved functional outcome were younger (mRS score, OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.10, p = 0.012). Patients with a history of cancer had worse 90-day mRS scores (OR 8.49, 95% CI 1.54-159, p = 0.046). The rate of in-hospital mortality or discharge to hospice was significantly higher in the non-DC cohort (10 [38.5%] patients in the DC cohort vs 38 [64.4%] in the non-DC cohort, p = 0.026). Ninety days later, patients who underwent DC were more likely to have improved outcome (mRS mean rank 30.0 vs 40.0, p = 0.027). In multivariable analysis, history of cancer (OR 12.2, 95% CI 1.26-118, p = 0.031) and older age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.13, p = 0.011) increased the odds of worse mRS outcomes while DC did not (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.357-5.03, p = 0.665). CONCLUSIONS: DC after sICH did not improve functional outcome at 90 days according to multivariable analysis, although younger age and absence of previous cancer history were associated with improved outcomes.

Complex intracranial aneurysms: a DELPHI study to define associated characteristics.

PURPOSE: Intracranial aneurysms present significant health risks, as their rupture leads to subarachnoid haemorrhage, which in turn has high morbidity and mortality rates. There are several elements affecting the complexity of an intracranial aneurysm. However, criteria for defining a complex intracranial aneurysm (CIA) in open surgery and endovascular treatment could differ, and actually there is no consensus on the definition of a "complex" aneurysm. This DELPHI study aims to assess consensus on variables defining a CIA. METHODS: An international panel of 50 members, representing various specialties, was recruited to define CIAs through a three-round Delphi process. The panelists participated in surveys with Likert scale responses and open-ended questions. Consensus criteria were established to determine CIA variables, and statistical analysis evaluated consensus and stability. RESULTS: In open surgery, CIAs were defined by fusiform or blister-like shape, dissecting aetiology, giant size (≥ 25 mm), broad neck encasing parent arteries, extensive neck surface, wall calcification, intraluminal thrombus, collateral branch from the sac, location (AICA, SCA, basilar), vasospasm context, and planned bypass (EC-IC or IC-IC). For endovascular treatment, CIAs included giant size, very wide neck (dome/neck ratio ≤ 1:1), and collateral branch from the sac. CONCLUSIONS: The definition of aneurysm complexity varies by treatment modality. Since elements related to complexity differ between open surgery and endovascular treatment, these consensus criteria of CIAs could even guide in selecting the best treatment approach.

Anticoagulation Use and Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients with Large Core Stroke: A Secondary Analysis of the SELECT2 Trial.

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) safety and efficacy in patients with large core infarcts receiving oral anticoagulants (OAC) are unknown. In the SELECT2 trial (NCT03876457), 29 of 180 (16%; vitamin K antagonists 15, direct OACs 14) EVT, and 18 of 172 (10%; vitamin K antagonists 3, direct OACs 15) medical management (MM) patients reported OAC use at baseline. EVT was not associated with better clinical outcomes in the OAC group (EVT 6 [4-6] vs MM 5 [4-6], adjusted generalized odds ratio 0.89 [0.53-1.50]), but demonstrated significantly better outcomes in patients without OAC (EVT 4 [3-6] vs MM 5 [4-6], adjusted generalized odds ratio 1.87 [1.45-2.40], p = 0.02). The OAC group had higher comorbidities, including atrial fibrillation (70% vs 17%), congestive heart failure (28% vs 10%), and hypertension (87% vs 72%), suggesting increased frailty. However, the results were consistent after adjustment for these comorbidities, and was similar regardless of the type of OACs used. Whereas any hemorrhage rates were higher in the OAC group receiving EVT (86% in OAC vs 70% in no OAC), no parenchymal hemorrhage or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were observed with OAC use in both the EVT and MM arms. Although we did not find evidence that the effect was due to excess hemorrhage or confounded by underlying cardiac disease or older age, OAC use alone should not exclude patients from receiving EVT. Baseline comorbidities and ischemic injury extent should be considered while making individualized treatment decisions. ANN NEUROL 2024.

Treatment of large intracranial aneurysms using the Woven EndoBridge (WEB): a propensity score-matched analysis.

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is primarily used for treating wide-neck intracranial bifurcation aneurysms under 10 mm. Limited data exists on its efficacy for large aneurysms. We aim to assess angiographic and clinical outcomes of the WEB device in treating large versus small aneurysms. We conducted a retrospective review of the WorldWide WEB Consortium database, from 2011 to 2022, across 30 academic institutions globally. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to compare small and large aneurysms on baseline characteristics. A total of 898 patients were included. There was no significant difference observed in clinical presentations, smoking status, pretreatment mRS, presence of multiple aneurysms, bifurcation location, or prior treatment between the two groups. After PSM, 302 matched pairs showed significantly lower last follow-up adequate occlusion rates (81% vs 90%, p = 0.006) and higher retreatment rates (12% vs 3.6%, p < 0.001) in the large aneurysm group. These findings may inform treatment decisions and patient counseling. Future studies are needed to further explore this area.

Off-Label use of Woven EndoBridge device for intracranial brain aneurysm treatment: Modeling of occlusion outcome.

INTRODUCTION: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is emerging as a novel therapy for intracranial aneurysms, but its use for off-label indications requires further study. Using machine learning, we aimed to develop predictive models for complete occlusion after off-label WEB treatment and to identify factors associated with occlusion outcomes. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study included 162 patients who underwent off-label WEB treatment for intracranial aneurysms. Baseline, morphological, and procedural variables were utilized to develop machine-learning models predicting complete occlusion. Model interpretation was performed to determine significant predictors. Ordinal regression was also performed with occlusion status as an ordinal outcome from better (Raymond Roy Occlusion Classification [RROC] grade 1) to worse (RROC grade 3) status. Odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were reported. RESULTS: The best performing model achieved an AUROC of 0.8 for predicting complete occlusion. Larger neck diameter and daughter sac were significant independent predictors of incomplete occlusion. On multivariable ordinal regression, higher RROC grades (OR 1.86, 95 % CI 1.25-2.82), larger neck diameter (OR 1.69, 95 % CI 1.09-2.65), and presence of daughter sacs (OR 2.26, 95 % CI 0.99-5.15) were associated with worse aneurysm occlusion after WEB treatment, independent of other factors. CONCLUSION: This study found that larger neck diameter and daughter sacs were associated with worse occlusion after WEB therapy for aneurysms. The machine learning approach identified anatomical factors related to occlusion outcomes that may help guide patient selection and monitoring with this technology. Further validation is needed.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Workshops Improve Procedural Knowledge and Skills Among Neurointerventional Teams in Low- to Middle-Income Countries.

BACKGROUND: While mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is proven to be lifesaving and disability sparing, there remains a disparity in its access in low- to middle-income countries. We hypothesized that team-based MT workshops would improve MT knowledge and skills. METHODS: We designed a 22-hour MT workshop, conducted as 2 identical events: in English (Jamaica, January 2022) and in Spanish (Dominican Republic, May 2022). The workshops included participating neurointerventional teams (practicing neurointerventionalists, neurointerventional nurses, and technicians) focused on acute stroke due to large vessel occlusion. The course faculty led didactic and hands-on components, covering topics from case selection and postoperative management to device technology and MT surgical techniques. Attendees were evaluated on stroke knowledge and MT skills before and after the course using a multiple choice exam and simulated procedures utilizing flow models under fluoroscopy, respectively. Press conferences for public education with invited government officials were included to raise stroke awareness. RESULTS: Twenty-two physicians and their teams from 8 countries across the Caribbean completed the didactic and hands-on training. Overall test scores (n=18) improved from 67% to 85% (P<0.002). Precourse and postcourse hands-on assessments demonstrated reduced time to completion from 36.5 to 21.1 minutes (P<0.001). All teams showed an improvement in measures of good MT techniques, with 39% improvement in complete reperfusion. Eight teams achieved a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 3 on pre-course versus 15 of 18 teams on post-course. There was a significant reduction in total potentially dangerous maneuvers (70% pre versus 20% post; P<0.002). Universally, the workshop was rated as satisfactory and likely to change practice in 93% Dominican Republic and 75% Jamaica. CONCLUSIONS: A team-based hands-on simulation approach to MT training is novel, feasible, and effective in improving procedural skills. Participants viewed these workshops as practice-changing and instrumental in creating a pathway for increasing access to MT in low- to middle-income countries.

Cervical Dissection in Patients With Tandem Lesions Is Associated With Distal Embolism and Lower Recanalization Success.

BACKGROUND: Tandem lesions consist of cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis or occlusion, most commonly of atherosclerosis or dissection etiology, plus a large vessel occlusion. In this study, we compare outcomes in patients with atherosclerosis versus dissection of the cervical ICA. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study includes data from tandem lesion patients who underwent endovascular treatment from 2015 to 2020. Atherosclerosis was defined as ICA stenosis/occlusion associated with a calcified lesion and dissection by the presence of a tapered or flame-shaped lesion and intramural hematoma. Primary outcome: 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2); secondary outcomes: 90-day favorable shift in the modified Rankin Scale score, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b-3, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2c-3, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, parenchymal hematoma type 2, petechial hemorrhage, distal embolization, early neurological improvement, and mortality. Analysis was performed with matching by inverse probability of treatment weighting. RESULTS: We included 526 patients (68 [59-76] years; 31% females); 11.2% presented dissection and 88.8%, atherosclerosis. Patients with dissection were younger, had lower rates of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking history. They also exhibited higher rates of ICA occlusion, multiple stents (>1), and lower rates of carotid self-expanding stents. After matching and adjusting for covariates, there were no differences in 90-day functional independence. The rate of successful recanalization was significantly lower in the dissection group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.16-0.91]; P=0.031), which also had significantly higher rates of distal emboli (adjusted odds ratio, 2.53 [95% CI, 1.15-5.55]; P=0.021). There were no differences in other outcomes. Acute ICA stenting seemed to increase the effect of atherosclerosis in successful recanalization. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that among patients with acute stroke with tandem lesions, cervical ICA dissection is associated with higher rates of distal embolism and lower rates of successful recanalization than atherosclerotic lesions. Using techniques to minimize the risk of distal embolism may mitigate this contrast. Further prospective randomized trials are warranted to fully understand these associations.

Mode of Onset Modifies the Effect of Time to Endovascular Reperfusion on Clinical Outcomes after Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Analysis of the DAWN Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the impact of time to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) on clinical outcomes in the DAWN trial, while also exploring the potential effect modification of mode of stroke onset on this relationship. METHODS: The association between every 1-h treatment delay with 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and 90-day mortality was explored in the overall population and in three modes of onset subgroups (wake-up vs. witnessed vs. unwitnessed). RESULTS: Out of the 205 patients, 98 (47.8%) and 107 (52.2%) presented in the 6 to 12 hours and 12 to 24 hours time window, respectively. Considering all three modes of onset together, there was no statistically significant association between time last seen well to randomization with either functional independence or mortality at 90 days in either the endovascular thrombectomy (mRS 0-2 1-hour delay OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.93-1.24; mRS 6 OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.65-1.03) or medical management (mRS 0-2 1-hour delay OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.80-1.14; mRS 6 1-hour delay OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.79-1.09) groups. Moreover, there was no significant interaction between treatment effect and time (p = 0.439 and p = 0.421 for mRS 0-2 and 6, respectively). However, within the thrombectomy group, the models that tested the association between time last seen well to successful reperfusion (modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b) and 90-day functional independence showed a significant interaction with mode of presentation (p = 0.013). This appeared to be driven by a nominally positive slope for both witnessed and unwitnessed strokes versus a significantly (p = 0.018) negative slope in wake-up patients. There was no association between treatment times and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. INTERPRETATION: Mode of onset modifies the effect of time to reperfusion on thrombectomy outcomes, and should be considered when exploring different treatment paradigms in the extended window. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:356-364.

First multicenter study evaluating the utility of the BENCHMARKTM BMXTM 81 large-bore access catheter in neurovascular interventions.

INTRODUCTION: This study is the first multicentric report on the safety, efficacy, and technical performance of utilizing a large bore (0.081″ inner diameter) access catheter in neurovascular interventions. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from seven sites in the United States for neurovascular procedures via large bore 0.081″ inner diameter access catheter (Benchmark BMX81, Penumbra, Inc.). The primary outcome was technical success, defined as the access catheter reaching its target vessel. Safety outcomes included periprocedural device-related and access site complications. RESULTS: There were 90 consecutive patients included. The median age of the patients was 63 years (IQR: 53, 68); 53% were female. The most common interventions were aneurysm embolization (33.3%), carotid stenting (12.2%), and arteriovenous malformation embolization (11.1%). The transradial approach was most used (56.7%), followed by transfemoral (41.1%). Challenging anatomic variations included severe vessel tortuosity (8/90, 8.9%), type 2 aortic arch (7/90, 7.8%), type 3 aortic arch (2/90, 2.2%), bovine arch (2/90, 2.2%), and severe angle (<30°) between the subclavian artery and target vessel (1/90, 1.1%). Technical success was achieved in 98.9% of the cases (89/90), with six cases requiring a switch from radial to femoral (6.7%) and one case from femoral to radial (1.1%). There were no access site complications or complications related to the 0.081″ catheter. Two postprocedural complications occurred (2.2%), unrelated to the access catheter. CONCLUSION: The BMX™ 81 large-bore access catheters was safe and effective in both radial and femoral access across a wide range of neurovascular procedures, achieving high technical success without any access site or device-related complications.

Contemporary Prestroke Dual Antiplatelet Use and Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Risk After Thrombolysis.

Importance: Intravenous alteplase (IV-tPA) can be administered to patients with acute ischemic stroke but is associated with symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). It is unclear if patients taking prestroke dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) are at higher risk of sICH. Objective: To determine the associated risk of sICH in patients taking prestroke dual antiplatelet therapy receiving alteplase for acute ischemic stroke using propensity score matching analysis. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used data from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) registry between 2013 and 2021. Data were obtained from hospitals in the GWTG-Stroke registry. This study included patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke and treated with IV-tPA. Data were analyzed from January 2013 to December 2021. Exposures: Prestroke DAPT before treatment with IV-tPA for acute ischemic stroke. Main Outcome Measures: sICH, In-hospital death, discharge modified Rankin scale score, and other life-threatening systemic hemorrhages. Results: Of 409 673 participants, 321 819 patients (mean [SD] age, 68.6 [15.1] years; 164 587 female [51.1%]) who were hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke and treated with IV-tPA were included in the analysis. The rate of sICH was 2.9% (5200 of 182 344), 3.8% (4457 of 117 670), and 4.1% (893 of 21 805) among patients treated with no antiplatelet therapy, single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), and DAPT, respectively (P < .001). In adjusted analyses after propensity score subclassification, both SAPT (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07-1.19) and DAPT (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14-1.42) were associated with increased risks of sICH. Prestroke antiplatelet medications were associated with lower odds of discharge mRS score of 2 or less compared with no medication (SAPT OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.90-0.95; DAPT OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98). Results of a subgroup analysis of patients taking DAPT exposed to aspirin-clopidogrel vs aspirin-ticagrelor combination therapy were not significant (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.84-1.86). Conclusions and Relevance: Prestroke DAPT was associated with a significantly elevated risk of sICH among patients with ischemic stroke who were treated with thrombolysis; however, the absolute increase in risk was small. Patients exposed to antiplatelet medications did not have excess sICH compared with landmark trials, which demonstrated overall clinical benefit of thrombolysis therapy for acute ischemic stroke.

Rescue Therapy for Failed Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pooled Analysis of the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Registry.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the association between rescue therapy (RT) and functional outcomes compared to medical management (MM) in patients presenting after failed mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized prospectively collected and maintained data from the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Registry, spanning from 2011 to 2021. The cohort comprised patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs) with failed MT. The primary outcome was the shift in the degree of disability, as gauged by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Additional outcomes included functional independence (90-day mRS score of 0-2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Of a total of 7,018 patients, 958 presented failed MT and were included in the analysis. The RT group comprised 407 (42.4%) patients, and the MM group consisted of 551 (57.5%) patients. After adjusting for confounders, the RT group showed a favorable shift in the overall 90-day mRS distribution (adjusted common odds ratio = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.32-2.45, p < 0.001) and higher rates of functional independence (RT: 28.8% vs MM: 15.7%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.21-3.07, p = 0.005) compared to the MM group. RT also showed lower rates of sICH (RT: 3.8% vs MM: 9.1%, aOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.28-0.97, p = 0.039) and 90-day mortality (RT: 33.4% vs MM: 45.5%, aOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.42-0.89, p = 0.009). INTERPRETATION: Our findings advocate for the utilization of RT as a potential treatment strategy for cases of LVO resistant to first-line MT techniques. Prospective studies are warranted to validate these observations and optimize the endovascular approach for failed MT patients. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:343-355.

Association of preprocedural antiplatelet use with decreased thromboembolic complications for intracranial aneurysms undergoing intrasaccular flow disruption.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the impact of antiplatelet administration in the periprocedural period on the occurrence of thromboembolic complications (TECs) in patients undergoing treatment using the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device for intracranial wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. The primary objective was to assess whether the use of antiplatelets in the pre- and postprocedural phases reduces the likelihood of developing TECs, considering various covariates. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter observational study was conducted within the WorldWideWEB Consortium and comprised 38 academic centers with endovascular treatment capabilities. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between antiplatelet use and TECs, adjusting for covariates. Missing predictor data were addressed using multiple imputation. RESULTS: The study comprised two cohorts: one addressing general thromboembolic events and consisting of 1412 patients, among whom 103 experienced TECs, and another focusing on symptomatic thromboembolic events and comprising 1395 patients, of whom 50 experienced symptomatic TECs. Preprocedural antiplatelet use was associated with a reduced likelihood of overall TECs (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.19-0.53, p < 0.001) and symptomatic TECs (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.95, p = 0.036), whereas postprocedural antiplatelet use showed no significant association with TECs. The study also revealed additional predictors of TECs, including stent use (overall: OR 4.96, 95% CI 2.38-10.3, p < 0.001; symptomatic: OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.26-8.36, p = 0.015), WEB single-layer sphere (SLS) type (overall: OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.74, p = 0.017), and posterior circulation aneurysm location (symptomatic: OR 18.43, 95% CI 1.48-230, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that the preprocedural administration of antiplatelets is associated with a reduced likelihood of TECs in patients undergoing treatment with the WEB device for wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. However, postprocedural antiplatelet use did not show a significant impact on TEC occurrence.