Dual Layer vs Single Layer Woven EndoBridge Device in the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) devices have been used for treating wide neck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) with several generational enhancements to improve clinical outcomes. The original device dual-layer (WEB DL) was replaced by a single-layer (WEB SL) device in 2013. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of these devices in managing intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: A multicenter cohort study was conducted, and data from 1,289 patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with either the WEB SL or WEB DL devices were retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score matching was utilized to balance the baseline characteristics between the two groups. Outcomes assessed included immediate occlusion rate, complete occlusion at last follow-up, retreatment rate, device compaction, and aneurysmal rupture. RESULTS: Before propensity score matching, patients treated with the WEB SL had a significantly higher rate of complete occlusion at the last follow-up and a lower rate of retreatment. After matching, there was no significant difference in immediate occlusion rate, retreatment rate, or device compaction between the WEB SL and DL groups. However, the SL group maintained a higher rate of complete occlusion at the final follow-up. Regression analysis showed that SL was associated with higher rates of complete occlusion (OR: 0.19; CI: 0.04 to 0.8, p = 0.029) and lower rates of retreatment (OR: 0.12; CI: 0 to 4.12, p = 0.23). CONCLUSION: The WEB SL and DL devices demonstrated similar performances in immediate occlusion rates and retreatment requirements for intracranial aneurysms. The SL device showed a higher rate of complete occlusion at the final follow-up.

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.

Nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage on noncontrast head CT: An accuracy, inter-rater, and intra-rater reliability study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability and accuracy of nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (NAPSAH) on Noncontrast Head CT (NCCT) between numerous raters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 NCCT of adult patients with SAH who also had a catheter angiography (CA) were independently evaluated by 48 diverse raters; 45 raters performed a second assessment one month later. For each case, raters were asked: 1) whether they judged the bleeding pattern to be perimesencephalic; 2) whether there was blood anterior to brainstem; 3) complete filling of the anterior interhemispheric fissure (AIF); 4) extension to the lateral part of the sylvian fissure (LSF); 5) frank intraventricular hemorrhage; 6) whether in the hypothetical presence of a negative CT angiogram they would still recommend CA. An automatic NAPSAH diagnosis was also generated by combining responses to questions 2-5. Reliability was estimated using Gwet's AC1 (κG), and the relationship between the NCCT diagnosis of NAPSAH and the recommendation to perform CA using Cramer's V test. Multi-rater accuracy of NCCT in predicting negative CA was explored. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability for the presence of NAPSAH was moderate (κG = 0.58; 95%CI: 0.47, 0.69), but improved to substantial when automatically generated (κG = 0.70; 95%CI: 0.59, 0.81). The most reliable criteria were the absence of AIF filling (κG = 0.79) and extension to LSF (κG = 0.79). Mean intra-rater reliability was substantial (κG = 0.65). NAPSAH weakly correlated with CA decision (V = 0.50). Mean sensitivity and specificity were 58% (95%CI: 44%, 71%) and 83 % (95%CI: 72 %, 94%), respectively. CONCLUSION: NAPSAH remains a diagnosis of exclusion. The NCCT diagnosis was moderately reliable and its impact on clinical decisions modest.

Location-weighted versus Volume-weighted Mismatch at MRI for Response to Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke.

Background A target mismatch profile can identify good clinical response to recanalization after acute ischemic stroke, but does not consider region specificities. Purpose To test whether location-weighted infarction core and mismatch, determined from diffusion and perfusion MRI performed in patients with acute stroke, could improve prediction of good clinical response to mechanical thrombectomy compared with a target mismatch profile. Materials and Methods In this secondary analysis, two prospectively collected independent stroke data sets (2012-2015 and 2017-2019) were analyzed. From the brain before stroke (BBS) study data (data set 1), an eloquent map was computed through voxel-wise associations between the infarction core (based on diffusion MRI on days 1-3 following stroke) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. The French acute multimodal imaging to select patients for mechanical thrombectomy (FRAME) data (data set 2) consisted of large vessel occlusion-related acute ischemic stroke successfully recanalized. From acute MRI studies (performed on arrival, prior to thrombectomy) in data set 2, target mismatch and eloquent (vs noneloquent) infarction core and mismatch were computed from the intersection of diffusion- and perfusion-detected lesions with the coregistered eloquent map. Associations of these imaging metrics with early neurologic improvement were tested in multivariable regression models, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were compared. Results Data sets 1 and 2 included 321 (median age, 69 years [IQR, 58-80 years]; 207 men) and 173 (median age, 74 years [IQR, 65-82 years]; 90 women) patients, respectively. Eloquent mismatch was positively and independently associated with good clinical response (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.27; P = .02) and eloquent infarction core was negatively associated with good response (OR, 0.85; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.95; P = .004), while noneloquent mismatch was not associated with good response (OR, 1.03; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.07; P = .20). Moreover, adding eloquent metrics improved the prediction accuracy (AUC, 0.73; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.81) compared with clinical variables alone (AUC, 0.65; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.73; P = .01) or a target mismatch profile (AUC, 0.67; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.76; P = .03). Conclusion Location-weighted infarction core and mismatch on diffusion and perfusion MRI scans improved the identification of patients with acute stroke who would benefit from mechanical thrombectomy compared with the volume-based target mismatch profile. Clinical trial registration no. NCT03045146 © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Nael in this issue.

Multicenter Study for the Treatment of Sidewall versus Bifurcation Intracranial Aneurysms with Use of Woven EndoBridge (WEB).

Background The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device was explicitly designed for wide-neck intracranial bifurcation aneurysms. Small-scale reports have evaluated the off-label use of WEB devices for the treatment of sidewall aneurysms, with promising outcomes. Purpose To compare the angiographic and clinical outcomes of the WEB device for the treatment of sidewall aneurysms compared with the treatment of bifurcation aneurysms. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of the WorldWideWEB Consortium, a synthesis of retrospective databases spanning from January 2011 to June 2021 at 22 academic institutions in North America, South America, and Europe, was performed to identify patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the WEB device. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match by age, pretreatment ordinal modified Rankin Scale score, ruptured aneurysms, location of aneurysm, multiple aneurysms, prior treatment, neck, height, dome width, daughter sac, and incorporated branch. Results A total of 683 intracranial aneurysms were treated using the WEB device in 671 patients (median age, 61 years [IQR, 53-68 years]; male-to-female ratio, 1:2.5). Of those, 572 were bifurcation aneurysms and 111 were sidewall aneurysms. PSM was performed, resulting in 91 bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms pairs. No significant difference was observed in occlusion status at last follow-up, deployment success, or complication rates between the two groups. Conclusion No significantly different outcomes were observed following the off-label use of the Woven EndoBridge, or WEB, device for treatment of sidewall aneurysms compared with bifurcation aneurysms. The correct characterization of the sidewall aneurysm location, neck angle, and size is crucial for successful treatment and lower retreatment rate. © RSNA, 2022 See also the editorial by Hetts in this issue.

Perfusion Imaging and Clinical Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke with Large Core.

OBJECTIVE: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not recommended for acute stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and a large volume of irreversibly injured tissue ("core"). Perfusion imaging may identify a subset of patients with large core who benefit from MT. METHODS: We compared two cohorts of LVO-related patients with large core (>50 ml on diffusion-weighted-imaging or CT-perfusion using RAPID), available perfusion imaging, and treated within 6 hours from onset by either MT + Best Medical Management (BMM) in one prospective study, or BMM alone in the pre-MT era from a prospective registry. Primary outcome was 90-day modified Rankin Scale ≤2. We searched for an interaction between treatment group and amount of penumbra as estimated by the mismatch ratio (MMRatio = critical hypoperfusion/core volume). RESULTS: Overall, 107 patients were included (56 MT + BMM and 51 BMM): Mean age was 68 ± 15 years, median core volume 99 ml (IQR: 72-131) and MMRatio 1.4 (IQR: 1.0-1.9). Baseline clinical and radiological variables were similar between the two groups, except for a higher intravenous thrombolysis rate in the BMM group. The MMRatio strongly modified the clinical outcome following MT (pinteraction < 0.001 for continuous MMRatio); MT was associated with a higher rate of good outcome in patients with, but not in those without, MMRatio>1.2 (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 6.8 [1.7-27.0] vs 0.7 [0.1-6.2], respectively). Similar findings were present for MMRatio ≥1.8 in the subgroup with core ≥70 ml. Parenchymal hemorrhage on follow-up imaging was more frequent in the MT + BMM group regardless of the MMRatio. INTERPRETATION: Perfusion imaging may help select which patients with large core should be considered for MT. Randomized studies are warranted. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:417-427.

Mismatch Profile Influences Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the recommended treatment for acute ischemic stroke caused by anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. However, despite a high rate of reperfusion, the clinical response to successful MT remains highly variable in the early time window where optimal imaging selection criteria have not been established. We hypothesize that the baseline perfusion imaging profile may help forecast the clinical response to MT in this setting. METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with large vessel occlusion-related acute ischemic stroke treated by MT within 6 hours. Treatment decisions and the modified Rankin Scale evaluation at 3 months were performed blinded to the results of baseline perfusion imaging. Study groups were defined a posteriori based on predefined imaging profiles: target mismatch (TMM; core volume <70 mL/mismatch ratio >1.2 and mismatch volume >10 mL) versus no TMM or mismatch (MM; mismatch ratio >1.2 and volume >10 mL) versus no MM. Functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2) at 3 months was compared based on imaging profile at baseline and whether reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2bc3) was achieved. RESULTS: Two hundred eighteen patients (mean age, 71±15 years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 17 [interquartile range, 12-21]) were enrolled. Perfusion imaging profiles were 71% TMM and 82% MM. The rate of functional recovery was 54% overall. Both TMM and MM profiles were independently associated with a higher rate on functional recovery at 3 months Adjusted odds ratios were 3.3 (95% CI, 1.4-7.9) for TMM and 5.9 (95% CI, 1.8-19.6) for MM. Reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2bc3) was achieved in 86% and was more frequent in TMM and MM patients. Reperfusion was associated with a higher rate of functional recovery in MM and TMM patients but not among those with no MM. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort study, about 80% of the patients with a large vessel occlusion-related acute ischemic stroke had evidence of penumbra, regardless of infarction volume. Perfusion imaging profiles predict the clinical response to MT.

ASCOD Phenotyping of Stroke With Anterior Large Vessel Occlusion Treated by Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Determining the mechanism of large vessel occlusion related acute ischemic stroke is of major importance to initiate a tailored secondary prevention strategy. We investigated using the atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, cardiac source, other cause, dissection (ASCOD) classification the distribution of the causes of large vessel occlusion related acute ischemic stroke treated by mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: This was a predefined substudy of the FRAME (French Acute Multimodal Imaging to Select Patient for Mechanical Thrombectomy). Each patient underwent a systematic etiological workup including brain and vascular imaging, electrocardiogram monitoring lasting at least 24 hours and routine blood tests. Stroke mechanisms were systematically evaluated using the atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, cardiac source, other cause, dissection grading system at 3 months. We defined single potential cause by one cause graded 1 in a single domain, possible cause as a cause graded 1 or 2 regardless of overlap, and no identified cause without grade 1 nor 2 causes. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients (mean age 70±14; 50% male) were included. A single potential cause was identified in 148 (69%). Cardio-embolism (53%) was the most frequent, followed by atherosclerosis (9%), dissection (5%) and other causes (1%). Atrial fibrillation accounted for 88% of C1. Overlap between grade 1 causes was uncommon (3%). Possible causes were identified in 168 patients (83%) and 16 (7%) had no cause identified after the initial evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Cardio-embolism, especially atrial fibrillation, was the major cause of large vessel occlusion related acute ischemic stroke. This finding emphasizes the yield of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation detection in those patients. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03045146.

First-Pass Effect in Basilar Artery Occlusions: Insights From the Endovascular Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the settings of thrombectomy, the first-pass effect (FPE), defined by a complete recanalization after one pass with no rescue therapy, has been shown to be associated with an improved outcome. As this phenomenon has been predominantly described in anterior circulation strokes, we aimed to study the prevalence, outcomes, and predictors of FPE in patients with a basilar artery occlusion. METHODS: From a prospective multicentric registry, we collected the data of all consecutive basilar artery occlusion patients who underwent thrombectomy and compared the outcomes of patients who achieved FPE and those who did not. We also compared FPE patients with those who achieved a complete recanalization with >1 pass. Finally, a multivariate analysis was performed to determine the predictors of FPE. RESULTS: Data from 280 patients were analyzed in our study, including 84 of 280 patients (30%) with an atheromatous etiology. An FPE was achieved in 93 patients (33.2%), with a significantly higher proportion of good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 at 3 months) and lower mortality than non-FPE patients. An FPE was also associated with improved outcomes compared with patients who went on to have full recanalization with >1 pass. Contact aspiration as first-line strategy was a strong predictor of FPE, whereas baseline antiplatelets and atheromatous etiology were negative predictors. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, an FPE was achieved in approximately one-third of patients with a basilar artery occlusion and was associated with improved outcomes. More research is needed to improve devices and techniques to increase the incidence of FPE. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03776877.

Association of Blood Pressure During Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke With Functional Outcome: A Systematic Review.

Background and Purpose- Optimal blood pressure (BP) targets during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are unknown, and randomized controlled trials addressing this issue are lacking. We aimed to perform a systematic review of studies evaluating the influence of periprocedural BP on functional outcome after MT. Methods- Studies assessing periprocedural BP effect on functional outcome published after January 1st, 2012 were included in the systematic review. The PRISMA checklist and flow diagram were followed for the design and reporting of this work. Results- Nine studies were included, for a total of 1037 patients. The heterogeneity in findings with respect to BP monitoring and studied parameters precluded a meta-analysis. Mean arterial pressure was the most frequently reported parameter to describe BP variability during MT, and systolic BP was the main parameter used to define periprocedural BP targets. Five studies suggested an association between 3 types of BP drops as predictors of poor functional outcome at 3 months: >40% drop in mean arterial pressure compared with baseline (odds ratio=2.8; [1.09-7.19]; P=0.032), lowest mean arterial pressure before recanalization (odds ratio=1.28; [1.01-1.62] per 10 mm Hg drop below 100 mm Hg; P=0.04), and MAP drops (odds ratio=4.38; [1.53-12.6] for drops >10%). Four studies did not show an association between BP during MT and functional outcome, including 3 studies with strict periprocedural systolic BP targets (within a 140-180 mm Hg). Conclusions- BP drops during MT may be associated with a worse functional outcome. When strict systolic BP targets are achieved, no association between BP and functional outcome was also noted. Both conclusions require further evaluation in randomized studies.

Hypoperfusion Intensity Ratio Is Correlated With Patient Eligibility for Thrombectomy.

Background and Purpose- Hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) is associated with collateral status in acute ischemic stroke patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. We assessed whether HIR was correlated to patient eligibility for mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods- We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with a proximal middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery occlusion who underwent MT triage with computed tomography or magnetic resonance perfusion imaging. Clinical data, ischemic core (mL), HIR (defined as time-to-maximum [TMax] >10 seconds/TMax >6 seconds), mismatch volume between core and penumbra, and MT details were assessed. Primary outcome was favorable HIR collateral score (HIR <0.4) between patients who underwent MT (MT+) and those who did not (MT-) according to American Heart Association guidelines both in the <6 hours and 6 to 24 hours windows. Secondary outcomes were favorable HIR score in MT- subgroups (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale <6 versus core >70 mL) and core-penumbra mismatch volumes. Patients who did not meet guidelines were not included. Results- We included 197 patients (145 MT+ and 52 MT-). MT+ patients had a significantly lower median HIR compared with MT- patients (0.4 [interquartile range, 0.2-0.5] versus 0.6 [interquartile range, 0.5-0.8]; P<0.001) and a higher mismatch volume (96 versus 27 mL, P<0.001). Among MT- patients, 43 had a core >70 mL, and 9 had a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale <6. MT- patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale <6 had a lower HIR than MT- patients with core >70 mL (0.2 [interquartile range, 0.2-0.3] versus 0.7 [interquartile range, 0.6-0.8], P<0.001) but their HIR was not significantly different that MT+ patients. Conclusions- Patients who meet American Heart Association guidelines for thrombectomy are more likely to have favorable collaterals (low HIR). HIR may be used as a marker of eligibility for MT triage.

Predictive Value of Susceptibility Vessel Sign for Arterial Recanalization and Clinical Improvement in Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Purpose- Our goal was to evaluate whether the presence of a low signal intensity known as susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on T2*-gradient echo imaging sequence was predictive of arterial recanalization and the early clinical improvement after mechanical thrombectomy. Methods- This observational study was based on a prospective database of acute ischemic strokes treated by mechanical thrombectomy. Inclusion criteria were patients with acute anterior ischemic stroke, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, including a T2*-gradient echo imaging sequence, and treated by mechanical thrombectomy. Two independent readers assessed the presence of an SVS. Successful recanalization was defined as a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b-3 after mechanical thrombectomy. Early clinical improvement was estimated by the difference between the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on day 1 after treatment Results- The SVS was detected in 137 (76%) out of 180 patients. The kappa interrater agreement was 0.71 with a 95% CI of 0.59 to 0.82. Successful recanalization was associated with an SVS+ with odds ratio, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.05-5.74; P=0.03. The early clinical improvement was better in patients with an SVS+ (median, -6; interquartile range, -11 to 0) compared with SVS- patients (median, -1; interquartile range, -10 to 3) with P=0.01. Conclusions- The visualization of SVS is a reliable and easily accessible predictive factor of recanalization success and early clinical improvement.

Hypoperfusion ratio predicts infarct growth during transfer for thrombectomy.

We hypothesized that automated assessment of collaterals on computed tomography perfusion can predict the rate of infarct growth during transfer from a primary to a comprehensive stroke center for endovascular stroke treatment. We identified consecutive patients (N = 28) and assessed their collaterals based on the hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) prior to transfer. Infarct growth rate was strongly correlated with HIR (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified HIR ≥ 0.5 as optimal for predicting infarct growth. Patients with HIR ≥ 0.5 had a median infarct growth rate of 10.1ml/h (interquartile range [IQR] = 6.4-18.4) compared with 0.9ml/h (IQR = 0-2.8; p < 0.001) in patients with HIR < 0.5. Patients with HIR ≥ 0.5 had an 83% probability of significant core growth, whereas patients with HIR < 0.5 had an 88% probability of core stability. These preliminary data have the potential to guide decision making regarding whether repeat brain imaging should be performed after transfer to a comprehensive stroke center. Ann Neurol 2018;84:616-620.

Proposed achievable levels of dose and impact of dose-reduction systems for thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: an international, multicentric, retrospective study in 1096 patients.

BACKGROUND: International dose reference levels are lacking for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions. We studied whether radiation dose-reduction systems (RDS) could effectively reduce exposure and propose achievable levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included consecutive patients treated with thrombectomy on a biplane angiography system (BP) in five international, high-volume centers between January 2014 and May 2017. Institutional Review Board approvals were obtained. Technical, procedural, and clinical characteristics were assessed. Efficacy, safety, radiation dose, and contrast load were compared between angiography systems with and without RDS. Multivariate analyses were adjusted according to Bonferroni's correction. Proposed international achievable cutoff levels were set at the 75th percentile. RESULTS: Out of the 1096 thrombectomized patients, 520 (47%) were treated on a BP equipped with RDS. After multivariate analysis, RDS significantly reduced dose-area product (DAP) (91 vs 140 Gy cm2, relative effect 0.74 (CI 0.66; 0.83), 35% decrease, p < 0.001) and air kerma (0.46 vs 0.97 Gy, relative effect 0.63 (CI 0.56; 0.71), 53% decrease, p < 0.001) with 75th percentile levels of 148 Gy cm2 and 0.73 Gy, respectively. There was no difference in contrast load, rates of successful recanalization, complications, or clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Radiation dose-reduction systems can reduce DAP and air kerma by a third and a half, respectively, without affecting thrombectomy efficacy or safety. The respective thresholds of 148 Gy cm2 and 0.73 Gy represent achievable levels that may serve to optimize current and future radiation exposure in the setting of acute ischemic stroke treatment. As technology evolves, we expect these values to decrease. KEY POINTS: • Internationally validated achievable levels may help caregivers and health authorities better assess and reduce radiation exposure of both ischemic stroke patients and treating staff during thrombectomy procedures. • Radiation dose-reduction systems can reduce DAP and air kerma by a third and a half, respectively, without affecting thrombectomy efficacy or safety in the setting of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.

"Real life" impact of anesthesia strategy for mechanical thrombectomy on the delay, recanalization and outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Choice of anesthesia type on outcome for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke remains controversial. The goal of our research was to study the impact of anesthesia strategy on the delay, angiographic and neurological outcome of MT performed under general anesthesia (GA) vs. conscious sedation (CS). METHODS: This prospective, single-center observational study included patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO) strokes treated with MT within 6 hours of symptom onset. All time metrics were evaluated. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed by recanalization rate (mTICI) and 3-month functional independence (mRs). Complications and mortality rate were recorded as safety outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 303 consecutive thrombectomies were performed, 86.8% under GA. NIHSS was higher in GA, with median of 19.0 for GA and 16.5 for CS (P = 0.049). Median time from arrival in hospital (door) to groin puncture was 83 min (IQR = 45.0-109.5) for GA compared to 72 min (IQR = 35.0-85.3) for CS, P = 0.170). Median time from arrival in the angiosuite to groin puncture was 20 min (IQR = 15.0-29.0) for GA compared to 15 min (IQR = 10.0-20.0) for CS, P = 0.017). There were no significant differences in recanalization time metrics, successful revascularization rate, functional independence and mortality rate at three months. CONCLUSIONS: GA induced a 5 to 10 minutes delay for groin puncture, without impact on recanalization time metrics, or neurological outcome at 3 months. Our results demonstrate that a well-organized workflow is associated with reasonable delay in performing GA for MT, without effect on outcome compared to sedation.

Treatment of Cerebral Vasospasm Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage using the Neurospeed Semi-compliant Balloon.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral vasospasm (CV) following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) may lead to morbidity and mortality. Endovascular mechanical angioplasty may be performed if symptomatic CV is refractory to noninvasive medical management. Off-label compliant remodelling balloons tend to conform to the course of the vessel, contrary to noncompliant or semi-compliant balloons. Our objective is to describe our initial experience with the semi-compliant Neurospeed balloon (approved for intracranial stenosis) in cerebral vasospasm treatment following aSAH. METHODS: All patients included in the prospective observational SAVEBRAIN PWI (NCT05276934 on clinicaltrial.gov) study who underwent cerebral angioplasty using the Neurospeed balloon for the treatment of medically refractory and symptomatic CV after aSAH were identified. Patient demographic information, procedural details and outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Between February 2022 and June 2023, 8 consecutive patients underwent CV treatment with the Neurospeed balloon. Angioplasty of 48 arterial segments (supraclinoid internal carotid artery, A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery, M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery) was attempted and 44/48 (92%) were performed. The vessel diameter significantly improved following angioplasty (+81%), while brain hypoperfusion decreased (-81% of the mean TMax). There was no long-term clinical complication, 4% periprocedural complications occurred. CONCLUSION: The semi-compliant Neurospeed balloon is effective in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm following aSAH, bringing a new device into the armamentarium of the neurointerventionalist to perform intracranial angioplasty.

Benefits of First Pass Recanalization in Basilar Strokes Based on Initial Clinical Severity.

PURPOSE: Randomized trials demonstrating the benefits of thrombectomy for basilar artery occlusions have enrolled an insufficient number of patients with a National Institutes for Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score < 10 and shown discrepant results for patients with an NIHSS > 20. Achieving a first pass recanalization (FPR) improves clinical outcomes in stroke. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the FPR on outcomes among basilar artery occlusion patients, characterized by prethrombectomy initial NIHSS score. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry of 279 basilar artery occlusion patients treated with thrombectomy from 6 participating centers. We compared the 90-day clinical outcomes of achieving a FPR versus no FPR, categorized by initial clinical severity: mild (NIHSS < 10), moderate (NIHSS 10-20) and severe (NIHSS > 20). We used Poisson regression with robust error variance to determine the effect of the NIHSS score on the association between FPR and outcomes. RESULTS: The FPR patients with NIHSS < 10 or NIHSS 10-20 were more likely to have a favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale, mRS 0-3) than non-FPR patients (relative risk, RR = 1.32, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.04, 1.66, p-value = 0.0213, and RR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.53, p-value = 0.0011, respectively). A similar benefit was not found in patients with severe symptoms. We found a significantly lower risk of poor clinical outcome (mRS 4-6) in FPR patients with NIHSS 10-20, but not among patients with an NIHSS > 20. CONCLUSION: Achieving a FPR in basilar artery occlusion patients with mild (NIHSS < 10) or moderate (NIHSS 10-20) symptoms is associated with better clinical outcomes, but not in patients with severe symptoms. These results support the importance of further clinical trials on the benefits of thrombectomy in severe strokes.

Early neurological deterioration in patients with acute ischemic stroke is linked to unfavorable cerebral venous outflow.

INTRODUCTION: Early neurological deterioration (END) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). Causes of END after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) include unsuccessful recanalization and reperfusion hemorrhages. However, little is known about END excluding the aforementioned causes. We aimed to investigate factors associated with unexplained END (ENDunexplained) with regard to the cerebral collateral status. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study of AIS-LVO patients with successful MT (mTICI 2b-3). On admission CT angiography (CTA), pial arterial collaterals and venous outflow (VO) were assessed using the modified Tan-Scale and the Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES), respectively. ENDunexplained was defined as an increase in NIHSS score of ⩾ 4 within the first 24 hours after MT without parenchymal hemorrhage on follow-up imaging. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine factors of ENDunexplained and unfavorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3-6). RESULTS: A total of 620 patients met the inclusion criteria. ENDunexplained occurred in 10% of patients. While there was no significant difference in pial arterial collaterals, patients with ENDunexplained exhibited more often unfavorable VO (81% vs. 53%; P < 0.001). Unfavorable VO (aOR [95% CI]; 2.56 [1.02-6.40]; P = 0.045) was an independent predictor of ENDunexplained. ENDunexplained was independently associated with unfavorable functional outcomes at 90 days (aOR [95% CI]; 6.25 [2.06-18.94]; P = 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Unfavorable VO on admission CTA was associated with ENDunexplained. ENDunexplained was independently linked to unfavorable functional outcomes at 90 days. Identifying AIS-LVO patients at risk of ENDunexplained may help to select patients for intensified monitoring and guide to optimal treatment regimes.