Impact of Vaccination Status on Outcome of Patients With COVID-19 and Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Data on impact of COVID-19 vaccination and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy are scarce. Addressing this subject, we report our multicenter experience. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients with COVID-19 and known vaccination status treated with mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke at 20 tertiary care centers between January 2020 and January 2023. Baseline demographics, angiographic outcome, and clinical outcome evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale score at discharge were noted. A multivariate analysis was conducted to test whether these variables were associated with an unfavorable outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale score >3. A total of 137 patients with acute ischemic stroke (48 vaccinated and 89 unvaccinated) with acute or subsided COVID-19 infection who underwent mechanical thrombectomy attributable to vessel occlusion were included in the study. Angiographic outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients were similar (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b: 85.4% in vaccinated patients versus 86.5% in unvaccinated patients; P=0.859). The rate of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, ≤2) was 23.3% in the vaccinated group and 20.9% in the unvaccinated group (P=0.763). The mortality rate was 30% in both groups. In the multivariable analysis, vaccination status was not a significant predictor for an unfavorable outcome (P=0.957). However, acute COVID-19 infection remained significant (odds ratio, 1.197 [95% CI, 1.007-1.417]; P=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated no impact of COVID-19 vaccination on angiographic or clinical outcome of COVID-19-positive patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy, whereas worsening attributable to COVID-19 was confirmed.

[Endocrine orbitopathy]. / Endokrine Orbitopathie.

Endocrine orbitopathy (EO), also known as Graves' orbitopathy or thyroid-associated orbitopathy, is a self-limiting, immunologically induced co-reaction of the retrobulbar tissue of the eye triggered by an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. It is particularly associated with Graves' disease and is its most common extrathyroidal manifestation. In addition to typical anamnestic data, characteristic local findings and laboratory changes in immunothyroidism, orbital imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of this disease. This review article provides comprehensive insight into various imaging modalities used to assess morphologic changes associated with EO. A detailed presentation of imaging findings provides a better understanding of orbital physiology.

Acute bilateral vision loss after endovascular treatment of an intracranial aneurysm.

Acute bilateral vision loss (ABVL) is a rare and challenging diagnostic issue that is most often caused by a neurological disorder. Since it can be the presenting symptom of potentially life-threatening diseases, priority should be given to excluding such diagnoses. Special caution is required if ABVL symptoms result after an intracranial intervention. This article reports on a diagnostic approach for a patient suffering from ABVL due to vitreous hemorrhage related to a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after endovascular intracranial aneurysm treatment. This case study highlights the importance of imaging interpretation and its consequences.

Evaluation of a novel polymer coil for endovascular occlusion of intracranial aneurysms in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The results of the preclinical study of a novel polymer coil in treatment of elastase induced aneurysms will be presented in this paper. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We induced 16 aneurysms in 16 New Zealand white rabbits at the origin of the right common carotid artery at the brachiocephalic trunk. Newly developed polymer coils in both groups for six aneurysms each and platinum coils for two aneurysms each were used. Control angiographies followed in both groups immediately after coiling as well as in the first eight animals 30 days after intervention (30 days group) and in the other eight animals 90 days after (90 days group). An explanation and histological evaluation of the treated aneurysms followed. RESULTS: The 12 animals in which the aneurysms were treated with polymer coils showed a complete occlusion (grade IV) in only 6 out of 12 aneurysms (50%), an almost complete occlusion (grade III) in 5 out of 12 (42%) and an incomplete occlusion in the treatment of one aneurysm (8%). Histologically, we observed a significantly more pronounced inflammatory response and neoangiogenesis in aneurysms treated with polymer coils only in the 30 days group. CONCLUSION: Most difficulties and concerns with the polymer coils were related to the flexibility and detachment behaviour. Therefore, and due to the technical challenges of delivery, the novel polymer coil cannot be considered an alternative to the current platinum coils.

Development and Evaluation of an MRI Artifact-Free Aneurysm Clip.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The digital subtraction angiography is still the gold standard in the follow-up after aneurysm surgery, although it remains a repeating invasive technique with accumulating X-ray exposure. An alternative magnetic resonance angiography has the disadvantage of metal-related artifacts. A metal-free aneurysm clip could overcome this problem. Recent advances in manufacturing technologies of fiber-reinforced plastics might allow developing a prototype of a metal-free clip. METHODS: The prototype was formed out of carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF-PEEK) in accordance with the standard clip design. In vivo and in vitro studies were performed to analyze the central nervous system biocompatibility. The prototype was tested in a phantom in a 3 T MRI scanner and microtomography scanner. For in vivo assessment, the left renal artery of rats was either ligated with a suture, clipped with a regular titanium clip or with the CF-PEEK prototype clip. The animals underwent standard MRI sequences and magnetic resonance angiography and assessment by a blinded neuroradiologist. RESULTS: Phantom studies showed no signs of artifacts. The prototype showed a reliable clamping and reopening after clip application, although the clamping force was reduced. In vivo studies showed a successful occlusion of the renal artery in all cases in the magnetic resonance angiography. Clip artifacts were statistically significant reduced in the prototype group (P < .01). CF-PEEK showed no signs of impaired biocompatibility compared with the titanium samples in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: Former attempts of metal-free aneurysm clips did not meet the criteria of the standard clip design. In this study, the practicability of this new CF-PEEK artifact-free aneurysm clip has been proven. The further fabrication developments should overcome the problem of a reduced clamping force in the future. After clinical approval, it will improve the magnetic resonance image quality and might help to reduce the amount of digital subtraction angiography in the follow-up.

Neurologic Consultations and Headache during Pregnancy and in Puerperium: A Retrospective Chart Review.

Headache is a common symptom during pregnancy and in puerperium that requires careful consideration, as it may be caused by a life-threatening condition. Headaches in pregnant women and women in puerperium are classified as primary or secondary; acute, severe and newly diagnosed headaches should prompt further investigation. We aimed to further characterise the demographic features, symptoms, examination findings, and neuroimaging results of cases of headache during pregnancy and in puerperium. All pregnant women or women in postpartum conditions who attended neurological consultations at the emergency department of the clinic for Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine of Saarland University/Germany between 2001/2015 and 2012/2019 were enrolled in this retrospective chart review. Data collected from the charts included demographic/pregnancy characteristics, clinical features and imaging findings. Descriptive statistics as well as binary logistic regression were performed. More than 50% of 97 patients had abnormal findings in their neurological examination. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were pathological for almost 20% of patients-indicating conditions such as cerebral venous thrombosis, reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy, brain tumour and intracranial bleeding. The odds of abnormal neuroimaging results were 2.2-times greater among women with abnormal neurological examination findings than among those with normal examination results. In cases of headache during pregnancy and in puerperium, neuroimaging should be indicated early on. Further research is needed to determine which conditions indicate a need for immediate neuroimaging.

Treatment of Wide-Necked Cerebral Aneurysms Using the WEB Device Including Flow Alteration Assessment With Color-Coded Imaging: A Single Center Experience.

Objective: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device (MicroVention, Tustin, CA) has extended the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Despite the fact that the WEB device has shown promising clinical results, little is known about the caused intra-aneurysmal flow alterations. Here we present our clinical experience with the WEB, including examining various syngo iFlow (Siemens AG, Erlangen, Germany) parameters to predict aneurysm occlusion. Methods: We reviewed the data from patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms treated with a WEB device between 2016 and 2020. Aneurysm occlusion and complications were assessed. Furthermore, different quantitative criteria were evaluated using syngo iFlow after digital subtraction angiography. Results: A total of 26 patients hosting 26 cerebral aneurysms met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up was available for 21 patients, with a mean of 7.3 ± 6.3 months. A total of 71.4% (n = 15) of the aneurysms included were located in the anterior and 28.6% (n = 6) in the posterior circulation. Adequate aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 85.7% (n = 18). The iFlow parameters for reduced aneurysm outflow (ID-R) differed significantly from the parameters for reduced inflow (PI-R and PI-D) (P < 0.001). The parameters did not differ significantly between adequately and insufficiently occluded aneurysms. Only a trend towards a lower ID-R of insufficiently occluded aneurysms was observed (P = 0.063), indicating a potential predictive value for insufficient aneurysmal outflow. There was no treatment-related morbidity or mortality. Conclusions: The applied syngo iFlow parameters confirmed that flow changes induced by the WEB device significantly affect outflow compared to inflow and have potential predictive value for adequate aneurysm occlusion.

Endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms with flow diverters: A retrospective long-term single center analysis.

PURPOSE: The introduction of flow diverters (FDs) in 2007 greatly enhanced the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Here, we present our long-term clinical experience in treating unruptured intracranial aneurysms with FDs. METHODS: 107 patients with unruptured aneurysms and treated with an FD between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Aneurysm occlusion, procedural complications, and clinical outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Angiographic follow-up was available for 93 patients with a mean long-term follow-up time of 28.4 ± 21.6 months. Additional coiling was performed in 15.1% of patients (n = 14). Adequate aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grades 3 and 4) at long-term follow-up was achieved in 94.6% of patients (n = 88). 3.2% (n = 3) required endovascular retreatment since the last follow-up showed a lack of aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grade 0) due to a foreshortening of the FD. Incomplete opening of the FD and parent vessel occlusion was seen in 1.1% (n = 1) and 3.2% (n = 3) of patients, respectively. In-stent stenosis was observed in 57% (n = 53) of cases at short-term follow-up and 22.6% (n = 21) at long-term, which were moderate and asymptomatic overall. In-stent stenosis decreased significantly between short- and long-term follow-ups (31.4 ± 17.0% vs 9.7 ± 13.6%, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events occurred in 7.5% (n = 7) and 1.1% (n = 1) of patients, respectively. Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale: 0-2) was obtained in 97.8% (n = 91) leading to an overall treatment-related morbidity of 2.2% (n = 2). There was no procedural mortality. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that FD treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is effective and safe with high occlusion rates and low rates of permanent morbidity at long-term follow-up.

Middle meningeal artery embolization for treatment of chronic subdural hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is caused by rupture of bridging intracranial veins located in the subdural space. Predominantly, cSDH is a disease of older adults and other predisposing risk factors include minor head trauma, cerebral atrophy, antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies, arterial hypertension, cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, cerebrospinal fluid loss, and excessive alcohol consumption. The incidence of cSDH is rising worldwide due to an aging population and the increased use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Clinical manifestations are varied, with altered mental status and focal neurologic deficits among the most common. METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS: Treatment strategies depend on the symptomatology and extent of hematoma. In general, conservative treatment is sought for patients who are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms, whereas symptomatic patients are often treated surgically. However, the recurrence rate of cSDH may be as high as 30%. In recent years, middle meningeal artery embolization has emerged as a complementary option to surgery aimed at decreasing the recurrence rate after excision as well as an alternative therapeutic approach to surgical therapy in certain circumstances. CONCLUSION: Embolization of the middle meningeal artery appears to be a promising treatment for patients with cSDH, both before and after surgical excision.

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in COVID-19 patients: multicenter experience in 111 cases.

BACKGROUND: Data on the frequency and outcome of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) in patients with COVID-19 is limited. Addressing this subject, we report our multicenter experience. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of consecutive acute stroke patients with COVID-19 infection treated with MT at 26 tertiary care centers between January 2020 and November 2021. Baseline demographics, angiographic outcome and clinical outcome evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge and 90 days were noted. RESULTS: We identified 111 out of 11 365 (1%) patients with acute or subsided COVID-19 infection who underwent MT due to LVO. Cardioembolic events were the most common etiology for LVO (38.7%). Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score were 16 (IQR 11.5-20) and 9 (IQR 7-10), respectively. Successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥2b) was achieved in 97/111 (87.4%) patients and 46/111 (41.4%) patients were reperfused completely. The procedure-related complication rate was 12.6% (14/111). Functional independence was achieved in 20/108 (18.5%) patients at discharge and 14/66 (21.2%) at 90 days follow-up. The in-hospital mortality rate was 30.6% (33/108). In the subgroup analysis, patients with severe acute COVID-19 infection requiring intubation had a mortality rate twice as high as patients with mild or moderate acute COVID-19 infection. Acute respiratory failure requiring ventilation and time interval from symptom onset to groin puncture were independent predictors for an unfavorable outcome in a logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a poor clinical outcome and high mortality, especially in patients with severe acute COVID-19 infection undergoing MT due to LVO.

Retrospective analysis of intracranial aneurysms after flow diverter treatment including color-coded imaging (syngo iFlow) as a predictor of aneurysm occlusion.

PURPOSE: Flow Diverters (FD) have immensely extended the treatment of cerebral aneurysms in the past years. Complete aneurysm occlusion is a process that often takes a certain amount of time and is usually difficult to predict. Our aim was to investigate different syngo iFlow parameters in order to predict aneurysm occlusion. METHODS: Between 2014 and 2018 patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms treated with a FD were reviewed. Aneurysm occlusion and complication rates have been assessed.In addition, various quantitative criteria were assessed using syngo iFlow before, after the intervention, and after short and long-term digital subtraction angiography (DSA). RESULTS: A total of 66 patients hosting 66 cerebral aneurysms were included in this study. 87.9% (n = 58) aneurysms in the anterior and 12.1% (n = 8) in the posterior circulation were treated. Adequate aneurysm occlusion at long-term follow-up (19.05 ± 15.1 months) was achieved in 90.9% (n = 60). Adequately occluded aneurysm revealed a significantly greater peak intensity delay (PI-D, p = 0.008) and intensity decrease ratio (ID-R, p < 0.001) compared to insufficiently occluded aneurysms. Increased intra-aneurysmal contrast agent intensity (>100%) after FD implantation resulted in an ID-R < 1, which was associated with aneurysm growth during follow-up DSA. Retreatment with another FD due to foreshortening and/or aneurysm growth was performed in 10.6% (n = 7). Overall morbidity and mortality rates were 1.5% (n = 1) and 0%. CONCLUSION: The applied syngo iFlow parameters were found to be useful in predicting adequate aneurysm occlusion and foresee aneurysm growth, which might indicate the implantation of another FD.

Treatment of experimental aneurysms with a GPX embolic agent prototype: preliminary angiographic and histological results.

BACKGROUND: Recently, liquid embolic agents have emerged for the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Here we describe the in vivo performance of a novel liquid embolization agent (GPX Embolic Device). METHODS: Elastase-induced aneurysms were embolized with a GPX prototype under balloon assistance. Digital subtraction angiography was performed pre-deployment and immediately after, and at 5, 10, and 30 min post-deployment in 10 rabbits and at 1 month in 8 rabbits. The early post-deployment intra-aneurysmal flow was graded as unchanged, moderately diminished, or completely absent. At 1 month the status of aneurysm occlusion was evaluated. Adhesion to catheter material and migration of GPX was assessed. RESULTS: The mean aneurysm neck diameter, width, and height were 3.6±1.0 mm, 3.0±0.8 mm, and 7.4±1.4 mm, respectively. The mean dome-to-neck ratio was 0.9±0.2. Complete stagnation of intra-aneurysmal flow was observed in 9 of 10 aneurysms (90%) within 30 min of device deployment. One aneurysm showed moderately diminished intra-aneurysmal flow at 30 min. At 1 month, 8 aneurysms were completely occluded. There was no evidence of GPX adhesion to the catheter material. Histologically, a leukocyte and foreign body reaction to GPX was detectable 28 days after embolization. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first preclinical study reporting the performance of a protype version of the GPX Embolic Device in a wide-neck aneurysm model. GPX showed promising results by achieving and maintaining high rates of complete angiographic occlusion, but may induce an inflammatory reaction.

Vascular Response on a Novel Fibrin-Based Coated Flow Diverter.

PURPOSE: Due to thromboembolic complications and in-stent-stenosis after flow diverter (FD) treatment, the long-term use of dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) is mandatory. The tested nano-coating has been shown to reduce material thrombogenicity and promote endothelial cell proliferation in vitro. We compared the biocompatibility of coated (Derivo Heal) and non-coated (Derivo bare) FDs with DAPT in an animal model. METHODS: Derivo® bare (n = 10) and Derivo® Heal (n = 10) FD were implanted in the common carotid arteries (CCAs) of New Zealand white rabbits. One additional FD, alternately a Derivo bare (n = 5) or Derivo Heal (n = 5), was implanted in the abdominal aorta (AA) for assessment of the patency of branch arteries. Histopathological examinations were performed after 28 days. Angiography was performed before and after FD implantation and at follow-up. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the included specimens showed complete endothelialization of all FDs with no significant differences in neointima thickness between Derivo® bare and Derivo® Heal (CCA: p = 0.91; AA: p = 0.59). A significantly reduced number of macrophages in the vessel wall of the Derivo Heal was observed for the CCA (p = 0.02), and significantly reduced fibrin and platelet deposition on the surface of the Derivo Heal was observed for the AA. All branch arteries of the stented aorta remained patent. CONCLUSION: In this animal model, the novel fibrin-based coated FD showed a similar blood and tissue compatibility as the non-coated FD.

Single Center Experience in Stent-Assisted Coiling of Complex Intracranial Aneurysms Using Low-Profile Stents : The ACCLINO® Stent Versus the ACCLINO® Flex Stent.

PURPOSE: The introduction of low-profile stent systems has broadened and facilitated the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. This retrospective case series study was conducted to assess and compare the clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients with complex intracranial aneurysms who were treated with ACCLINO® (AS) and ACCLINO® flex stents (AFS). METHODS: In 85 patients (female 61; male 24) a total of 95 complex intracranial aneurysms, 71 (74.7%) in the anterior circulation and 24 (25.3%) in the posterior circulation were treated. Angiographic and clinical data, aneurysm characteristics and follow-up results were analyzed. RESULTS: The AS was used in 47 cases (49.5%) and the AFS in 48 cases (50.5%). Initial angiography after the intervention showed a complete occlusion in 52.6% (Raymond-Roy occlusion classification [RROC] 1), a neck remnant in 38.9% (RROC 2) and an incomplete occlusion in 8.4% (RROC 3). Follow-up (AS: 25.2 ± 15.4 months; AFS: 9.6 ± 8.0 months) revealed an occlusion rate of 70.5% (RROC 1), 27.4% (RROC 2) and 2.1% (RROC 3). There was no statistically significant difference between the initial (p = 0.484) and the follow-up occlusion rate (p = 0.284) when comparing the two devices. Recoiling was performed in 8 cases (8.4%). The overall complication rate was 9.5% with 5 strokes (5.3%), 2 hemorrhages (2.1%), 1 in-stent stenosis (1.1%), 1 stent occlusion (1.1%) and 2 stent thromboses (2.1%). There was no procedure-related mortality. CONCLUSION: Using the ACCLINO® and ACCLINO® flex stent system is a feasible and effective procedure with an acceptable safety profile. Initial and follow-up angiographic results were satisfactory.

Utility of Hounsfield unit in the diagnosis of tandem occlusion in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Tandem occlusions can complicate medical and endovascular stroke treatment. To identify these occlusions, computed tomography angiography (CTA) represents the best imaging modality. However, CTA is still not initially performed in some patients not admitted directly to stroke centers. Early identification of an additional occlusion of the proximal extracranial internal carotid artery may improve the best suitable treatment strategy. The purpose of this study was to find a valuable threshold of thrombus attenuation in a non-contrast head CT (NCCT) scan to facilitate a safe diagnosis of tandem occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions who underwent endovascular treatment were identified from our registry of neuroendovascular interventions. Thrombus attenuations of the affected MCA and contralateral vessel were measured by NCCT. To compare individual baseline blood attenuations, the difference between the thrombus attenuation and the contralateral MCA attenuation (referred to as ΔTM) was calculated. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-five patients were included. There was a highly significant difference between mean thrombus attenuation with isolated MCA occlusion and additional extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion (49.9 ± 8 vs. 56.2 ± 10 Hounsfield units (HU); P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of ΔTM was 0.72. The optimal threshold value was 13.5 HU, with a sensitivity of 67.5% and a specificity of 68.6%. CONCLUSION: Despite a significant difference in thrombus attenuation in MCA occlusions with an additional extracranial ICA occlusion compared with isolated MCA occlusions, a relevant threshold of thrombus attenuation was not found.

Different Rescue Approaches of Migrated Woven Endobridge (WEB) Devices: an Animal Study.

PURPOSE: Treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms using the Woven Endobridge (WEB) device has become broadly accepted. Feared complications with the potential of increased poor clinical outcome include dislocations and migration of the device. This study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of a variety of different strategies to rescue migrated WEB devices. METHODS: In a porcine model, WEB devices of different sizes (SL [single layer] 3.5â€¯× 2mm and SL 4.0â€¯× 3 mm, SL 8â€¯× 5 mm and SLS 8 mm [single layer spherical]) were placed into both the subclavian and axillary arteries. A total of 32 rescue maneuvers (8 per rescue device) were performed. Small WEBs were rescued using reperfusion catheters (RC) (SOFIA Plus and JET 7), larger WEBs were rescued using dedicated rescue devices (Microsnare and Alligator). Rescue rates, times, attempts and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Rescue attempts of migrated WEBs were successful in all cases (100%). Rescue time (p = 0.421) and attempts (p = 0.619) of small WEBs using RCs were comparable without significant differences. Aspiration alone was not successful for larger WEBs. Rescue of larger WEBs was slightly faster (122.75 ± 41.15 s vs. 137.50 ± 54.46 s) with fewer attempts (1 vs. 1.37) when using the Microsnare compared to the Alligator device. Complications such as entrapment of the WEB in the RCs, vasospasm, perforation, or dissection were not observed. CONCLUSION: Rescue of migrated WEB devices is a feasible and effective method and 100% successful rescue rates and appropriate rescue times can be achieved for small WEBs using RCs and for larger WEBs using dedicated rescue devices (Microsnare and Alligator).

Solitaire Stentectomy Using a Stent-Retriever Technique in a Porcine Model.

PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy using the Solitaire device has become a standard treatment of ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions. Inadvertent detachment is a feared complication, which is associated with poor clinical outcome. The aim of this experimental study was to assess in a porcine model the feasibility and effectiveness of rescuing detached Solitaire devices using different stent retrievers. METHODS: Solitaire FR devices (4â€¯× 15/20 mm and 6â€¯× 20/30 mm) were placed in the axillary artery of pigs. By means of 3 different stent retrievers (Trevo ProVue; EmboTrap II revascularization device; 3D revascularization device) a total of 24 rescue maneuvers (8 per retriever) were performed by deploying the retrievers within the deployed Solitaire devices and trapping parts of the Solitaire within the microcatheter. Rescue rates, rescue time and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Overall stentectomy of the Solitaire devices was successful in all cases (100%). Time of rescue was comparable using the applied stent retrievers (Trevo ProVue; EmboTrap II revascularization device; 3D revascularization device). Complications, such as entrapment of the Solitaire-retriever complex at the intermediate catheter, Solitaire migration, vasospasm, perforation, or dissection were not observed. CONCLUSION: Stentectomy of inadvertently detached Solitaire devices using different stent retrievers is a feasible and effective method. Rescue rates and times with the Trevo ProVue, EmboTrap II and 3D revascularization device were comparable.