2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

AIM: The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate. Structure: Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

SCAI/SVM expert consensus statement on carotid stenting: Training and credentialing for carotid stenting.

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has become an integral part of the therapeutic armamentarium offered by cardiovascular medicine programs for the prevention of stroke. The purpose of this expert consensus statement is to provide physician training and credentialing guidance to facilitate the safe and effective incorporation of CAS into clinical practice within these programs. Since publication of the 2005 Clinical Competence Statement on Carotid Stenting, there has been substantial device innovation, publication of numerous clinical trials and observational studies, accumulation of extensive real-world clinical experience and widespread participation in robust national quality improvement initiatives [5]. Collectively, these advances have led to substantial evolution in the selection of appropriate patients, as well as in the cognitive, technical and clinical skills required to perform safe and effective CAS. Herein, we summarize published guidelines, describe training pathways, outline elements of competency, offer strategies for tracking outcomes, specify facility, equipment and personnel requirements, and propose criteria for maintenance of CAS competency.

Comparison of Cutting Balloon Angioplasty and Percutaneous Balloon Angioplasty of Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis (HD) access failure is a common cause of increased morbidity and healthcare cost in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Percutaneous balloon angioplasty has been used to treat hemodialysis access stenosis but is complicated by a high rate of restenosis. Percutaneous cutting balloon (PCB) angioplasty is an alternative approach that has shown to reduce restenosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of PCB angioplasty in comparison with conventional and high-pressure balloon angioplasty in the treatment of hemodialysis access site stenosis. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL) databases through August 2014 and selected studies using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. We included all randomized clinical trials with a head-to-head comparison between PCB and conventional or high-pressure balloon angioplasty RESULTS: Three studies with 1034 participants (age 60.7 (±12.9) years and 50.1% males) with 525 in PCB and 509 in control arm were included in the analysis. The immediate procedural success rate was not significantly different in the PCB angioplasty and control arm respectively, (87.2% vs. 83.7% RD -0.02; 95%CI -0.06 to 0.01; P = 0.38). The six-month target lesion patency was significantly higher in the PCB angioplasty arm (67.2% vs. 55.6% RD 0.12; 95%CI 0.05-0.19; P < 0.05) with number needed to treat (NNT) of 9. The device related complications were not statistically significant between groups (RD 0.03; 95%CI -0.02 to 0.07; P = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: PCB angioplasty is effective in treatment of hemodialysis access stenosis, with significantly higher six-month patency compared to balloon angioplasty.

Carotid artery stenting: patient, lesion, and procedural characteristics that increase procedural complications.

From the earliest experiences with carotid artery stenting (CAS) presumptive high risk features have included thrombus-containing lesions, heavily calcified lesions, very tortuous vessels, and near occlusions. In addition patients have been routinely excluded from CAS trials if they have contra-indications to dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and thienopyridines), a history of bleeding complications and severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) making femoral artery vascular access difficult. Variables that increase the risk of CAS complications can be attributed to patient characteristics, anatomic or lesion features, and procedural factors. Clinical features such as older age (≥80 years), decreased cerebral reserve (dementia, multiple prior strokes, or intracranial microangiopathy) and angiographic characteristics such as excessive tortuosity (more than two 90° bends within 5 cm of the target lesion) and heavy calcification (concentric calcification ≥ 3 mm in width) have been associated with increased CAS complications. Other high risk CAS features include those that prolong catheter or guide wire manipulation in the aortic arch, make crossing a carotid stenosis more difficult, decrease the likelihood of successful deployment or retrieval of an embolic protection device (EPD), or make stent delivery or placement more difficult. Procedure volume for the operator and the catheterization laboratory team are critical elements in reducing the risk of the procedure. In this article, we help CAS operators better understand procedure risk to allow more intelligent case selection, further improving the outcomes of this emerging procedure.

Endovascular management of acute limb ischemia.

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is defined as a sudden decrease (<14 days) in limb perfusion causing a potential threat to limb viability. Endovascular treatment of ALI is an effective and appropriate primary treatment strategy in patients with a viable acutely ischemic limb due to a recent arterial occlusion. We present a case of acute limb ischemia and discuss percutaneous interventional treatment strategies including catheter-directed thrombolysis, rheolytic thrombectomy, and utilization of distal protection devices.

2022 ACC/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and management of aortic disease: A report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

AIM: The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate. STRUCTURE: Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

A simple percutaneous technique for hemostasis and closure after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Access closure is a key element to successful retrograde percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation. It requires large-bore femoral arterial access (18Fr-28Fr) which most operators manage with surgical access and closure under general anesthesia. We report a case example of how, using our center's peripheral interventional experience, we have developed a simple five step technique to achieve hemostasis percutaneously.

A randomized trial of intravenous n-acetylcysteine to prevent contrast induced nephropathy in acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacokinetic data suggests that the intravenous form of n-acetylcysteine (NAC) may be more effective than the oral formulation in preventing contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). NAC owing to its anti-oxidant properties might be beneficial for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who are at increased risk for CIN. The aim of this prospective randomized, single-center, double-blind, placebo controlled trial (NCT00939913) was to assess the effect of high-dose intravenous NAC on CIN in ACS patients undergoing coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We randomized 398 ACS patients scheduled for diagnostic angiography ± PCI to an intravenous regimen of high-dose NAC (1,200 mg bolus followed by 200 mg/hr for 24 hr; n = 206) or placebo (n = 192). The primary end-point was incidence of CIN defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration ≥ 25% above the baseline level within 72 hr of the administration of intravenous contrast. RESULTS: There was no difference found for the primary end point with CIN in 16% of the NAC group and in 13% of the placebo group (p = 0.40). Change in serum cystatin-C, a sensitive marker for renal function, was 0.046 ± 0.204 in the NAC group and 0.002 ± 0.260 in the control group (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: In ACS patients undergoing angiography ± PCI, high-dose intravenous NAC failed to reduce the incidence of CIN.

Elective percutaneous intervention for intracranial atherosclerotic stenoses by interventional cardiologists.

BACKGROUND: Current "best" medical therapy with anti-platelet and/or anti-thrombotic agents for symptomatic atherosclerotic intracranial (IC) disease is associated with high recurrence. IC catheter-based therapy (CBT) using balloon angioplasty with or without stent placement is an option for patients who have failed medical therapy. We sought to examine the outcomes of CBT for patients with symptomatic IC arterial disease managed by experienced interventional cardiologists. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 89 consecutive symptomatic patients with 99 significant (≥70% diameter) IC arterial stenoses who underwent CBT. CBT was performed by experienced interventional cardiologists with the consultative support of a neurovascular team. The primary endpoint was stroke and vascular death. RESULTS: Procedure success was achieved in 96/99 (97%) lesions and percent diameter stenosis was reduced from 91% ± 7.5% preprocedure to 19% ± 15% postprocedure (P < 0.001). The rate of in-hospital periprocedural stroke and all death was 3%. The primary endpoint of stroke and vascular death rate at 1 year was 5.7% (5/88) and at 2 years was 13.5% (11/81). The 2-year all-cause mortality was 11.3% (10/88). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with symptomatic IC arterial stenosis who have failed medical therapy or are considered very high risk for stroke, CBT performed by experienced interventional cardiologists is safe and offers both high procedural success rates and excellent clinical outcomes at 1 year. CBT is an attractive option for this high-risk patient population considering the expected 12-15% rate of recurrent stroke at 1 year.

Nitinol stent implantation vs. balloon angioplasty for lesions in the superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries of patients with claudication: three-year follow-up from the RESILIENT randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate longer outcomes of primary nitinol stenting for the treatment of femoropopliteal lesions up to 15 cm long after these stents were found to have superior short-term patency vs. balloon angioplasty. METHODS: Two hundred and six patients (143 men; mean age 67 years) with intermittent claudication due to superficial femoral and proximal popliteal artery lesions were randomized (2:1) to treatment with nitinol stents or balloon angioplasty at 24 US and European centers and followed for 3 years. In that time, 15 patients died, 20 withdrew consent, and 10 were lost to follow-up, leaving 161 (78.2%) patients for 36-month assessment. RESULTS: The 12-month freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) was 87.3% for the stent group vs. 45.2% for the angioplasty group (p<0.0001). At 3 years, there was no difference in survival (90.0% vs. 91.7%, p=0.71) or major adverse events (75.2% vs. 75.2%, p=0.98) between the stent and angioplasty groups. Duplex ultrasound was not mandated after the first year, so stent patency could not be ascertained beyond 1 year, but freedom from TLR at 3 years was significantly better in the stent group (75.5% vs. 41.8%, p<0.0001), as was clinical success (63.2% vs. 17.9%, p<0.0001). At 18 months, a 4.1% (12/291) stent fracture rate was documented. CONCLUSION: In this multicenter trial, primary implantation of a nitinol stent for moderate-length lesions in the femoropopliteal segment of patients with claudication was associated with better long-term results vs. balloon angioplasty alone.

2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

AIM: The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate. STRUCTURE: Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

Catheter-based therapy of common femoral artery atherosclerotic disease.

The objective of this paper is to describe outcomes of endovascular therapy in patients with symptomatic common femoral artery (CFA) lesions. Symptomatic atherosclerotic disease of the common femoral artery is an uncommon clinical entity, and there is no consensus regarding the suitability of catheter-based therapy. We reviewed the records of 26 consecutive patients treated with catheter-based therapy for symptomatic CFA lesions between 1994 and 2009. Angiographic success and procedure success were obtained in all vessels and in all patients. At 1 year, 100% (16/16) of the claudication patients and 70% (7/10) of the critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients maintained clinical success. The ankle- brachial index (ABI) significantly improved from a baseline of 0.47 ± 0.18 to 0.77 ± 0.18 (p < 0.001) after the procedure. At their most recent clinic visit (31 months ± 14 months), clinical success was maintained in 100% of the claudication patients and in 70% (7/10) of the CLI patients. During the follow-up period, femoral vascular access for an unrelated procedure was obtained through the CFA stent. In conclusion, patients with symptomatic CFA atherosclerotic disease obtained excellent clinical outcomes with angioplasty with stenting. We found that angioplasty with stenting of the CFA did not preclude future CFA vascular access. Our data suggest that catheter-based therapies should be considered as an option to open surgery in selected patients with symptomatic CFA disease.

Factors related to a clinically silent peri-procedural drop in hemoglobin with coronary and peripheral vascular interventions.

Clinically evident and subclinical peri-procedural bleeding following interventional therapies are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The risk factors for clinically evident bleeding have been well described. Despite the well-documented association of adverse outcomes for patients with a subclinical peri-procedural hemoglobin drop, the clinical predictors have not yet been defined. We identified 1176 consecutive patients with a subclinical drop in hemoglobin (fall of ≥ 1 g/dl in patients without clinical bleeding) following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and peripheral vascular interventions (PVI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. A subclinical peri-procedural hemoglobin drop ≥ 1 g/dl was identified in 41% (400/972) of PCI and in 49% (213/435) of PVI. More than one access site predicted a higher risk of a subclinical drop in hemoglobin in both groups. A body mass index ≥ 30 predicted a lower risk of a subclinical drop in hemoglobin in both groups. For PCI, creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min was associated with a higher risk of a subclinical drop in hemoglobin. In conclusion, clinically silent peri-procedural hemoglobin fall ≥ 1 g/dl is common in patients undergoing both coronary and peripheral percutaneous intervention. Predictors identified in our study will need prospective validation.

Acute stroke intervention by interventional cardiologists.

OBJECTIVES: To report the technical success and clinical outcomes of catheter-based therapy (CBT) for acute ischemic stroke in patients ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis. BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke is common but undertreated. CBT for acute ischemic stroke is a therapeutic option in selected patients who are not candidates for intravenous thrombolysis. METHODS: Consecutive stroke patients who were ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis and underwent CBT were identified by retrospective chart review. Demographic information, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), procedural characteristics, and clinical outcomes during hospitalization and at 90 days follow up were collected. Experienced interventional cardiologists with the consultative support of stroke neurologists were on call for acute strokes. RESULTS: A total of 33 acute ischemic stroke patients underwent emergency cerebral angiography, with 26 patients undergoing CBT. Successful "culprit" artery recanalization was achieved in 23 (88%) of the 26 patients. In-hospital adverse events occurred in 4 (15%) patients, with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (12%) representing the most common adverse event. The baseline NIHSS for patients who underwent intervention was 16.5 +/- 9.9 (median 16) and improved significantly to 9.9 +/- 8.7 (median 9) (P < 0.001) at hospital discharge. A modified Rankin score of two or less (indicating mild disability) was achieved in half (n = 13) of the CBT treated patients. All cause mortality at 90 days was 8% (2/26). CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, CBT provided by qualified interventional cardiologists supported by stroke neurologists, offers a safe and effective option for patients with acute stroke who are not eligible for intravenous thrombolysis.

Techniques for acute stroke intervention.

Stroke or cerebrovascular accident is the second most common cause of death in Western countries. Although stroke is a treatable disease, the majority of patients do not receive intravenous thrombolysis or catheter-based therapy. The lack of treatment is multifactorial. Several treatments have been studied. Research and development in the area of acute stroke treatment are ongoing.

Carotid artery stent placement is safe in the very elderly (> or =80 years).

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stent (CAS) placement is an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for stroke prevention. Clinical adoption of CAS depends on its safety and efficacy compared to CEA. There are conflicting reports in the literature regarding the safety of CAS in the elderly. To address these safety concerns, we report our single-center 13-year CAS experience in very elderly (> or =80 years of age) patients. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2007, 816 CAS procedures were performed at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation. Very elderly patients, those > or =80 years of age, accounted for 126 (15%) of all CAS procedures. Independent neurologic examination was performed before and after the CAS procedure. RESULTS: The average patient age was 82.9 +/- 2.9 years. Almost one-half (44%) were women and 40% were symptomatic from their carotid stenoses. One-third of the elderly patients met anatomic criteria for high surgical risk as their indication for CAS. The procedural success rate was 100% with embolic protection devices used in 50%. The 30-day major adverse coronary or cerebral events (MACCE) rate was 2.7% (n = 3) with all events occurring in the symptomatic patient group [death = 0.9% (n = 1), myocardial infarction = 0%, major (disabling) stroke = 0.9% (n = 1), and minor stroke = 0.9% (n = 1)]. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients, > or =80 years of age, may undergo successful CAS with a very low adverse event rate as determined by an independent neurological examination. We believe that careful case selection and experienced operators were keys to our success.

Optimal treatment of renal artery in-stent restenosis: repeat stent placement versus angioplasty alone.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether repeat renal artery stent placement compared with treatment with balloon angioplasty alone results in better patency in patients presenting with renal artery in-stent restenosis (ISR). BACKGROUND: Although stent placement for renal artery stenosis has been demonstrated to be superior to balloon angioplasty for "de novo" renal artery lesions, the optimal therapy for ISR remains unclear. METHODS: Between January 1997 and August 2006, 34 consecutive patients (41 renal arteries) with ISR were treated at the discretion of the operator with balloon angioplasty or repeat stent placement. Quantitative angiography was performed before and immediately after intervention and at follow-up. Angiographic follow-up was obtained for clinical indications in 75% of lesions and routine noninvasive follow-up imaging was obtained in 95% of lesions. RESULTS: Repeat renal artery stent placement demonstrated improved patency compared with balloon angioplasty alone with a 58% reduction in recurrent ISR (29.4% vs. 71.4%, P = 0.02) and a 30% reduction in follow-up diameter stenosis (41% vs. 58.2%, P = 0.03). The repeat stent group also had better secondary patency (P = 0.05) and a greater freedom from repeat ISR (P = 0.01) when compared with balloon angioplasty alone. There was a trend favoring repeat stent placement for cumulative freedom from target vessel revascularization (TVR) (P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat stent placement appears to result in superior patency compared with balloon angioplasty alone for the treatment of renal ISR.

Catheter-based treatment of the subclavian and innominate arteries.

OBJECTIVES: We report outcomes in patients undergoing catheter-based intervention for symptomatic subclavian and innominate artery (S/IA) atherosclerosis. BACKGROUND: Symptomatic S/IA obstructive lesions have traditionally been treated with open surgical revascularization. Catheter-based endovascular therapies reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery in many vascular beds. METHODS: Between December 1993 and May 2006, 170 patients underwent primary stent placement in 177 S/IA arteries. Indications for revascularization included arm ischemia (57%), subclavian steal syndrome (37%), coronary-subclavian steal syndrome (21%), and planned coronary bypass surgery with the involved internal mammary artery (8%). RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 98.3% (174/177) arteries, including 99.4% for stenotic lesions (155/156) and 90.5% for occlusions (19/21). There were no procedure-related deaths and one stroke (0.6%, 1/170). Follow-up was obtained in 151 (89%) patients at 35.2 +/- 30.8 months, with a target vessel revascularization rate of 14.6% (23/157). At last follow-up, 82% (124/151) of all treated patients remained asymptomatic with a primary patency of 83% and a secondary patency of 96%. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter-based revascularization with stents for symptomatic S/IA lesions is safe and effective with excellent patency rates and sustained symptom resolution in the majority (>80%) of patients over 3 years of follow-up. Percutaneous primary stent therapy is the preferred method of revascularization in patients with suitable anatomy.

Elevated brain natriuretic peptide predicts blood pressure response after stent revascularization in patients with renal artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: A significant number (20% to 40%) of hypertensive patients with renal artery stenosis will not have blood pressure improvement after successful percutaneous revascularization. Identifying a group of patients with refractory hypertension and renal artery stenosis who are likely to respond to renal stent placement would be beneficial. METHODS AND RESULTS: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was measured in 27 patients with refractory hypertension and significant renal artery stenosis before and after successful renal artery stent placement. This neuropeptide was elevated (median, 187 pg/mL; 25th to 75th percentiles, 89 to 306 pg/mL) before stent placement and fell within 24 hours of the successful stent procedure (96 pg/mL; 25th to 75th percentiles, 61 to 182 pg/mL; P=0.002), remaining low (85 pg/mL; 25th to 75th percentiles, 43 to 171 pg/mL) at follow-up. Clinical improvement in hypertension was observed in the patients with a baseline BNP >80 pg/mL (n=22) in 17 patients (77%) compared with 0% of the patients with a baseline BNP < or =80 pg/mL (n=5) (P=0.001). After correction for glomerular filtration rate, BNP was strongly correlated with improvement in hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: BNP is increased in patients with severe renal artery stenosis and decreases after successful stent revascularization. In addition, an elevated baseline BNP level of >80 pg/mL appears to be a good predictor of a blood pressure response after successful stent revascularization.

Catheter-based treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We present our single-center experience using catheter-based therapy for acute ischemic stroke patients who were not candidates for intravenous thrombolytic therapy. METHODS: Neurologic outcomes were assessed in patients with acute ischemic stroke, ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis, treated with an emergent catheter-based therapy. RESULTS: Nonparametric analysis of neurological outcomes demonstrated a benefit in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at long-term follow-up (P=0.036). Independence in daily activities and improvement in NIHSS of > or =4 points were achieved in 38% and 56% of patients, respectively. Four patients (25%) died, including 2 patients (12.5%) who died from intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter-based treatment offers a promising treatment strategy in patients with acute ischemic stroke ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis.