Immunohistochemical analysis of thrombi retrieved during treatment of acute ischemic stroke: does stent-retriever cause intimal damage?

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To provide evidence whether mechanical thrombectomy with stent-retrievers in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke causes intimal damage. METHODS: This study analyzed thrombi retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy from cerebral arteries in 48 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke for the presence of endothelial cells using CD34 antibodies. RESULTS: Of 48 thrombi analyzed, CD34-positive cells were absent in 20, present as isolated cells in 21, and found in clusters in 7 thrombi. We did not find any subendothelial vessel wall structures. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that mechanical thrombectomy with stent-retrievers does not cause relevant intimal damage in acute ischemic stroke treatment. Clinical Trial Registration- URL http//www.germanctr.de. Unique identifier DRKS00004695.