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BackgroundThere is conflicting evidence on the utility of intravenous (IV) alteplase in patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT).MethodsThis was a post hoc analysis of the COMPASS: a trial of aspiration thrombectomy versus stent retriever thrombectomy as first-line approach for large vessel occlusion. We compared clinical, procedural and angiographic outcomes of patients with and without prior IV alteplase administration.ResultsIn the COMPASS trial, 235 patients had presented to the hospital within the first 4 hours of stroke symptom onset and were eligible for analysis. On univariate analysis, administration of IV alteplase prior to MT was found to be significantly associated with favorable outcomes (modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–2 at 3 months; 55.6% vs 40.0% in the MT-only group, P=0.037). However, on multivariate analysis, only baseline (pre-stroke) mRS, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and age were identified as independent predictors of favorable outcomes at 3 months. We found higher final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b/3 rates in patients without the use of alteplase prior to the aspiration first approach (100.0% vs 87.9% in IV altepase +aspiration first MT, P=0.03). In the stent retriever first group, final TICI 2b/3 rates were identical in patients with and without IV alteplase administration (87.5% and 87.5%, P=1.0).ConclusionsPrior administration of IV alteplase may adversely affect the efficacy of aspiration, but does not seem to influence the stent retriever first approach to MT in patients with anterior circulation ELVO.

BackgroundThe benefit of complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 3) over near-complete reperfusion (≥90%, mTICI 2c) remains unclear. The goal of this study is to compare clinical outcomes between mechanical thrombectomy (MT)-treated stroke patients with mTICI 2c versus 3.MethodsThis is a retrospective study from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) comprising 33 centers. Adults with anterior circulation arterial vessel occlusion who underwent MT yielding mTICI 2c or mTICI 3 reperfusion were included. Patients were categorized based on reperfusion grade achieved. Primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were mRS scores at discharge and 90 days, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge, procedure-related complications, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.ResultsThe unmatched mTICI 2c and mTICI 3 cohorts comprised 519 and 1923 patients, respectively. There was no difference in primary (42.4% vs 45.1%; p=0.264) or secondary outcomes between the unmatched cohorts. Reperfusion status (mTICI 2c vs 3) was also not predictive of the primary outcome in non-imputed and imputed multivariable models. The matched cohorts each comprised 191 patients. Primary (39.8% vs 47.6%; p=0.122) and secondary outcomes were also similar between the matched cohorts, except the 90-day mRS which was lower in the matched mTICI 3 cohort (p=0.049). There were increased odds of the primary outcome with mTICI 3 in patients with baseline mRS ≥2 (36% vs 7.7%; p=0.011; pinteraction=0.014) and a history of stroke (42.3% vs 15.4%; p=0.027; pinteraction=0.041).ConclusionsComplete and near-complete reperfusion after MT appear to confer comparable outcomes in patients with acute stroke.

OBJECTIVETraditionally, stent-assisted coiling and balloon remodeling have been the primary endovascular treatments for wide-necked intracranial aneurysms with complex morphologies. PulseRider is an aneurysm neck reconstruction device that provides parent vessel protection for aneurysm coiling. The objective of this study was to report early postmarket results with the PulseRider device.METHODSThis study was a prospective registry of patients treated with PulseRider at 13 American neurointerventional centers following FDA approval of this device. Data collected included clinical presentation, aneurysm characteristics, treatment details, and perioperative events. Follow-up data included degree of aneurysm occlusion and delayed (> 30 days after the procedure) complications.RESULTSA total of 54 aneurysms were treated, with the same number of PulseRider devices, across 13 centers. Fourteen cases were in off-label locations (7 anterior communicating artery, 6 middle cerebral artery, and 1 A1 segment anterior cerebral artery aneurysms). The average dome/neck ratio was 1.2. Technical success was achieved in 52 cases (96.2%). Major complications included the following: 3 procedure-related posterior cerebral artery strokes, a device-related intraoperative aneurysm rupture, and a delayed device thrombosis. Immediately postoperative Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC) class 1 was achieved in 21 cases (40.3%), class 2 in 15 (28.8%), and class 3 in 16 cases (30.7%). Additional devices were used in 3 aneurysms. For those patients with 3- or 6-month angiographic follow-up (28 patients), 18 aneurysms (64.2%) were RROC class 1 and 8 (28.5%) were RROC class 2.CONCLUSIONSPulseRider is being used in both on- and off-label cases following FDA approval. The clinical and radiographic outcomes are comparable in real-world experience to the outcomes observed in earlier studies. Further experience is needed with the device to determine its role in the neurointerventionalist’s armamentarium, especially with regard to its off-label use.

BackgroundClot density (Hounsfield units, HU) and perviousness (post-contrast increase in the HU of clot) are thought to be associated with clot composition. We evaluate whether these imaging characteristics were associated with angiographic outcomes of aspiration and stent retriever thrombectomy in COMPASS: a trial of aspiration thrombectomy versus stent retriever thrombectomy as first-line approach for large vessel occlusion.MethodsClot density and perviousness were measured by two independent operators who were blind to all the final angiographic and clinical outcomes. The association of clot density and perviousness with the Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale after first pass was assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsAmong all patients enrolled in COMPASS, 165 were eligible for the post-hoc analysis (81 patients in the aspiration first and 84 in the stent retriever first groups). Overall mean perviousness of clot was significantly higher in patient with mTICI 2b-3 after first pass (28.6±22.9 vs 20.3±19.2, p=0.017). Mean perviousness among patients who achieved TICI 2c/3 versus TICI 2b versus TICI 0-2a in the aspiration first group varied significantly (32.6±26.1, 35.3±24.4, and 17.7±13.1, p=0.013). The association of perviousness with first pass success was not significant in the stent retriever group. Using multivariate analysis, high perviousness (defined as cut-off >27.6) was an independent predictor of TICI 2b-3 (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.10 to 13.19; p=0.034).ConclusionsClot perviousness is associated with first pass angiographic success in patients treated with the aspiration first approach for thrombectomy.

Introduction Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical diseases with an incidence of 1-5.3 cases per 100,000 that increases significantly with age. When symptomatic, these lesions are often treated by surgery, an approach which does not directly address the underlying pathophysiology of chronic inflammation and neovascularization of the dura and has a high incidence of recurrence. Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a potential minimally invasive endovascular treatment option that may substitute for surgery or serve as an adjunct. TRUFILL n-BCA is potentially well suited as a liquid embolic in this procedure given that it is non-caustic, rapidly deployed, and able to be injected in a highly targeted fashion. Here we present the protocol for a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of n-BCA embolization of the MMA for the treatment of cSDH. Methods This investigational trial is a prospective, multi-center, open-label, randomized controlled study in which up to 376 subjects will be randomized to receive standard of care (SOC) alone or SOC and TRUFILL n-BCA MMA embolization for the treatment of cSDH. The study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MMA in two cohorts - a surgical cohort and a non-surgical cohort. Results Study EndpointsThe primary study effectiveness endpoint is the incidence of residual or re-accumulation of the cSDH (>10 mm) at 6 months as assessed by an independent core laboratory OR re-operation or surgical procedure on the hematoma within 6 months post randomization. Secondary effectiveness endpoints include mean reduction of hematoma volume at 3, 6 and 12 months compared to baseline, reduction > 50% in hematoma volume at 3, 6 and 12 months as well as others. Secondary safety endpoints include death, stroke, myocardial infarction or thromboembolic complications within 3, 6 and 12 months as well as others. Secondary health economics endpoints include hospital days, intensive care unit days, and change in the EQ-5D-5L score at discharge and 6 months compared to baseline. Conclusion Middle meningeal artery embolization with n-BCA is an emerging treatment strategy for cSDH. An appropriately powered trial like the MEMBRANE Study will provide high level evidence on the potential safety and efficacy of this treatment paradigm. Disclosures C. Kellner: 1; C; Penumbra, Siemens, Cerebrotech, Viz.AI, Minnetronix. 4; C; Metis Innovative. F. Al-Mufti: None. R. Gupta: None. B. Jankowitz: None. R. Starke: None. A. Rai: None.

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) associated ischemic stroke is associated with worse functional outcomes, less effective recanalization, and increased rates of hemorrhagic complications after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Conversely, AF is not associated with hemorrhagic complications or functional outcomes in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). This differential effect of MT and IVT in AF associated stroke raises the question of whether bridging thrombolysis increases hemorrhagic complications in AF patients undergoing MT.MethodsThis international cohort study of 22 comprehensive stroke centers analyzed patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) undergoing MT between June 1, 2015 and December 31, 2020. Patients were divided into four groups based on comorbid AF and IVT exposure. Baseline patient characteristics, complications, and outcomes were reported and compared.Results6461 patients underwent MT for LVO. 2311 (35.8%) patients had comorbid AF. In non-AF patients, bridging therapy improved the odds of good 90 day functional outcomes (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.29, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.60, p=0.025) and did not increase hemorrhagic complications. In AF patients, bridging therapy led to significant increases in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and parenchymal hematoma type 2 (aOR 1.66, 1.07 to 2.57, p=0.024) without any benefit in 90 day functional outcomes. Similar findings were noted in a separate propensity score analysis.ConclusionIn this large thrombectomy registry, AF patients exposed to IVT before MT had increased hemorrhagic complications without improved functional outcomes, in contrast with non-AF patients. Prospective trials are warranted to assess whether AF patients represent a subgroup of LVO patients who may benefit from a direct to thrombectomy approach at thrombectomy capable centers.

IntroductionThe endovascular stent-assisted coiling approach for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms is evolving rapidly with the availability of new stent devices. It remains unknown how each type of stent affects the safety and efficacy of the stent-coiling procedure.MethodsThis study compared the outcomes of endovascular coiling of cerebral aneurysms using Neuroform (NEU), Enterprise (EP), and Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) stents. Patient characteristics, treatment details and angiographic results using the Raymond–Roy grade scale (RRGS), and procedural complications were analyzed in our study.ResultsOur study included 659 patients with 670 cerebral aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling (NEU, n=182; EP, n=158; LVIS, n=330) that were retrospectively collected from six academic centers. Patient characteristics included mean age 56.3±12.1 years old, female prevalence 73.9%, and aneurysm rupture on initial presentation of 18.8%. We found differences in complete occlusion on baseline imaging, defined as RRGS I, among the three stents: LVIS 64.4%, 210/326; NEU 56.2%, 95/169; EP 47.6%, 68/143; P=0.008. The difference of complete occlusion on 10.5 months (mean) and 8 months (median) angiographic follow-up remained significant: LVIS 84%, 251/299; NEU 78%, 117/150; EP 67%, 83/123; P=0.004. There were 7% (47/670) intra-procedural complications and 11.5% (73/632) post-procedural-related complications in our cohort. Furthermore, procedure-related complications were higher in the braided-stents vs laser-cut, P=0.002.ConclusionsThere was a great variability in techniques and choice of stent type for stent-assisted coiling among the participating centers. The type of stent was associated with immediate and long-term angiographic outcomes. Randomized prospective trials comparing the different types of stents are warranted.

BackgroundThrombectomy is an efficacious treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, relatively few studies to date have specifically examined the impact and clinical implications of age on outcomes for thrombectomy in anterior AIS.ObjectiveTo provide a snapshot of patient metrics and outcomes with respect to age following thrombectomy for anterior AIS to supplement the current body of data for predictors of clinical outcomes in a real-world setting.MethodsData were collected for 20 consecutive patients with AIS treated with thrombectomy at 15 high-volume stroke centers across North America between 2015 and 2016. Patients with anterior occlusions were dichotomized based on whether they were older or younger than 80 years. Ordinal logistic regression analyzed how clinical variables impacted disability using 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.ResultsAdequate revascularization (TICI ≥2B) was achieved in 92.3% of patients aged ConclusionThis analysis affirms age is a significant determinant of 90-day mRS scores following thrombectomy for large vessel anterior AIS. Further investigation into risks faced by elderly patients during thrombectomy may provide actionable information to help refine patient selection and improve outcomes.

Background and Purpose— Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) devices have led to improved reperfusion and clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients with emergent large vessel occlusions; however, less than one-third of patients achieve complete reperfusion. Use of intraarterial thrombolysis in the context of MT may provide an opportunity to enhance these results. Here, we evaluate the use of intraarterial rtPA (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator) as rescue therapy (RT) after failed MT in the North American Solitaire Stent-Retriever Acute Stroke registry. Methods— The North American Solitaire Stent-Retriever Acute Stroke registry recruited sites within North America to submit data on acute ischemic stroke patients treated with the Solitaire device. After restricting the population of 354 patients to use of RT and anterior emergent large vessel occlusions, we compared patients who were treated with and without intraarterial rtPA after failed MT. Results— A total of 37 and 44 patients was in the intraarterial rtPA RT and the no intraarterial rtPA RT groups, respectively. Revascularization success (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b) was achieved in more intraarterial rtPA RT patients (61.2% versus 46.6%; P =0.13) with faster times to recanalization (100±85 versus 164±235 minutes; P =0.36) but was not statistically significant. The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (13.9% versus 6.8%; P =0.29) and mortality (42.9% versus 44.7%; P =0.87) were similar between the groups. Good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2) was numerically higher in intraarterial rtPA patients (22.9% versus 18.4%; P =0.64). Further restriction of the RT population to M1 occlusions only and time of onset to groin puncture ≤8 hours, resulted in significantly higher successful revascularization rates in the intraarterial rtPA RT cohort (77.8% versus 38.9%; P =0.02). Conclusions— Intraarterial rtPA as RT demonstrated a similar safety and clinical outcome profile, with higher reperfusion rates achieved in patients with M1 occlusions. Prospective studies are needed to delineate the role of intraarterial thrombolysis in MT.

* on behalf of the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) Collaborators Introduction: Intravenous thrombolysis complications are enriched in AF associated stroke, as these patients have worse functional outcomes, less effective recanalization, and increased rates of hemorrhagic complications. These data suggest that AF patients may be at particularly high risk for complications of bridging therapy for large vessel occlusions treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Here we determine whether clinical outcomes differ in AF associated stroke treated with MT and bridging therapy. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of the Stroke and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) from January 2015 to December 2018 and identified 4,169 patients who underwent MT for an anterior circulation stroke, 1,517 (36.4 %) of which had comorbid AF. Prospectively defined baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared. Results: Hemorrhagic complications after MT were similar in patients with or without AF. In patients without AF, bridging therapy improved 90-day outcomes (aOR 1.32, 1.02-1.74, p Conclusions: Bridging therapy in AF patients undergoing thrombectomy independently increased the odds of intracranial hemorrhage and did not improve functional outcomes. AF patients may represent a high-risk subgroup for thrombolytic complications. Randomized trials are warranted to determine whether patients with AF associated stroke may benefit by deferring bridging therapy at thrombectomy-capable centers.

Background/Objective: Blood pressure parameters for patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are not clearly defined. Prior studies have shown that higher maximum and mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with adverse outcomes. Our study sought to investigate the relationship of blood pressure on clinical outcomes after successful revascularization and determine optimal thresholds for BP parameters that correlated with a poor functional outcome. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 88 consecutive patients who received successful MT at one comprehensive stroke center. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure values were recorded for each patient over a 48-hour period, as well as patient age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Outcome measures included modified Rankin Score (mRS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and mortality at time of discharge and 90 days. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations between the BP covariates and functional outcomes. Results: A higher SBP standard deviation (SD) of >14mmHg (OR=1.150) and wider SBP range >64mmHg (OR=1.037) from the mean in the first 48 hours after successful MT were associated with poor MRS at 90 days. A SBP SD>14 was also associated with mortality at 90 days. A higher age (OR=1.052) and NIHSS (OR=1.096) were also associated with a poor MRS at 90 days. A higher DBP mean (OR=1.045) was associated with a higher rate of hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Conclusions: A higher SBP variability within the first 48 hours after successful MT is associated with a higher likelihood of poor 90-day functional outcome and mortality, and a higher mean DBP is associated with a higher rate of HT.

Introduction Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for patients presenting with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) with salvageable tissue. A subgroup of ELVO is refractory to reperfusion due to underlying intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS), often requiring rescue therapy with balloon angioplasty, stenting or both. Whether such rescue therapy is safe and effective remains to be established. The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of MT for ELVO related ICAS. Methods We queried the databases of 11 thrombectomy-capable centers in the US and Europe included in STAR (Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry). In this analysis, we included patients who underwent rescue therapy (balloon angioplasty and/or stenting) in the setting of ELVO due to underlying ICAS. A matched sample was produced by matching on the variables of age, admission NIHSS, and location of the occlusion. Results Out of 2827 thrombectomy patients included in STAR at the time of this analysis, 190 patients required rescue therapy for ELVO with underlying ICAS. Balloon angioplasty was performed on 116 patients, and 113 patients had intracranial stenting. On multivariate analysis, after controlling for age, sex, race, hypertension, diabetes, prior stroke, NIHSS on admission and location of occlusion; compared to angioplasty alone, or stenting alone, combination therapy with angioplasty and stenting was associated with higher odds of favorable long-term functional outcome (mRS 0–2) (OR 4.404, 95% CI 1.318–9.712; P=0.021).in the matched analysis, 161 rescue therapy patients matched to a similar number of controls. There was no difference in age, race, sex, rate of IV tPA administration, ASPECTS score, or onset to groin time. Successful first attempt rate was lower (52% vs. 22%, p=0.001) and procedural time was longer in the rescue therapy group (47 min vs. 31 min, p≤0.001). There was no difference in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (7.5% vs. 5.6%, p=0.49), or favorable long term functional outcome (modified Rankin scale 0–2) (42.2% vs. 50.9%, p=0.118) between patients in the rescue therapy and control groups. Conclusion In patients with ELVO with underlying ICAS requiring rescue therapy, despite longer procedural time and lower rate of first pass revascularization, rescue therapy appears to be safe with similar rate of favorable long-term functional outcomes compared to patients with large vessel occlusion from embolic source. Disclosures S. Al Kasab: None. E. Almallouhi: None. I. Maier: None. A. Arthur: None. J. Kim: None. R. De Leacy: None. A. Rai: None. S. Keyrouz: None. K. Fargen: None. T. Dumont: None. P. Kan: None. R. Starke: None. A. Spiotta: None.

Introduction Acute ischemic strokes (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) occur more frequently in elderly patients, resulting in more severe symptoms and worse outcomes after treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the age-dependent outcomes of Endovascular Thrombectomy (ET) in the real world, using a large dataset from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR). Methods All patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for AIS at 12 comprehensive stroke centers between January 2013 and December 2018 were included. Data were retrospectively collected by reviewing patient charts and procedure notes. The primary endpoint was the modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 90-days after the procedure, which was dichotomized into good outcome (mRS 0–2) or poor outcome (mRS 3–6). Results Out of the 3850 patients that underwent mechanical thrombectomy, 2,827 patients (mean age 69±14, 49% female) had 90-day follow-up and were included in this study. When adjusting for confounding variables using multivariate logistic regressions, increased age was found to be an independent predictor of poor outcome (OR=1.4, p Conclusion Higher age is an independent predictor of worse outcome and increased mortality in patients undergoing ET for AIS. Baseline deficits, ASPECT score, and number of attempts, but not complete revascularization rates, were associated with better outcomes in elderly patients. Our findings underline the need for further refinement of selection criteria for elderly patients being considered for ET. Disclosures R. Chalhoub: None. A. Alawieh: None. S. Kasab: None. D. Pullmann: None. A. Arthur: None. J. Kim: None. R. De Leacy: None. M. Psychogios: None. I. Maier: 6; C; Microvention, Cerenovus. A. Rai: 6; C; Stryker Neurovascular, Microvention, Cerenovus. S. Keyrouz: 6; C; PORTOLA. K. Fargen: 6; C; Cerebrotech Medical. R. Starke: 1; C; NREF, Joe Niekro Foundation, Brain Aneurysm Foundation, BEE Aneurysm Foundation, NIH. 6; C; Penumbra, Medtronic, Cerenovus, InNeuroCo, Abbott. A. Spiotta: 1; C; Penumbra. 6; C; Penumbra, Cerenovus.

Introduction Early studies have shown that using intra-arterial thrombolysis is effective in achieving recanalization in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, the using intraarterial thrombolysis was associated with a high rate of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sICH). In current practice time, intra-arterial thrombolysis using tissue plasminogen activator (IA-tPA) can be used as an adjunctive technique in the setting of persistent distal occlusion during mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods We used data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), which included the prospectively maintained databases from 28 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. We included only consecutive patients who received MT using second generation thrombectomy devices. Then, we identified patients who received 5–10 mg of IA-tPA injected directly to the target vessel because of persistent distal occlusion during MT. We collected the baseline characteristics, procedural metrics, rate of sICH, and long-term functional outcomes. We estimated a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with logit link to assess predictors of sICH, successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score≥2b), and favorable 90-day functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale 0–2 at 90-day). Results A total of 154 patients received IA-tPA out of 1608 thrombectomy patients who were included in this analysis. Median age was 68 (IQR 57–76) years; 79 (51.3%) were females; 97 (63%) were white. There was no difference in stroke severity measured by the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) (17 vs. 15, P=0.079) or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score (9 vs. 9, P=0.16) between patients in the IA-tPA group compared to the non-IA-tPA group, respectively. In addition, no difference was noted in the prevalence of stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, prior stroke) between both groups. IA-tPA group had less patients who have received IV-tPA (33.8% vs. 54.9%, P Conclusion The use of IA-tPA as an adjunctive treatment to mechanical thrombectomy due to persistent distal occlusion did not result in a higher rate of successful recanalization, 90-day functional independence, or sICH. Disclosures E. Almallouhi: None. S. Al kasab: None. A. Alawieh: None. M. Psychogios: None. A. Arthur: 1; C; Microvention, Penumbra, and Siemens;. 2; C; Balt, Johnson and Johnson, Leica, Medtronic, Microvention, Penumbra, Scientia, Siemens, and Stryker. 4; C; Bendit, Cerebrotech, Endostream, Magneto, Marblehead, Neurogami, Serenity, Synchron, Triad Medical and Vascular Simulations. J. Kim: None. R. De Leacy: 2; C; Cerenovus, Imperative Care and Siemens. A. Rai: None. S. Keyrouz: None. K. Fargen: None. T. Dumont: None. P. Kan: None. R. Starke: 2; C; Penumbra, Abbott, Medtronic, InNeuroCo and Cerenovus. A. Spiotta: 1; C; Penumbra. 2; C; Penumbra, Stryker, Cerenovus, Terumo.

Introduction: Clinical trials have proven the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with intravenous alteplase (tPA) compared to tPA alone in patients presenting with large vessel occlusion (LVO). The impact of tPA prior to MT on procedural metrics, successful revascularization, symptomatic hemorrhage and long-term functional outcome has not been established from large scale real-world studies. In this study we evaluate the impact of tPA prior to MT on procedural times, immediate and long-term outcomes. Methods: The STAR registry combined prospectively maintained databases of 11 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers in the US, Europe and Asia. Patients who received mechanical thrombectomy with or without intravenous tPA prior to MT were included in these analyses. Baseline characteristics, procedural time, successful revascularization (TICI ≥ 2B), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (PH2), and long-term functional outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: Total of 1869 patients were included in this analysis. Of those, 907 received tPA prior to MT. Baseline features and outcomes are summarized in table 1. There were more white patients in the non-tPA group, and more patients in this group had atrial fibrillation and hyperlipidemia; otherwise there were no differences in baseline features between the two groups. Median NIHSS on admission was 16 in both groups, median ASPECTS was 9 in the tPA group versus 8 in the non-tPA group, p=0.208. Patients in the tPA group had higher rate of successful revascularization, lower number of revascularizations attempts and were more likely to achieve excellent long-term functional outcome. There was no difference in procedural time, rate of symptomatic hemorrhage or length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Bridging therapy with intravenous tPA prior to mechanical thrombectomy may facilitate MT and yield to better long-term functional outcome.

Background: Standard mechanical thrombectomy (MT) techniques utilized include aspiration thrombectomy (ADAPT), stent retriever (SR), and a combination of both (Solumbra). Many studies compare outcomes between ADAPT and SR; however, there has yet to be a large multicenter investigation comparing ADAPT and SR to Solumbra. Methods: All patients from the participating STAR collaboration who underwent MT from 2015-2019 were included. Patients were analyzed by first MT technique utilized (ADAPT, SR, or Solumbra). Univariable and multivariable linear regression was utilized to analyze the MT technique association to number of thrombectomy attempts and procedure time. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was utilized to determine the association between MT technique and the following outcomes: recanalization, symptomatic hemorrhage, 90-day functional independence, or 90-day mortality. P value less than 0.5 was considered significant. Results: A total of 2515 MT for stroke were identified: 1155 (46%) ADAPT, 735 (29%) SR, 625 (25%) Solumbra. Patients who received Solumbra MT were older (p Conclusion: Compared to standard ADAPT and SR thrombectomy, the Solumbra technique for MT is a longer procedure that results in an increased likelihood of hemorrhage and 90-day mortality.

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) associated ischemic stroke has worse functional outcomes, less effective recanalization, and increased rates of hemorrhagic complications after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Limited data exist about the effect of AF on procedural and clinical outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT).ObjectiveTo determine whether recanalization efficacy, procedural speed, and clinical outcomes differ in AF associated stroke treated with MT.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) from January 2015 to December 2018 and identified 4169 patients who underwent MT for an anterior circulation stroke, 1517 (36.4 %) of whom had comorbid AF. Prospectively defined baseline characteristics, procedural outcomes, and clinical outcomes were reported and compared.ResultsAF predicted faster procedural times, fewer passes, and higher rates of first pass success on multivariate analysis (pConclusionsIn patients treated with MT, comorbid AF is associated with faster procedural time, fewer passes, and increased rates of first pass success without increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage or worse functional outcomes. These results are in contrast to the increased hemorrhage rates and worse functional outcomes observed in AF associated stroke treated with supportive care and or IVT. These data suggest that MT negates the AF penalty in ischemic stroke.

BackgroundIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many centers altered stroke triage protocols for the protection of their providers. However, the effect of workflow changes on stroke patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has not been systematically studied.MethodsA prospective international study was launched at the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic. All included centers participated in the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) and Endovascular Neurosurgery Research Group (ENRG). Data was collected during the peak months of the COVID-19 surge at each site. Collected data included patient and disease characteristics. A generalized linear model with logit link function was used to estimate the effect of general anesthesia (GA) on in-hospital mortality and discharge outcome controlling for confounders.Results458 patients and 28 centers were included from North America, South America, and Europe. Five centers were in high-COVID burden counties (HCC) in which 9/104 (8.7%) of patients were positive for COVID-19 compared with 4/354 (1.1%) in low-COVID burden counties (LCC) (PConclusionWe observed a low rate of COVID-19 infection among stroke patients undergoing MT in LCC. Overall, more than half of the patients underwent intubation prior to MT, leading to prolonged door to reperfusion time, higher in-hospital mortality, and lower likelihood of functional independence at discharge.

BackgroundThe efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (ET) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in octogenarians is still controversial.ObjectiveTo evaluate, using a large multicenter cohort of patients, outcomes after ET in octogenarians compared with younger patients.MethodsData from prospectively maintained databases of patients undergoing ET for AIS at seven US-based comprehensive stroke centers between January 2013 and January 2018 were reviewed. Demographic, procedural, and outcome variables were collected. Outcomes included 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, postprocedural National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, postprocedural hemorrhage, and mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the independent effect of age ≥80 on outcome measures. Subgroup analyses were also performed based on location of stroke, success of recanalization, or ET technique used.ResultsRates of functional independence (mRS score 0–2) after ET in elderly patients were significantly lower than for younger counterparts. Age ≥80 was independently associated with increased mortality and poor outcome. Age ≥80 showed an independent negative prognostic effect on outcome even when patients were divided according to thrombectomy technique, location of stroke, or success of recanalization. Age ≥80 independently predicted higher rate of postprocedural hemorrhage, but not success of recanalization. Baseline deficit and number of reperfusion attempts, but not Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score were associated with lower odds of good outcome.ConclusionThe large effect size of ET on AIS outcomes is significantly diminished in the elderly population when using comparable selection criteria to those used in younger counterparts. This raises concerns about the risk–benefit ratio and the cost-effectiveness of performing this procedure in the elderly before optimizing patient selection.

Objective The approval of WEB adds another option for treatment of wide neck bifurcation (WNB) aneurysms. The objective of this study was to compare the procedure times and radiation dose when using WEB versus stent-coil for WNB aneurysms in our early experience. Methods Four procedure variables were analyzed Operating room (OR) time was the duration from patient room arrival to room exit. Anesthesia time was from intubation to extubation. Procedure time was from groin puncture to closure. Radiation exposure was the fluoroscopy time and radiation dose for each procedure. All these were obtained from the procedure logs for 22 patients treated with WEB and 21 patients consecutively treated prior to WEB with stent-coiling. Patients with aneurysms greater than 10 mm in average width were excluded to level the comparison as larger aneurysms requiring more coils could take longer and the upper width size limit for WEB is currently at 10 mm. Results The average width and height of the aneurysms in the two cohorts was similar (Width=5.9(±2.2)mm for the stent-coil versus 5.2(±1.6)mm for the WEB-group, p=0.2; Height=6.8(±3.1)mm for the stent-coil versus 5.8(±1.7)mm for the WEB-group, p=0.2). The OR, anesthesia and procedure times were significantly lower in the WEB-group compared to the stent-coil group (figure-1). The fluoroscopy time and the radiation dose was also significantly lower in the WEB-group versus the stent-coil group (figure-1). Conclusion The use of WEB in WNB aneurysms significantly reduced OR, anesthesia and procedure times versus stent-coiling for similar sized aneurysms. Radiation dose and fluoroscopy times were also significantly reduced. For the WEB group these times are expected to be independent of aneurysm size whereas stent-coiling may be associated with longer times for larger aneurysms. Disclosures A. Rai: 2; C; MicroVention, Stryker. R. Turner: None. S. Boo: 2; C; Stryker.

Intracranial venous hypertension is a rare presentation of meningiomas in the transverse-sigmoid sinus region. We describe a case of a young patient presenting with intracranial hypertension due to a meningioma causing compression of the dominant sigmoid sinus. We were able to document the cerebral venous pressure gradient across the lesion confirming our hypothesis that compression of the sigmoid sinus from the meningioma was the cause of intracranial hypertension. The patient is a 17-year-old male who presented with intracranial hypertension due to meningioma at the right dominant sigmoid sinus, which was treated by a Simpson grade IV surgical resection followed by stereotactic radiosurgery. Following treatment, his papilledema resolved and he remains symptom-free at 18 months. In conclusion, venous manometry is a useful adjunct to diagnose intracranial hypertension in non-idiopathic causes of intracranial hypertension. A multimodal management approach of intracranial hypertension due to outflow obstruction from the dominant sinus led to an excellent recovery on follow up.

Introduction: Tandem occlusions are a significant treatment challenge for which no standard intervention protocol has been determined. IV tPA alone generally has a poor outcome for tandem occlusions while endovascular therapy (EVT) is thought to produce the best possible outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IV tPA used prior to EVT for tandem occlusions. Hypothesis: IV tPA plus EVT may improve clinical outcome over EVT alone without more adverse events. Methods: There were 56 patients with tandem occlusions over a 3 year period out of 309 (18%) patients with an LVO. The primary clinical outcome was National Institutes of Health (NIH) stroke scale and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. Secondary outcomes were discharge disposition (Good: home or acute rehabilitation, Poor: all others), recanalization (Good: TICI ≥ 2B), and mortality. T-test was used to compare outcomes between the group that received EVT plus tPA versus EVT alone. Reasons patients did not receive tPA included recent surgery, therapeutic anticoagulation, or outside treatment window. Results: 23/ 56 (41%) tandem occlusion patients received EVT; 15 (65%) also received tPA. NIH scores on presentation were the same between the group receiving EVT plus tPA and EVT alone (17.13, p = 0.9984), and there was no significant difference between the two groups in respect to discharge NIH (no tPA: 5.0, yes tPA: 6.0; p = 0.7487), discharge mRS (no tPA: 4.25, yes tPA: 3.67; p = 0.4349), TICI scores (63% as compared to 80% with tPA), mortality ( no tPA: 37.5%, yes tPA: 13%; p =0.419), or good discharge disposition (no tPA: 50%, yes tPA 60% p = 0.432). Conclusion: Although not statistically significant, the group that received EVT plus tPA had lower mRS scores, lower mortality rates, increased reperfusion and a higher percentage of discharge to home or acute rehab as compared to the group receiving EVT alone. This suggests that tPA plus EVT may be more effective in treating tandem occlusions without accruing additional adverse effects. Limitations of this study include the small sample size and retrospective nature, demonstrating the need for larger and prospective studies in the future.

Objectives: Limited studies have examined economic outcomes of endovascular coiling (EVC) and/ or surgical clipping (SC) for unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) from a payer perspective. This study evaluated trends in payments for index admission and 365-day follow-up (including index admission) among UIA patients treated with EVC or SC. Methods: A retrospective analysis of Truven MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters (CCAE) database was conducted. The study sample included patients aged ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of UIA who underwent EVC or SC between 2011 and 2016 (index hospitalization). The following exclusion criteria were applied: patients with a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or EVC/SC treatment in 12 months baseline; concurrent diagnosis of SAH during index hospitalization or lack of continuous enrollment in 12 months baseline period. Using Mann-Kendall test, we examined trends in payments for index admission and 365-day all-cause healthcare utilization (medical services and prescription). All costs were adjusted to 2016 US dollar. Results: A total of 3,294 patients met the eligibility criteria. The mean age of patients was 52.53 years (SD= 8.64) and 76.56% were female. The proportions of patients treated with EVC (vs. SC) increased from 67.80% in 2011 to 75.84% in 2016 (p= 0.01). The average index admission cost was $54,853 and the mean 365-day follow-up cost was $89,398. Mean index admission cost was $52,163 in 2011 and $64,193 in 2016 (p= 0.19). However, mean 365-day all-cause follow-up costs increased from $87,741 in 2011 to $94,096 in 2016 (p= 0.04). Conclusions: The 365-day all-cause follow-up costs associated with endovascular and surgical treatment among UIA patients increased significantly over the study period. There is significant economic burden for UIA patients undergoing neurointerventional procedures.

Optimizing management of intracranial atherosclerosis is an evolving aspect of neurovascular care in which medical management remains the mainstay of treatment. Endovascular therapy is reserved for patients who fail best medical management with adequate control of associated risk factors and despite dual antiplatelet therapy. Primary submaximal angioplasty is a safe first-line endovascular treatment followed by stenting if necessary.

BackgroundThrombectomy for anterior large vessel occlusion less than 24 hours since last known well is now standard of care. Certain aspects of clinical trials may limit generalizability to ’real-world' practice.ObjectiveTo compare revascularization rates and outcomes for direct aspiration (ADAPT) and stent retriever thrombectomy following anterior acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in a real-life setting.MethodsData from the most recent 20 consecutive patients with AIS treated with mechanical thrombectomy between 2015 and 2016 were collected from 15 high-volume stroke centers across North America for a total of 300 cases. Patients with proximal anterior large vessel occlusions were dichotomized by primary treatment technique. Ordinal logistic regression assessed the effects of clinical variables on patient disability using 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.ResultsAdequate revascularization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b) was ultimately achieved in 91.2% of first-line direct aspiration (ADAPT) cases with an average of 1.9±1.9 passes and in 87.5% of stent retriever cases with an average of 1.7±1.0 passes. Time from groin puncture to revascularization was shorter for ADAPT cases. The mean 90-day mRS score for both groups was 3.0±2.4. Number of passes using primary technique, and postintervention intracranial hemorrhage, were significant predictors of 90-day mRS scores after ADAPT, while age and preprocedure mRS score were predictive of outcomes following first-line stent retriever.ConclusionsOur data show similar adequate revascularization rates and 90-day functional outcomes for first-line direct aspiration and stent retrievers for anterior large vessel occlusion in a real-world setting. These results support the findings of other prospective trials evaluating the two techniques.

Background: Various techniques are used to enhance the results of mechanical thrombectomy with stent-retrievers, including proximal arrest with balloon guide catheter (BGC), conventional large bore proximal catheter (CGC), or in combination with local aspiration through a large-bore catheter positioned at the clot interface (Aspiration-Retriever Technique for Stroke [ARTS]). We evaluated the impact of ARTS in the North American Solitaire Acute Stroke (NASA) registry. Summary: Data on the use of the aspiration technique were available for 285 anterior circulation patients, of which 29 underwent ARTS technique, 131 CGC, and 125 BGC. Baseline demographics were comparable, except that ARTS patients are less likely to have hypertension or atrial fibrillation. The ARTS group had more ICA occlusions (41.4 vs. 22% in the BGC, p = 0.04 and 26% in CGC, p = 0.1) and less MCA/M1 occlusions (44.8 vs. 68% in BGC and 62% in CGC). Time from arterial puncture to reperfusion or end of procedure with ARTS was shorter than with CGC (54 vs. 91 min, p = 0.001) and was comparable to the BGC time (54 vs. 67, p = 0.11). Final degree of reperfusion was comparable among the groups (TICI [modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction] score 2b or higher was 72 vs. 70% for CGC vs. 78% for BGC). Procedural complications, mortality, and good clinical outcome at 90 days were similar between the groups. Key Messages: The ARTS mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients appears to yield better results as compared to the use of CGCs with no significant difference when compared to BGC. This early ARTS technique NASA registry data are limited by the earlier generation distal large bore catheters and small sample size. Future studies should focus on the comparison of ARTS and BGC techniques.

Background and Purpose— The Solitaire With the Intention for Thrombectomy (SWIFT) and thrombectomy revascularization of large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke (TREVO 2) trial results demonstrated improved recanalization rates with mechanical thrombectomy; however, outcomes in the elderly population remain poorly understood. Here, we report the effect of age on clinical and angiographic outcome within the North American Solitaire-FR Stent-Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) Registry. Methods— The NASA Registry recruited sites to submit data on consecutive patients treated with Solitaire-FR. Influence of age on clinical and angiographic outcomes was assessed by dichotomizing the cohort into ≤80 and >80 years of age. Results— Three hundred fifty-four patients underwent treatment in 24 centers; 276 patients were ≤80 years and 78 were >80 years of age. Mean age in the ≤80 and >80 cohorts was 62.2±13.2 and 85.2±3.8 years, respectively. Of patients >80 years, 27.3% had a 90-day modified Rankin Score ≤2 versus 45.4% ≤80 years ( P =0.02). Mortality was 43.9% and 27.3% in the >80 and ≤80 years cohorts, respectively ( P =0.01). There was no significant difference in time to revascularization, revascularization success, or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage between the groups. Multivariate analysis showed age >80 years as an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome and mortality. Within the >80 cohort, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), revascularization rate, rescue therapy use, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion— Greater than 80 years of age is predictive of poor clinical outcome and increased mortality compared with younger patients in the NASA registry. However, intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator use, lower NIHSS, and shorter revascularization time are associated with better outcomes. Further studies are needed to understand the endovascular therapy role in this cohort compared with medical therapy.

Background Pediatric intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are rare. Compared with adult IAs, they are more commonly giant, fusiform, or dissecting. Treatment often proves more complex, and recurrence rate and de novo aneurysmogenesis incidence are higher. A consensus regarding the most appropriate algorithm for following pediatric IAs is lacking. Methods We sought to generate recommendations based on the reported experience in the literature with pediatric IAs through a thorough review of the PubMed database, discussion with experienced neurointerventionalists, and our own experience. Results Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was utilized immediately post-operatively for microsurgically-clipped and endovascularly-treated IAs, at 6-12 months postoperatively for endovascularly-treated IAs, and in cases of aneurysmal recurrence or de novo aneurysmogenesis discovered by non-invasive imaging modalities. Computed tomographic angiography was the preferred imaging modality for long-term follow-up of microsurgically clipped IAs. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was the preferred modality for following IAs that were untreated, endovascularly-treated, or microsurgically-treated in a manner other than clipping. Conclusions We propose incidental untreated IAs to be followed by magnetic resonance angiography without contrast enhancement. Follow-up modality and interval for treated pediatric IAs is determined by initial aneurysmal complexity, treatment modality, and degree of posttreatment obliteration. Recurrence or de novo aneurysmogenesis requiring treatment should be followed by digital subtraction angiography and appropriate retreatment. Computed tomography angiography is preferred for clipped IAs, whereas contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography is preferred for lesions treated endovascularly with coil embolization and lesions treated microsurgically in a manner other than clipping.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To establish outcome rates for patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis based on vascular occlusion site. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of 225 patients who had received intravenous-rt-PA for anterior circulation strokes. The occlusion-site was prospectively determined on the admission computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and divided into: large vessel occlusion (LVO) including patients with an internal carotid artery terminus or middle cerebral artery (M1/proximal M2) occlusions and no large vessel occlusion (No-LVO; distal M2/M3/ACA) including patients with either distal or no occlusions. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin score (mRS) at 90-days with a good outcome defined by mRS of 0-2.000. RESULTS There were 114 (50.7%) patients in the LVO and 111 (49.3%) in the No-LVO group. A good outcome was seen in 28 (24.6%) patients in the LVO and 77 (69.4%) patients in the No-LVO group (OR .14; 95% CI: .08-.26; P < .0001). Mortality was observed in 13 (11.7%) patients in the No-LVO group and 48 (42.1%) patients in the LVO group (OR .18; 95% CI: .09-.36; P < .0001). Significant hemorrhage was seen in 14 (12.5%) patients in the LVO and 0 (0%) patients in the No-LVO group (P < .0001). Older age (OR .96; 95% CI: .93-.98; P = .002) and presence of LVO (OR .29; 95% CI: .12-.68; P = .004) were significant independent predictors of poor outcome. CONCLUSION CTA identification of proximal occlusions is associated with significantly poor outcomes in patients receiving intravenous stroke thrombolysis.

BackgroundLimited efficacy of IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for large vessel occlusions (LVO) raises doubts about its utility prior to endovascular therapy.PurposeTo compare outcomes and hospital costs for anterior circulation LVOs (middle cerebral artery, internal carotid artery terminus (ICA-T)) treated with either primary endovascular therapy alone (EV-Only) or bridging therapy (IV+EV)).MethodsA single-center retrospective analysis was performed. Clinical and demographic data were collected prospectively and relevant cost data were obtained for each patient in the study.Results90 consecutive patients were divided into EV-Only (n=52) and IV+EV (n=38) groups. There was no difference in demographics, stroke severity, or clot distribution. The mean (SD) time to presentation was 5:19 (4:30) hours in the EV-Only group and 1:46 (0:52) hours in the IV+EV group (pConclusionsIV rt-PA did not improve recanalization, thrombectomy efficacy, functional outcomes, or length of stay. Combined therapy was associated with significantly higher total and direct hospital costs than endovascular therapy alone.

Background: The Interventional Management of Stroke III (IMS-III) trial demonstrated no benefit for intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rt-PA) followed by endovascular therapy versus IV rt-PA alone. However, IMS-III mostly included earlier generation devices. The recent thrombectomy trials have incorporated the stent-retriever technology, but their generalizability remains unknown. Methods: The North American Solitaire Acute Stroke (NASA) registry recruited patients treated with the Solitaire FR™ device between March 2012 and February 2013. The NASA-IMS-III-Like Group (NILG baseline NIHSS score ≥10 who received IV rt-PA) was compared to the IV rt-PA and IV + intra-arterial (IA)-IMS-III groups and the MR CLEAN, ESCAPE, SWIFT Prime, and REVASCAT trial controls to assess the stent-retriever treatment in the ‘real-world' setting. The NILG was also compared to non-IV rt-PA NASA patients to evaluate the impact of IV rt-PA on thrombectomy. Results: A total of 136 of the 354 NASA patients fulfilled criteria for the NILG. Baseline characteristics were well balanced across groups. Time from onset to puncture was higher in NILG than IV+IA-IMS-III patients (274 ± 112 vs. 208 ± 47 min, p < 0.0001). Occlusions involving the intracranial ICA, MCA-M1, or basilar arteries were more common in NILG than IV+IA-IMS-III patients (91.2 vs. 47.2%, p < 0.00001). Modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b reperfusion was higher in NILG than IV+IA-IMS-III patients (74.3 vs. 39.6%, p < 0.00001). A 90-day modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 was more frequent in the NILG than IV+IA-IMS-III patients (51.9 vs. 40.8%, p = 0.03) and MR CLEAN (51.9 vs. 19.1%, p < 0.00001), ESCAPE (51.9 vs. 29.3%, p = 0.0002), SWIFT Prime (51.9 vs. 35.5%, p = 0.02), and REVASCAT (51.9 vs. 28.2%, p = 0.0003) controls. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage definitions varied across the different studies with rates ranging from 2.7% (ESCAPE) to 11.9% (NILG). The NILG 90-day mortality (24.4%) was higher than in SWIFT Prime but comparable to all other groups. IV rt-PA was an independent predictor of good outcome in NASA (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.7). Conclusion: Our results support the ‘real-world' applicability of the recent thrombectomy trials.

BackgroundTime to reperfusion following endovascular treatment (ET) predicts outcomes after acute ischemic stroke (AIS).ObjectiveTo assess the time–outcome relationship within reperfusion grades in the North American Solitaire Acute Stroke registry.MethodsWe identified patients given ET for anterior circulation ischemic stroke within 8 h from onset and in whom reperfusion was achieved. Together with clinical and outcome data, site-adjudicated modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (TICI) was recorded. We assessed the impact of time to reperfusion (onset to procedure completion time) on good outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2 at 3 months) in patients who achieved TICI 2 or higher reperfusion in multivariable models. We further assessed this relationship within strata of reperfusion grades. A pResultsIndependent predictors of good outcome at 3 months among those achieving TICI ≥2a reperfusion (n=188) were initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (adjusted OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.95), symptomatic hemorrhage (adj. OR=0.16, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.60), TICI grade (TICI 3: adj. OR=11.52, 95% CI 3.34 to 39.77; TICI 2b: adj. OR=5.14, 95% CI 1.61 to 16.39), and time to reperfusion per 30 min interval (adj. OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.99). There was an interaction between final TICI grade and 30 min time to reperfusion intervals (p=0.001) such that the effect of time was strongest in TICI 2a patients.ConclusionsTime to reperfusion was a strong predictor of outcome following ET for AIS. However, the effect varied by TICI grade such that its greatest effect was in those achieving TICI 2a reperfusion.

Background The Enterprise Vascular Reconstruction Device and Delivery System (Cordis; the Enterprise stent) was approved for use in conjunction with coiling of wide-necked aneurysms in 2007. No published long-term aneurysm occlusion or complication data exist for the Enterprise system. Objective We compiled data on consecutive patients treated with Enterprise stent-assisted coiling of aneurysms from 9 high-volume neurointerventional centers. Methods A 9 center registry was created to evaluate large volume data on the delayed safety and efficacy of the Enterprise stent system. Pooled data were compiled for consecutive patients undergoing Enterprise stent-assisted coiling at each institution prior to May 2009. Results Two-hundred twenty-nine patients with 229 aneurysms, 32 of which were ruptured aneurysms, were included in the study. Mean clinical and angiographic follow-up was 619.6 ± 26.4 days and 655.7 ± 25.2 days, respectively. Mean aneurysm size was 9.2 ± 0.4 mm. Fifty-nine percent of patients demonstrated 100% coil obliteration and 81% had 90% or higher occlusion at last follow-up angiography. A total of 19 patients (8.3%) underwent retreatment of their aneurysms during the follow-up period. Angiographic in-stent stenosis was seen in 3.4% and thromboembolic events occurred in 4.4%. Overall, 90% of patients who underwent Enterprise-assisted coiling had a modified Rankin Scale score of 2 or less at last follow-up. A poor modified Rankin Scale score was strongly associated with rupture status (P Conclusion Although this study is limited by its retrospective nature, the Enterprise stent system appears to be an effective, safe, and durable treatment for intracranial aneurysms when used in conjunction with coiling.

Endovascular therapy of acute ischemic stroke is evolving towards thrombectomy devices for vessel recanalization. High rates of revascularization have been reported in stroke device trials. However, the discrepancy between recanalization and outcomes raises the question whether patients with irreversible ischemic injury are being exposed to these interventions. This study evaluated a triage methodology that incorporates perfusion imaging against previous device trials that treated all patients within a certain time frame.99 consecutive patients were identified with anterior circulation strokes who had undergone endovascular therapy. All patients had a baseline NIHSS score ≥8 and had undergone pre-intervention CT perfusion. Rates of recanalization and functional outcomes were compared with the MERCI, Multi-MERCI and Penumbra trials.This study's recanalization rate of 55.6% is not significantly different from the 46% for MERCI (p=0.15) and 68% for Multi-MERCI (p=0.08) but was significantly lower than the 82% for the Penumbra trial (p0.0001). Successfully recanalized patients had a significantly higher good outcome of 67% in this cohort versus 46% in MERCI, 49% in Multi-MERCI and 29% in Penumbra. The rate of futile recanalization was 33% compared with 54% for MERCI, 51% for Multi-MERCI and 71% for Penumbra. A small cerebral blood volume (CBV) abnormality (p0.0001) and large mean transit time-CBV mismatch (p0.0001) were strong predictors of a good outcome.Despite similar or lower recanalization rates, there was a significantly higher rate of good outcomes in the recanalized population and thus a significantly lower rate of futile recanalization in this study versus the device trials, suggesting a role for pre-intervention perfusion imaging for patient selection.

OBJECT Pessimism exists regarding flow diversion for posterior circulation aneurysms because of reports of perforator territory infarcts and delayed ruptures. The authors report the results of patients who underwent Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) flow diversion using novel strategies for treatment of fusiform posterior circulation aneurysms, and compare these results with those from previously reported series. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective review of data from consecutive patients with fusiform vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms treated with the PED. RESULTS This review resulted in the identification of 12 such patients (mean [± SD] age 55.1 ± 14.1 years). Eleven patients had symptoms; 1 had a dissecting aneurysm identified on imaging for neck pain. The average aneurysm size was 13.25 ± 4.5 mm. None of the aneurysms were ruptured or previously treated. The average clinical follow-up duration was 22.1 ± 10.7 months and radiological follow-up was 14.5 ± 11.1 months from the index PED treatment. One patient suffered a perforator stroke and had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 4 at last follow-up. Another patient had a retained stent pusher requiring retrieval via surgical cut-down but recovered to an mRS score of 0 at last follow-up. Eleven (91.7%) of 12 patients recovered to an mRS score of 0 or 1. Two patients had aneurysmal remnants at 7 and 10 months, respectively, after the index PED, which were retreated with PEDs. At last follow-up, all 12 aneurysms were occluded and PEDs were patent. The minimum follow-up duration was 12 months from the index PED treatment; no patient experienced delayed hemorrhage, stroke, or in-stent stenosis. CONCLUSIONS Flow diversion with selective adjunctive techniques is evolving to become a safer treatment option for posterior circulation aneurysms. This is the longest clinical follow-up duration reported for a single-center experience of flow-diversion treatment of these aneurysms.

BACKGROUND Stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms with self-expanding stents has widened the applicability of neuroendovascular therapies to those aneurysms previously considered "uncoilable" because of poor morphology. The Enterprise Vascular Reconstruction Device and Delivery System (Cordis) has demonstrated promising initial short-term results. However, the rates of delayed in-stent stenosis or thrombosis are not known. OBJECTIVE To report midterm results of the Enterprise stent system. METHODS A 10-center registry was created to provide a large volume of data on the safety and efficacy of the Enterprise stent system. Pooled data were compiled for consecutive patients undergoing Enterprise stent-assisted coiling at each institution. Available follow-up data were evaluated for the incidence of in-stent stenosis, thrombosis, and aneurysm occlusion. RESULTS In total, 213 patients (176 females) with 219 aneurysms were treated with the Enterprise stent. One hundred ten patients had undergone delayed angiography (≥ 30 days from stent placement, mean follow-up 174.6 days). Forty percent of patients demonstrated total occlusion with 88% having ≥ 90% aneurysm occlusion. Six percent of patients had delayed (>30 days) angiographic findings, of which 3% demonstrated significant (≥ 50%) in-stent stenosis or occlusion. Seven delayed thrombotic events occurred (3%), along with 2 additional immediate periprocedural events. All 7 delayed events were concomitant to cessation of double-antiplatelet therapy. CONCLUSION Midterm occlusion rates are excellent, and stenosis and thrombosis rates are comparable to other available neurovascular stents. Interruption of antiplatelet therapy appears to be a factor in those developing delayed stenosis or thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is rapidly evolving, with the development of multiple endovascular modalities that can be used alone or in combination. OBJECTIVE: To determine which pharmacologic or mechanical modality may be associated with increased rates of recanalization. METHODS: A cohort of 1122 patients with AIS involving the anterior circulation treated at 13 stroke centers underwent intra-arterial (IA) therapy within 8 hours of symptom onset. Demographic information, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), mechanical and pharmacologic treatments used, recanalization grade, and hemorrhagic complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age was 6 7 ± 16 years and the median NIHSS was 1 7. The sites of arterial occlusion before treatment were M1 middle cerebral artery (MCA) in 561 (50%) patients, carotid terminus in 214 (19%) patients, M2 MCA in 171 (15%) patients, tandem occlusions in 141 (13%) patients, and isolated extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion in 35 (3%) patients. Therapeutic interventions included multimodal therapy in 584 (52%) patients, pharmacologic therapy only in 264 (24%) patients, and mechanical therapy only in 274 (24%) patients. Patients treated with multimodal therapy had a significantly higher Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 2 or 3 recanalization rate (435 patients [74%]) compared with pharmacologic therapy only (160 patients, [61%]) or mechanical only therapy (173 patients [63%]), P < .001. In binary logistic regression modeling, independent predictors of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 2 or 3 recanalization were use of IA thrombolytic OR 1.58 (1.21-2.08), P < .001 and stent deployment 1.91 (1.23-2.96), P < .001. CONCLUSION: Multimodal therapy has significantly higher recanalization rates compared with pharmacologic or mechanical therapy. Among the individual treatment modalities, stent deployment or IA thrombolytics increase the chance of recanalization.

Object The development of self-expanding stents dedicated to intracranial use has significantly widened the applicability of endovascular therapy to many intracranial aneurysms that would otherwise have been untreatable by endovascular techniques. Recent Food and Drug Administration approval of the Enterprise Vascular Reconstruction Device and Delivery System (Cordis) has added a new option for self-expanding stent-assisted intracranial aneurysm coiling. Methods The authors established a collaborative registry across multiple institutions to rapidly provide largevolume results regarding initial experience in using the Enterprise in real-world practice. Ten institutions (University at Buffalo, Thomas Jefferson University, University of Florida, Cleveland Clinic, Northwestern University, West Virginia University, University of Puerto Rico, Albany Medical Center Hospital, the Neurological Institute of Savannah, and the Barrow Neurological Institute) have provided consecutive data regarding their initial experience with the Enterprise. Results In total, 141 patients (119 women) with 142 aneurysms underwent 143 attempted stent deployments. The use of Enterprise assistance with aneurysm coiling was associated with a 76% rate of ≥ 90% occlusion. An inability to navigate or deploy the stent was experienced in 3% of cases, as well as a 2% occurrence of inaccurate deployment. Procedural data demonstrated a 6% temporary morbidity, 2.8% permanent morbidity, and 2% mortality (0.8% unruptured, 12% ruptured). Conclusions The authors report initial results of the largest series to date in using the Enterprise for intracranial aneurysm treatment. The Enterprise is associated with a high rate of successful navigation and low occurrence of inaccurate stent deployment. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were low; however, caution should be exercised when considering Enterprise deployment in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage as the authors' experience demonstrated a high rate of associated hemorrhagic complications leading to death.

BackgroundOwing to their severity, large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes may be associated with higher costs that are not reflected in current coding systems. This study aimed to determine whether intravenous thrombolysis costs are related to the presence or absence of LVO.MethodsPatients who had undergone intravenous thrombolysis over a 9-year period were divided into LVO and no LVO (nLVO) groups based on admission CT angiography. The primary outcome was hospital cost per admission. Secondary outcomes included admission duration, 90-day clinical outcome, and discharge destination.Results119 patients (53%) had LVO and 104 (47%) had nLVO. Total mean±SD cost per LVO patient was $18 815±14 262 compared with $15 174±11 769 per nLVO patient (p=0.04). Hospital payments per admission were $17 338±13 947 and $15 594±16 437 for LVO and nLVO patients, respectively (p=0.4). A good outcome was seen in 33 LVO patients (27.7%) and in 69 nLVO patients (66.4%) (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.3, pConclusionsThe presence or absence of LVO is associated with significant differences in hospital costs, outcomes, admission duration, and home discharge. These differences can be important when developing systems of care models for acute ischemic stroke.

contrast with MR RESCUE, IMS-III, and SYNTHESIS-Expansion, modern thrombectomy devices were used for the entirety of the trial. Primary and secondary outcomes in MR CLEAN demonstrated a significant benefit for endovascular therapies over medical therapy across all age groups. Furthermore, a second ongoing prospective randomized trial of AIS patients with LVO, Endovascular Treatment for Small Core and Proximal Occlusion Ischemic Stroke (ESCAPE), was recently halted by its data safety monitoring board due to the ‘overwhelming efficacy’ of intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) over medical therapy in a preliminary analysis performed in response to the results of MR CLEAN. Similarly, the phase 2 EXTEND-IA trial was halted when a preliminary analysis of the data demonstrated overwhelming efficacy in the interventional cohort. Completion of these three trials has moved the dial forward on the value of mechanical thrombectomy. A critical and evidence based evaluation of the available data supports the superiority of IAT over standard medical therapies in patients presenting with AIS from LVO within 6 h of stroke onset and having a small infarct core. Moreover, we believe that randomization of these patients in trials, which include a non-interventional arm, may no longer be ethical as general community equipoise appropriately disappears. An examination of the available data is certainly needed to identify those patient populations where equipoise may still exist. In this subset, additional research trials may be informative. The purpose of this comment is to explain this position based on a rigorous review of the available evidence, historical precedents established in the medical treatment of AIS, and important ethical considerations.

As part of a novel session at the Annual Meeting of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (Colorado Springs, USA), the associate editors of Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ( JNIS ) selected a series of manuscript published in 2014 as best articles. Each associate editor gave his preference, and the final list was approved by editor in chief, Robert Tarr. The aim of this commentary is to acknowledge the authors and briefly highlight the major points of their manuscripts. Turk, et al . ADAPT FAST study: a direct aspiration first pass technique for acute stroke thrombectomy 1 This article describes a novel method for mechanical revascularization using a large bore aspiration catheter. The operators utilized the largest caliber aspiration catheter that the target vessel would accommodate. The catheter was then advanced to the face of the thrombus and aspiration applied. The catheter was subsequently withdrawn, attempting to remove the clot en bloc. Adjunct devices were used at the discretion of the operator. The investigators employed the technique in 98 acute ischemic stroke patients harboring large vessel occlusions. The aspiration component achieved Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b or 3 revascularization in 78% of cases. The adjunct use of stent retrievers increased the TICI 2b/ 3 rate to 95%. The authors demonstrated that this versatile and technically straightforward revascularization method can be utilized to achieve revascularization. This study is a good example of the ability of neuroendovascular surgeons to join together and channel collective energies and resources. This was a prospective registry, performed without financial support from industry or federal funding. The design and implementation was carried out entirely by the operators involved. Data from this type of prospective study, designed by practicing neurointerventional surgeons, stand the greatest chance of impacting practice patterns for our field. Furthermore, the concept behind this manuscript demonstrates the …

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy with stent-retrievers results in higher recanalization rates compared with previous devices. Despite successful recanalization rates (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score ≥2b) of 70–83%, good outcomes by 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2 are achieved in only 40–55% of patients. We evaluated predictors of poor outcomes (mRS >2) despite successful recanalization (TICI ≥2b) in the North American Solitaire Stent Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) registry.MethodsLogistic regression was used to evaluate baseline characteristics and recanalization outcomes for association with 90-day mRS score of 0–2 (good outcome) vs 3–6 (poor outcome). Univariate tests were carried out for all factors. A multivariable model was developed based on backwards selection from the factors with at least marginal significance (p≤0.10) on univariate analysis with the retention criterion set at p≤0.05. The model was refit to minimize the number of cases excluded because of missing covariate values; the c-statistic was a measure of predictive power.ResultsOf 354 patients, 256 (72.3%) were recanalized successfully. Based on 234 recanalized patients evaluated for 90-day mRS score, 116 (49.6%) had poor outcomes. Univariate analysis identified an increased risk of poor outcome for age ≥80 years, occlusion site of internal carotid artery (ICA)/basilar artery, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥18, history of diabetes mellitus, TICI 2b, use of rescue therapy, not using a balloon-guided catheter or intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA), and >30 min to recanalization (p≤0.05). In multivariable analysis, age ≥80 years, occlusion site ICA/basilar, initial NIHSS score ≥18, diabetes, absence of IV t-PA, ≥3 passes, and use of rescue therapy were significant independent predictors of poor 90-day outcome in a model with good predictive power (c-index=0.80).ConclusionsAge, occlusion site, high NIHSS, diabetes, no IV t-PA, ≥3 passes, and use of rescue therapy are associated with poor 90-day outcome despite successful recanalization.

Economic viability is important to any hospital striving to be a comprehensive stroke center. An inability to recover cost can strain sustained delivery of advanced stroke care.To carry out a comparative financial analysis of intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular (EV) therapy in treating large vessel strokes from a hospital's perspective.Actual hospital's charges, costs, and payments were analyzed for 265 patients who received treatment for large vessel strokes. The patients were divided into an EV (n=141) and an IV group (n=124). The net gain/loss was calculated as the difference between payments received and the total cost.The charges, costs, and payments were significantly higher for the EV than the IV group (p0.0001 for all). Medicare A was the main payer. Length of stay was inversely related to net gain/loss (p0.0001). Favorable outcome was associated with a net gain of $3853 (±$21,155) and poor outcome with a net deficit of $2906 (±$15,088) (p=0.003). The hospital showed a net gain for the EV group versus a net deficit for the IV group in patients who survived the admission (p=0.04), had a favorable outcome (p=0.1), or were discharged to home (p=0.03). There was no difference in the time in hospital based on in-hospital mortality for the EV group but patients who died in the IV group had a significantly shorter length of stay than those who survived (p=0.04). The favorable outcome of 42.3% in the EV group was significantly higher than the 29.4% in the IV group (p=0.03).Endovascular therapy was associated with better outcomes and higher cost-recovery than IV thrombolysis in patients with large vessel strokes.

Background and Purpose— Efficient and timely recanalization is an important goal in acute stroke endovascular therapy. Several studies demonstrated improved recanalization and clinical outcomes with the stent retriever devices compared with the Merci device. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of the balloon guide catheter (BGC) and recanalization success in a substudy of the North American Solitaire Acute Stroke (NASA) registry. Methods— The investigator-initiated NASA registry recruited 24 clinical sites within North America to submit demographic, clinical, site-adjudicated angiographic, and clinical outcome data on consecutive patients treated with the Solitaire Flow Restoration device. BGC use was at the discretion of the treating physicians. Results— There were 354 patients included in the NASA registry. BGC data were reported in 338 of 354 patients in this subanalysis, of which 149 (44%) had placement of a BGC. Mean age was 67.3±15.2 years, and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 18. Patients with BGC had more hypertension (82.4% versus 72.5%; P =0.05), atrial fibrillation (50.3% versus 32.8%; P =0.001), and were more commonly administered tissue plasminogen activator (51.6% versus 38.8%; P =0.02) compared with patients without BGC. Time from symptom onset to groin puncture and number of passes were similar between the 2 groups. Procedure time was shorter in patients with BGC (120±28.5 versus 161±35.6 minutes; P =0.02), and less adjunctive therapy was used in patients with BGC (20% versus 28.6%; P =0.05). Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3 reperfusion scores were higher in patients with BGC (53.7% versus 32.5%; P P =0.002) and good clinical outcome at 3 months were superior in patients with BGC compared with patients without (51.6% versus 35.8%; P =0.02). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the use of BGC was an independent predictor of good clinical outcome (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–4.9). Conclusions— Use of a BGC with the Solitaire Flow Restoration device resulted in superior revascularization results, faster procedure times, decreased need for adjunctive therapy, and improved clinical outcome.

Just 2 years ago, at the International Stroke Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, the Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS III),1 Mechanical Retrieval and Recanalization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy (MR RESCUE),2 and SYNTHESIS-Expansion3 trials were presented and concurrently published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The overarching message to the medical community and lay press was that these studies provided unambiguous evidence that mechanical thrombectomy was ineffective in treating acute stroke secondary to emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO). The investigators were careful to emphasize the adaptive designs of their trials, which allowed sites to use new thrombectomy devices as technology evolved, thus implying that the results would be directly applicable to modern clinical practice. When scrutinized by the interventional community, however, it was clear that these three trials had significant shortcomings.4 ,5 Most notably, these trials were limited by the predominant use of antiquated thrombectomy technologies, poor revascularization rates, and the lack of vascular imaging required for patient enrollment. Collectively, these shortcomings made the studies’ conclusions largely irrelevant to the contemporary application of thrombectomy for ELVO. Unfortunately, this highly technical and nuanced argument was buried by the mantra: “thrombectomy shown to be ineffective in three clinical trials”, an easily understood and succinct message. …

BackgroundLimited post-marketing data exist on the use of the Solitaire FR device in clinical practice. The North American Solitaire Stent Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) registry aimed to assess the real world performance of the Solitaire FR device in contrast with the results from the SWIFT (Solitaire with the Intention for Thrombectomy) and TREVO 2 (Trevo versus Merci retrievers for thrombectomy revascularization of large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke) trials.MethodsThe investigator initiated NASA registry recruited North American sites to submit retrospective angiographic and clinical outcome data on consecutive acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with the Solitaire FR between March 2012 and February 2013. The primary outcome was a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Ischemia (TIMI) score of ≥2 or a Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score of ≥2a. Secondary outcomes were 90 day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.Results354 patients underwent treatment for AIS using the Solitaire FR device in 24 centers. Mean time from onset to groin puncture was 363.4±239 min, mean fluoroscopy time was 32.9±25.7 min, and mean procedure time was 100.9±57.8 min. Recanalization outcome: TIMI ≥2 rate of 83.3% (315/354) and TICI ≥2a rate of 87.5% (310/354) compared with the operator reported TIMI ≥2 rate of 83% in SWIFT and TICI ≥2a rate of 85% in TREVO 2. Clinical outcome: 42% (132/315) of NASA patients demonstrated a 90 day mRS ≤2 compared with 37% (SWIFT) and 40% (TREVO 2). 90 day mortality was 30.2% (95/315) versus 17.2% (SWIFT) and 29% (TREVO 2).ConclusionsThe NASA registry demonstrated that the Solitaire FR device performance in clinical practice is comparable with the SWIFT and TREVO 2 trial results.

We compared outcomes between endovascular (EV) therapy and intravenous (IV) thrombolysis in large vessel strokes.223 patients who had received either IV (n=100) or EV (n=123) therapy were analyzed. Only patients with strokes involving the internal carotid artery terminus (ICA-T, n=45), the middle cerebral artery (M1, n=107) or the bifurcation branches (M2, n=71) were included. The primary endpoint was 3 month outcome based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, good-outcome defined as mRS ≤2.The good outcome was 44.7% in the EV group and 26% in the IV group (p=0.003, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.1). There was no difference in mortality or hemorrhage. For ICA-T occlusions, the good outcome was 27.6% in the EV and 0% in the IV group (p=0.004); for M1 occlusions, 40.6% in the EV versus 10.5% in the IV group (p=0.0006, OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.9 to 18.2); and for M2 occlusions, 76% in the EV versus 47.8% in the IV group (p=0.01, OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 10.2). For M1 occlusions, the death rate was 27.5% for the EV compared with 57.9% for the IV group (p=0.002, OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6 to 8.3) with no difference observed in mortality for ICA-T or M2 occlusions. In the univariate analysis, age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and occlusion site were significant predictors of outcome and mortality (p0.0001 for all). In the multivariable analysis, EV therapy (p=0.0004, OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.8 to 9) and younger age (p0.0001, OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.9 to 0.98) were significant independent predictors of good outcome.There are significantly higher odds of a favorable outcome with EV compared with IV therapy for large vessel strokes. The data support the rationale of a randomized trial for large vessel occlusions.

To determine whether drug-eluting (DE) stents offer any advantage over bare-metal (BM) stents in terms of restenosis rates and to identify indications for vertebral artery stenting (VAS) based on the current literature.A retrospective analysis was performed for patients who underwent extracranial VAS for symptomatic stenosis. Patients were divided into two groups based on stent use (DE and BM).A total of 28 stents were implanted in 24 patients. Of these, 13 were DE and 15 BM. Technical success was achieved in all patients. There were procedure-related complications of retroperitoneal hematoma in some patients (3.6%). The median clinical and imaging follow-up times were 26 and 21 months, respectively, for the BM arm and 13 and 12 months, respectively, for the DE group. The mean stenosis percentage was 80.7±10.9 for the BM group and 87.0±9.5 for the DE group. The mean stent diameter was 4.7±0.5 for the BM group and 3.3±0.4 for the DE group (p0.0001). There was no statistical difference in the restenosis rates among the two groups, 4/15 (26.7%) for BM and 4/13 (30.8%) for DE stents.Extracranial VAS is a relatively safe procedure. No differences could be elicited in the restenosis rates between BM and DE stents. While VAS has been reported for symptomatic and asymptomatic disease, a benefit of VAS has only been demonstrated for patients with symptoms clearly attributable to the diseased artery. The benefit of stenting in asymptomatic disease or stenting to improve perfusion to the anterior circulation is speculative.

To identify factors impacting outcome in patients undergoing interventions for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).This was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing endovascular therapy for AIS secondary during a 30 month period. Outcome was based on modified Rankin score at 3- to 6-month follow-up. Recanalization was defined as Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction score 2 to 3. Collaterals were graded based on pial circulation from the anterior cerebral artery either from an ipsilateral injection in cases of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion or contralateral injection for internal carotid artery terminus (ICA) occlusion as follows: no collaterals (grade 0), some collaterals with retrograde opacification of the distal MCA territory (grade 1), and good collaterals with filling of the proximal MCA (M2) branches or retrograde opacification up to the occlusion site (grade 2). Occlusion site was divided into group 1 (ICA), group 2 (MCA with or without contiguous M2 involvement), and group 3 (isolated M2 or M3 branch occlusion).A total of 89 patients were studied. Median age and National Institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS) score was 71 and 15 years, respectively. Favorable outcome was seen in 49.4% of patients and mortality in 25.8% of patients. Younger age (P = 0.006), lower baseline NIHSS score (P = 0.001), successful recanalization (P 0.0001), collateral support (P = 0.0008), distal occlusion (P = 0.001), and shorter procedure duration (P = 0.01) were associated with a favorable outcome. Factors affecting successful recanalization included younger age (P = 0.01), lower baseline NIHSS score (P = 0.05), collateral support (P = 0.01), and shorter procedure duration (P = 0.03). An ICA terminus occlusion (P 0.0001), lack of collaterals (P = 0.0003), and unsuccessful recanalization (P = 0.005) were significantly associated with mortality.Angiographic findings and preprocedure variables can help prognosticate procedure outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular therapy for AIS.

Introduction Two self-expandable stents, the Neuroform and the Enterprise stent, are widely used for stent-assisted coiling (SAC) of complex shaped intracranial aneurysms. However, comparative knowledge about technical feasibility, peri- and post-procedural morbidity and mortality, packing densities as well as follow-up data is limited. Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective study to investigate differences in aneurysms stented with the Enterprise or Neuroform stents. Angiographic follow-up (mean 19.42 months) was available in 72.6% (61/84) of aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling. We further sought to compare stent-assisted coiling to a matched patient population with aneurysms treated by conventional coil embolization. Results The stenting success rate of the Enterprise was higher compared to the Neuroform stent (46/48 and 42/51, respectively). In 5 of 9 cases in which the Neuroform stent was not navigable to the landing zone, we successfully deployed an Enterprise stent instead. Eventually, 42 aneurysms were coiled after stenting in each group. We observed no significant differences in peri-procedural complication rate, post-procedural hospital stay, packing density, recurrence rate or number of in-stent stenosis. Strikingly, 36.1% of followed aneurysms in the SAC group showed progressive occlusion on angiographic follow-up imaging. The packing density was significantly higher in aneurysms treated by SAC as compared to conventionally coiled aneurysms, while recanalization rate was significantly lower in the SAC group. Conclusion The procedural success rate is higher using the Enterprise, but otherwise both stents exhibited similar characteristics. Lower recurrence frequency and complication rates comparable to conventional coil embolization emphasize the importance of stent-assisted coiling in the treatment of complex aneurysms. Progressive occlusion on angiographic follow-up was a distinct and frequent observation in the SAC group and may in part be due to flow diversion.