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ImportanceApproximately 10% to 20% of large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes involve tandem lesions (TLs), defined as concomitant intracranial LVO and stenosis or occlusion of the cervical internal carotid artery. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) may benefit patients with TLs; however, optimal management and procedural strategy of the cervical lesion remain unclear.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of carotid artery stenting (CAS) vs no stenting and medical management with functional and safety outcomes among patients with TL-LVOs.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study included consecutive patients with acute anterior circulation TLs admitted across 17 stroke centers in the US and Spain between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020. Data analysis was performed from August 2021 to February 2022. Inclusion criteria were age of 18 years or older, endovascular therapy for intracranial occlusion, and presence of extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis (>50%) demonstrated on pre-MT computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, or digital subtraction angiography.ExposuresPatients with TLs were divided into CAS vs nonstenting groups.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPrimary clinical and safety outcomes were 90-day functional independence measured by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 2 and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), respectively. Secondary outcomes were successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b), discharge mRS score, ordinal mRS score, and mortality at 90 days.ResultsOf 685 patients, 623 (mean [SD] age, 67 [12.2] years; 406 [65.2%] male) were included in the analysis, of whom 363 (58.4%) were in the CAS group and 260 (41.6%) were in the nonstenting group. The CAS group had a lower proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation (38 [10.6%] vs 49 [19.2%], P = .002), a higher proportion of preprocedural degree of cervical stenosis on digital subtraction angiography (90%-99%: 107 [32.2%] vs 42 [20.5%], P P = .003), a lower median (IQR) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (15 [10-19] vs 17 [13-21], P P = .007), favorable shift in mRS scores (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.02-2.10; P = .04), and successful reperfusion (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.02-3.60; P = .002) were significantly higher for the CAS group compared with the nonstenting group. Both groups had similar odds of sICH (aOR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.46-2.40; P = .87) and 90-day mortality (aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.50-1.20; P = .27). No heterogeneity was noted for 90-day functional outcome and sICH in prespecified subgroups.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this multicenter, international cross-sectional study, CAS of the cervical lesion during MT was associated with improvement in functional outcomes and reperfusion rates without an increased risk of sICH and mortality in patients with TLs.

Despite successful endovascular therapy, a proportion of stroke patients exhibit long-term functional decline, regardless of the cortical reperfusion. Our objective was to evaluate the early activation of the adaptive immune response and its impact on neurological recovery in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO).Nineteen (13 females, 6 males) patients with acute LVO were enrolled in a single-arm prospective cohort study. During endovascular therapy (EVT), blood samples were collected from pre and post-occlusion, distal femoral artery, and median cubital vein (controls). Cytokines, chemokines, cellular and functional profiles were evaluated with immediate and follow-up clinical and radiographic parameters, including cognitive performance and functional recovery.In the hyperacute phase (within hours), adaptive immune activation was observed in the post-occlusion intra-arterial environment (post). Ischemic vascular tissue had a significant increase in T-cell-related cytokines, including IFN-γ and MMP-9, while GM-CSF, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-6, MIP-1a, and MIP-1b were decreased. Cellularity analysis revealed an increase in inflammatory IL-17+ and GM-CSF+ helper T-cells, while natural killer (NK), monocytes and B-cells were decreased. A correlation was observed between hypoperfused tissue, infarct volume, inflammatory helper, and cytotoxic T-cells. Moreover, helper and cytotoxic T-cells were also significantly increased in patients with improved motor function at 3 months.We provide evidence of the activation of the inflammatory adaptive immune response during the hyperacute phase and the association of pro-inflammatory cytokines with greater ischemic tissue and worsening recovery after successful reperfusion. Further characterization of these immune pathways is warranted to test selective immunomodulators during the early stages of stroke rehabilitation.

Despite advancement in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) techniques, 10–30% of MT for large vessel occlusions (LVO) are unsuccessful. Current prediction models fail to address the association between patient-specific factors and reperfusion. We aimed to evaluate objective, easily reproducible, admission clinical and radiological biomarkers that predict unsuccessful MT. We analyzed consecutive anterior LVO MT patients at two comprehensive stroke centers. The primary outcome was unsuccessful reperfusion defined by a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of 0–2a. We quantitatively assessed the hyperdense vessel sign by measuring Hounsfield units (HU) on admission computed tomography (CT). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to estimate the predictive value of quantitative hyperdense middle cerebral artery (MCA) measurements (delta and ratio) and of the final model for mTICI scores. We performed multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations with outcomes. Out of 348 patients 87 had unsuccessful MT. Smoking, difficult arch, vessel tortuosity, vessel calcification, diminutive vessels, truncal M1 occlusion, delta HU and HU ratio were significantly associated with unsuccessful MT in the univariate analysis. When we fitted two separate multivariate models including all significant variables and a HU measurement; delta HU

Introduction Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has increasingly emerged as an alternative strategy to carotid endarterectomy in the treatment of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Optimal timing for CAS after symptoms onset remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CAS when performed in an emergency setting. Patients and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of CAS patients admitted to our CSC with symptomatic extracranial carotid occlusion or significant stenosis from January 2014-September 2019. Emergency CAS was defined as CAS performed during the same hospitalization from TIA/stroke onset, whereas elective CAS as CAS performed on a subsequent admission. The primary outcome was defined as the occurrence of any stroke, myocardial infarction, or death related to the procedure at 3 months of follow-up. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural complications and the rate of restenosis/occlusion at follow-up. Logistic regression and survival analyses were used to compare outcomes and restenosis at follow-up. Results We identified 75 emergency and 104 elective CAS patients. Emergency CAS patients had significantly higher rates of ipsilateral carotid occlusion (17% vs. 2%, p Conclusion In our study, emergency CAS in symptomatic patients might have a similar safety and efficacy profile to elective CAS at 3 months and long-term follow-up.

Introduction: Infarct evolution is a highly dynamic process that varies among individuals. This study aimed to identify clinical and radiological features associated with an exponential infarct growth rate (IGR) pattern in stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of anterior LVO stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and achieved complete recanalization (mTICI 2c-3). Infarct volumes were calculated at two time points, pre-MT: CT perfusion (CTP) using Rapid software to estimate the CBF Results: Of the 159 patients (median age 71 [6-82], 45% male, median NIHSS 14 [9-18]) included in the analysis, 91 (57%) patients had an exponential IGR pattern. These patients had higher CT ASPECTS (9[7-10] vs 8[7-9], p=0.038), higher glucose levels (126[114-150] vs 117[106-135], p=0.022), lower Tmax Conclusions: Parameters associated with exponential infarct growth might help to stratify the most time sensitive vulnerable LVO population in which newer therapeutic and triage strategies should be prioritized. Fig. Infarct Growth Rate Plots and Collateral Status . A shows IGR with an exponential pattern . B shows IGR with a non-exponential pattern.

Background A direct admission to angiosuite (DAA) strategy in transfer patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) is considered to decrease stroke time metrics and benefit functional outcomes. However, feasibility and effectiveness of DAA have not been established in rural settings. Fast door‐to‐reperfusion times and high‐quality reperfusion are key predictors of outcome in patients with LVO. To reduce treatment times in transferred patients with suspected LVO, we initiated a DAA triage protocol in 2017. Methods We conducted a nested interventional cohort study of adult patients with anterior LVO from January 2015 to August 2019 transferred to our center from an outside hospital. Patients were divided into DAA for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and patients directly admitted to the emergency department (DAED). DAED was subdivided into patients undergoing MT and patients who did not. Workflow times and clinical and radiographic outcomes were analyzed. Results Forty‐five DAA patients and 241 DAED patients (DAED patients undergoing MT=134 patients and DAED patients not undergoing MT=107 patients) were identified. DAA patients had significantly shorter median door‐to‐arterial‐puncture times (15 versus 71 minutes) and puncture‐to‐recanalization times (27 versus 42.5 minutes). At discharge, DAA patients had a significant decrease in median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (ΔNIHSS score 10 versus 4; P =0.02), and higher rate of dramatic clinical improvement (ΔNIHSS score >10; 48.9% versus 23.5%; P P =0.52), and mortality at 90 days ( P =0.63). When mortality was excluded, DAA patients showed a significant proportion of excellent functional outcome (mRS 0–1; 50% versus 26%) before ( P =0.04) and after ( P =0.02) adjusting for confounders. Conclusions DAA is feasible and can safely reduce reperfusion times in transferred patients with LVO to MT centers in a rural setting. Reducing workflow times may impact the functional recovery of patients undergoing MT.

Background and purpose Flow diversion has established as standard treatment for intracranial aneurysms, the Surpass Streamline is the only FDA-approved braided cobalt/chromium alloy implant with 72-96 wires. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of the Surpass in a post-marketing large United States cohort. Materials and methods This is a retrospective multicenter study of consecutive patients treated with the Surpass for intracranial aneurysms between 2018 and 2021. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and aneurysm characteristics were collected. Efficacy endpoint included aneurysm occlusion on radiographic follow-up. Safety endpoints were major ipsilateral ischemic stroke or treatment-related death. Results A total of 277 patients with 314 aneurysms were included. Median age was 60 years, 202 (73%) patients were females. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity in 156 (56%) patients. The most common location of the aneurysms was the anterior circulation in 89% (279/314). Mean aneurysm dome width was 5.77 ± 4.75 mm, neck width was 4.22 ± 3.83 mm, and dome/neck ratio was 1.63 ± 1.26. Small-sized aneurysms were 185 (59%). Single device was used in 94% of the patients, mean number of devices per patient was 1.06. At final follow-up, complete obliteration rate was 81% (194/239). Major stroke and death were encountered in 7 (3%) and 6 (2%) cases, respectively. Conclusion This is the largest cohort study using a 72–96 wire flow diverter. The Surpass Streamline demonstrated a favorable safety and efficacy profile, making it a valuable option for treating not only large but also wide-necked small and medium-sized intracranial aneurysms.

BackgroundReducing stroke workflow times when performing endovascular thrombectomy is associated with improvement in clinical outcomes. We compared outcomes among large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke patients following the direct to angiosuite (DTAS) strategy versus standard workflow (SW) when undergoing endovascular therapy.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare rates of functional outcomes, reperfusion, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and stroke workflow metrics. We included observational studies and clinical trials that compared the DTAS strategy versus SW, and at least one outcome of interest was assessed. Clinical, methodological and statistical heterogeneity were measured, and a random-effects model was used.Results12 studies were included in the systematic review and 8 in the meta-analysis (n=2890). The DTAS strategy was associated with significant higher odds of good functional outcome at 90 days (47.3% vs 34.9%; OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.14) and a significant average reduction of door-to-puncture (mean differences (MD) −35.09, 95% CI −49.76 to −20.41) and door-to-reperfusion times (MD –32.88, 95% CI –50.75 to –15.01). We found no differences in sICH (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.20), mortality (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.67) or successful reperfusion rates (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.82 to 2.29). Moreover, the DTAS strategy was associated with greater odds of dramatic clinical improvement at 24 hours (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.79).ConclusionPatients undergoing the DTAS strategy had a significant reduction in door-to-puncture and door-to-reperfusion times. This resulted in an increased rate of early neurological and 90-day functional recovery without compromising safety in LVO patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy.

Introduction: Infarct growth is affected by the collateral blood supply and ischemic tolerance and thus unlikely linear. This study aimed to better characterize infarct growth rates (IGR) after large-vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with anterior LVO stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) at two comprehensive stroke centers. Core infarct volumes at presentation (CBF Results: Of the 361 patients (age 68 ± 15, 55% female, NIHSS 14 ± 6) included in the analysis, 282 (78.1%) had successful reperfusion, and 150 (41.6%) achieved a good outcome (mRS ≤2). IGR showed an exponential growth pattern (Figure 1). There was no significant difference in the median IGR 1 between the poor and good outcome groups (2.3 vs. 1 ml, p=0.061). The median IGR 2 in patients with poor outcome was significantly higher when compared to those in the good outcome group (IGR 14.1ml/h vs. 4.62ml/h, p Conclusions: We identified an exponential infarct growth pattern after LVO stroke that differs in relation to outcome. High IGR in the interval from CTP to reperfusion is associated with worse outcomes, emphasizing the importance of future research into therapeutic approaches to slow down infarct progression.

Introduction: Safety of emergent carotid artery stenting (CAS) during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute strokes with intracranial large vessel and cervical internal carotid artery tandem occlusion is still unclear. Given the potential risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) with anti-thrombotic medications required in the setting of CAS, the decision between CAS versus carotid artery angioplasty (CAA) alone remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to identify the optimal endovascular carotid revascularization approach in this patient population, using a large, nationally representative dataset. Methods: We utilized the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016-2017 to identify patients admitted due to acute ischemic stroke who underwent anterior circulation EVT as well as CAS or CAA on the same day. Survey design methods were used to generate national estimates. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the in-hospital outcomes between patients who underwent CAS versus CAA. Survival analysis was used to estimate the 30-day readmissions. Results: We identified 2,042 hospitalizations meeting the study inclusion criteria (mean±SD age: 66.0±12.5 years, female 31.3%). Of these, 1,391 (68.1%) had undergone CAS and 651 (31.9%) CAA alone. Baseline characteristics between the two groups were similar except patients with CAS were more likely to be on anti-thrombotics and were less likely to have received intravenous thrombolysis (tPA) as compared to those with CAA. There was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes including ICH, in-hospital mortality, gastrostomy tube placement, prolonged mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and hospital charges between the two groups in unadjusted analysis and after adjustment for the demographics and tPA use. All-cause 30-day readmission rate was similar between the two groups [hazards ratio (HR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64-1.51, p-value 0.924]. Patients with CAS had more readmissions due to ICH (HR 2.72, 95% CI 0.30-24.74) and less readmissions due to ischemic events (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.12-5.08), although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Emergent CAS-EVT approach appears to be safe with no adverse outcomes compared to CAA alone.

Introduction: Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) is one of the leading causes of disability and death in US. Although Endovascular Therapy (EVT) remains the mainstay therapy during acute phase for large vessel occlusions (LVOs), functional outcome varies among the treated patients. This ischemic injury results in an inflammatory response which plays an important role in the functional and neurological outcomes. We hypothesize that the early changes in the inflammatory response near the site of occlusion can be used as predictor of long-term neurofunctional decline Methods: AIS-LVO patients presenting to an academic comprehensive stroke center (CSC) within 24 hours from their last known well and undergoing EVT were included. Blood was collected proximal and distal to the thrombus during thrombectomy. Control samples were collected from the femoral artery and median cubital vein. Cytokine analysis and deep immune profiling was performed using a 20-parameter bead array and 13-parameter flow cytometer. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) models were used for cell selection and correlation was evaluated for outcomes including mRS, NIHSS, MOCA and mortality, using R-software. Results: With 19 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, cytokine analysis revealed a significant increase in MMP and IFN-g, and decrease in GM-CSF, IL17, TNF-α, IL6, MIP-1a, and MIP-1b distal to clot. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a significant decrease in NK-T-cells, and CD8 T-cells counts and a relative increase in GM-CSF+ and IL17+ CD4 T-cells distal to clot. Immunological and neurological analysis revealed a correlation with CD4 + IFN-γ - IL10 + (r=0.7) & CD8 + IFN-γ - GMCSF + (0.6) with mRS, and CD4 + IFN-γ - IL10 + (r=0.7), CD4+ IFN-γ - IL17 + (r= -0.6), & CD8 + IFN-γ + IL17 + (r=0.7) cells with mortality. Conclusion: Our results indicate that local ischemia results in a hyperacute adaptive immune response at the site of occlusion. This immune response is predictive of functional outcome among AIS patients and is impactful in multiple ways, including the use of supportive therapy for patients with a poor functional trajectory and the use of immune-modulators at the site of ischemic injury.

Introduction: Acute ischemic strokes with intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO) and cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) tandem occlusion have traditionally been known to have a poor prognosis. Recent evidence suggests favorable functional outcomes in patients undergoing emergent carotid artery stenting (CAS) following intracranial mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular carotid revascularization (CR) performed acutely after emergent intracranial MT. Methods: We used the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016-2017 to identify patients admitted with anterior circulation LVO treated with MT. Patients who underwent CAS or carotid artery angioplasty (CAA) during the same hospitalization were also identified. Propensity scores were used to match patients with and without CR in a 1:1 ratio by demographics, comorbidities, use of intravenous thrombolysis and hospital-level characteristics. Logistic regression and survival analyses were used to compare the outcomes. Results: We identified 15,137 hospitalizations meeting the study inclusion criteria (mean±SD age:70.1±14.6, female 51.1%). Of these, 1,214 (8.0%) underwent CAS or CAA during the same hospitalization. After propensity score matching, we obtained 1,063 well matched pairs of patients with and without CR. In the matched cohort, patients who underwent CR had higher odds of hemorrhagic transformation (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07-1.69, p 0.011) and higher total hospital cost (mean difference $6,232, 95% CI 3,606-8,858, p 0.001) but other clinical outcomes including gastrostomy tube placement, decompressive craniectomy, prolonged mechanical ventilation, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and discharge disposition did not differ between the two groups. Patients with CR were less likely to have an unplanned 30-day readmission (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51-0.87, p 0.004). Further, they had more readmissions due to ICH (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.41-2.71) and less readmissions due to ischemic events (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.14-1.08), although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: If indicated, early endovascular CR for anterior circulation tandem occlusions seems to be safe with clinical outcomes comparable to patients undergoing MT alone.

Introduction: Despite treatment with mechanical thrombectomy (MT), some patients fail to regain functional independence at 90 days. The growth of the ischemic core varies across patients, and likely reflects differences in collateral flow and ischemic tolerance. In this study, we sought establish the optimal infarct growth rate (IGR) threshold to differentiate between slow and fast progressors and assess its ability to predict poor outcome. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with anterior large-vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke with successful MT (mTICI ≥ 2b) at two comprehensive stroke centers. Final infarct volume (FIV) was calculated from post-MT Diffusion-weighted MRI. Assuming relative stability of the FIV after successful reperfusion, we defined IGR as [FIV (ml)] / [Time from stroke onset to reperfusion (hours)]. Good clinical outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score (mRS) ≤2. We used Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis to calculate the optimal IGR threshold with high specificity for predicting a poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of fast progressors (IGR ≥ 7.14 ml/h) on the poor functional outcome and mortality. Results: Of the 212 patients (age 68 ± 15, 51% female, NIHSS 15 ± 7) included, 110 (51.8%) patients had a poor outcome. The median IGR was significantly higher in patients with poor compared to good outcome (7 ml/h vs. 3.1 ml/h, p Conclusions: IGR is an independent predictor of poor outcome and mortality in patients with successful MT. Early identification of this population might help to institute therapeutic strategies of accelerating reperfusion and slowing the IGR.

Despite advancement in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) techniques, 10-30% of MT for large vessel occlusions (LVO) are unsuccessful. Current prediction models fail to address the association between patient-specific factors and reperfusion. We aimed to evaluate objective, easily reproducible, admission clinical and radiological biomarkers that predict unsuccessful MT.We analyzed consecutive anterior LVO MT patients at two comprehensive stroke centers. The primary outcome was unsuccessful reperfusion defined by a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of 0-2a. We quantitatively assessed the hyperdense vessel sign by measuring Hounsfield units (HU) on admission computed tomography (CT). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to estimate the predictive value of quantitative hyperdense middle cerebral artery (MCA) measurements (delta and ratio) and of the final model for mTICI scores. We performed multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations with outcomes.Out of 348 patients 87 had unsuccessful MT. Smoking, difficult arch, vessel tortuosity, vessel calcification, diminutive vessels, truncal M1 occlusion, delta HU and HU ratio were significantly associated with unsuccessful MT in the univariate analysis. When we fitted two separate multivariate models including all significant variables and a HU measurement; delta HU6 (odds ratio, OR = 2.07, 95% confidence intervals, CI 1.09-3.92) and HU ratio ≤1.1 (OR = 2.003, 95% CI 1.05-3.81) were independently associated with failed MT after adjustment for smoking, diminutive vessels, vessel tortuosity, and difficult arch. The area under the curve AUC9 of the final model was 0.717.Novel radiological biomarkers on CT, CT angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) may help identify patients refractory to standard MT and prepare interventionalists for using additional alternative methods. Quantitative assessment of HU (delta and ratio) may be important in developing objective prediction tools for unsuccessful MT.

Background and Purpose Despite advancement in technique, around 30% of mechanical thrombectomies (MT) for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) are unsuccessful. Current prediction models fail to address the association between patient’s specific factors and post-procedural reperfusion. In the present study, we aim to evaluate pre-thrombectomy clinical and radiological features and their association with failed MT. Methods We retrospectively analyzed consecutive, adult, MT patients with anterior circulation LVO (2012–2017) treated at two large comprehensive stroke centers. We collected clinical and procedural data and reviewed imaging features from non-contrast enhanced head computed tomography (CT), CT angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We performed a quantitative assessment of hyperdense vessel on CT, measuring Hounsfield unit (HU) in the occluded side and its counterpart. The primary outcome was unsuccessful recanalization measured by the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score (0-2A). We utilized univariate and multivariate logistic regression to examine these associations. Results Out of 348 anterior LVO patients, 87 had failed MT. In univariate analysis, smoking, difficult arch, vessel tortuosity, vessel calcification specifically matching the LVO location, diminutive vessels, truncal M1 occlusion and quantitative measures for hyperdense MCA (delta HU and HU ratio) were significantly associated with failed MT. When we fitted 2 separate multivariate models delta HU or HU ratio; both delta HU Conclusions Quantitative assessment of HU utilizing delta HU and HU ratio may help identify patients refractory to standard thrombectomy strategies. Disclosures S. Ortega Gutierrez: 2; C; MEDTRONIC, STRYKER. C. Zevallos: None. F. Siddiqui: None. S. Dandapat: None. A. Dajles: None. K. Ume: None. M. Weber: None. D. Quispe: None. M. Farooqui: None. S. Ansari: None.

Background and Purpose Prior literature suggests after-hours delay leads to poor functional outcomes in stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy. We aimed to evaluate the impact of time of presentation on mechanical thrombectomy (MT) metrics and its association with long-term functional outcome in an Interventional Radiology (IR) suite equipped operating room (OR) setting. Methods Retrospective review of prospectively maintained database on all stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy between January 2015 and December 2018 at our CSC. Work hours were defined by official OR work hours (Monday-Friday 7 AM and 5 PM) and after-hours as between 5 PM and 7 AM during weekdays and weekends as well as official hospital holidays. Primary outcome was 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Secondary outcomes included door to groin puncture time and procedural complications. Results A total of 315 patients were included in the analyses. 209 (66.4%) received mechanical thrombectomy after hours and 106 (33.6%) during work hours. There was no difference in the shift distribution of functional outcome on the mRS at 90 days (OR: 1.14, CI: 0.72-1.78, p=0.58) and the percentage of patients achieving functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90 days (43.1% vs. 41.3%; p=0.83) between the after hour and work hour groups respectively. Similarly, there was no difference in median door to groin times and procedural complications among both groups, with significant year on year improvement in overall time metrics. Conclusions Our study showed that undergoing MT during off-hours had similar functional outcomes when compared to MT during working hours in an OR setting. The after-hours deleterious effect might disappear when MT is performed in a system with 24-hours in-house Anesthesia and IR tech services.

Unsuccessful recanalization rates in acute ischemic stroke patients range between 8-18%. Currently, there are no models to predict thrombectomy reperfusion success with current thrombectomy techniques. We aimed to describe the clinical and radiological features of patients with unsuccessful thrombectomy (UT) and its association with intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAD). A cohort of 413 consecutive, adult, thrombectomy patients admitted to two comprehensive stroke centers were reviewed from 2014 to 2017. Patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusions (LVOs) and a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score of ≤2a were selected. Demographics, clinical and imaging data were obtained from electronic medical records. Head CT, CT angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images were reviewed by one independent investigator to evaluate ASPECTS score, vessel calcifications, clot burden score and CTA and DSA collateral score. Proposed causes of UT were categorized based on angiography evaluation by two independent neurointerventionalists. Analysis was performed using descriptive frequency analysis and univariate logistic regression models. A total of 87 low TICI score (≤2a) patients from 413 procedures were included. The median age was 74 years (IQR 58.5-84) and 58% were female. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (73.5%), followed by hyperlipidemia (46%). TICI score of 0 was found in 23% (N=20), 1 in 9.2% (N=8), and 2a in 67.8% (N=59). The inpatient mortality rate was 19.5% (17/87). Out of the remaining 70 patients, 78.5% (N=55) had a 3-month follow up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 3-6. The most common proposed cause of poor revascularization in our study was presence of ICAD [29.9% (n=32) of patients]. In our cohort of UT patients with ICAD, 68.8% (N=22) had TICI 2a score with majority (96.8%) having a 3 months mRS of 3-6. Patients with ICAD had 7.3% increased odds of having angiographic collateral score of 5 (p=0.035) and 15.2% increased odds of having an absence of hyperdense MCA in noncontrast CT scan (p=0.003). ICAD is frequently found in patients that undergo UT. Identification of radiological predictors of ICAD may be helpful to consider alternative revascularization strategies for LVOs.

Purpose Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. Glucose transporter 4 is upregulated in response to exercise, enhancing cellular glucose transport in skeletal muscle tissue. This mechanism appears to remain intact in individuals with insulin resistance. Details of the mechanism are poorly understood and are challenging to study due to the invasive nature of muscle biopsy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) have documented insulin-sensitive GLUT4 activity and may serve as a proxy tissue for studying skeletal muscle GLUT4. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether GLUT4 in PBMC is affected by conditioning. Methods We recruited 16 student athletes from the cross-country running and skiing teams and fifteen sedentary students matched for age and sex from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected with mononuclear cell separation tubes. The GLUT4 concentrations were measured using a commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, correlations between PBMC GLUT4 and common indicators of insulin resistance were examined. Results Results indicate significantly higher PBMC GLUT4 levels in conditioned athletes than in their sedentary counterparts, similar to what has been documented in myocytes. Females were observed to have higher PBMC GLUT4 levels than males. Correlations were not detected between PBMC GLUT4 and hemoglobin A1c, glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, body mass index, or body fat. Conclusions This study provides evidence to support exploration of PBMC as a proxy tissue for studying GLUT4 response to exercise or other noninsulin factors.

Introduction: Selecting the appropriate Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device sizing for the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate different volumetric-based imaging methodologies to predict an accurate WEB device size selection to result in a successful implantation. Methods: All consecutive patients treated with WEB devices for intracranial aneurysms from January 2019 to June 2020 were included. Aneurysm dimensions to calculate aneurysm volumes were measured using three different modalities: automated three-dimensional (3D) digital subtraction angiography (DSA), manual 3D DSA, and two-dimensional (2D) DSA. The device–aneurysm volume (DAV) ratio was defined as device volume divided by the aneurysm volume. WEB volumes and the DAV ratios were used for assessing the device implantation success and follow-up angiographic outcomes at six months. Pearson correlation, Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, and density approximations were used for estimating the WEB volumes and the imaging modality volumes for successful implantation. Results: A total of 41 patients with 43 aneurysms were included in the study. WEB device and aneurysm volume correlation coefficient was highest for 3D automatic (r = 0.943), followed by 3D manual (r = 0.919), and 2D DSA (r = 0.882) measurements. Measured median volumes were significantly different for 3D automatic and 2D DSA (p = 0.017). The highest rate of successful implantation (87.5%) was between 0.6 and 0.8 DAV ratio. Conclusion: Pre-procedural assessment of DAV ratios may increase WEB device implantation success. Our results suggest that volumetric measurements, especially using automated 3D volumes of the aneurysms, can assist in accurate WEB device size selection.

Objective We aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of carotid artery stenting (CAS) performed in the hyperacute period. Methods We analyzed a retrospective database of CAS patients from our center. We included patients with symptomatic isolated ipsilateral extracranial carotid stenosis and acute tandem occlusions who underwent CAS. Hyperacute CAS (HCAS) and acute CAS (ACAS) groups were defined as CAS within 48 hours and >48 hours to 14 days from symptoms onset, respectively. The primary outcome was a composite of any stroke, myocardial infarction, or death at 3 months of follow-up. Secondary outcomes were periprocedural complications and restenosis or occlusion rates. Results We included 97 patients, 39 with HCAS and 58 with ACAS. There was no significant difference between groups for the primary outcome (HCAS 3.3% vs. ACAS 6.1%; p = 1). There were no differences in the rate of perioperative complications between groups although a trend was observed (HCAS 15.3% vs. ACAS 3.4%; p = .057). The rate of restenosis or occlusion between groups (HCAS 8.1% vs. ACAS 9,1%; log-rank test p = .8) was similar with a median time of follow-up of 13.7 months. Conclusion Based on this study, CAS may be feasible in the hyperacute period. However, there are potential higher rates of perioperative complications in the hyperacute group, primarily occurring in MT patients with acute tandem occlusion. A larger multicenter study may be needed to further corroborate our findings.

Varying concentrations of the highly conserved acute phase response protein, haptoglobin, can indicate changes to the health and disease status of mammals, including the Steller sea lion (SSL; Eumetopias jubatus). To better understand factors relating to acute phase response in SSLs, circulating haptoglobin concentrations (Hp) were quantified in plasma collected from 1,272 individuals sampled near rookeries and haulouts off the coast of Alaska, US. We compared Hp in SSLs between sexes and among different age classes (young pups, young-of-the-year, yearlings, subadults, and adults) sampled within distinct regions in Alaska (Aleutian Islands, Gulf of Alaska, Southeast Alaska). Regional and age-related differences were observed, particularly in younger SSLs. No sex-related differences were detected. We identified weakly significant relationships between Hp and hematology measurements including white blood cell counts and hematocrit in young pups from the Aleutian Islands and Southeast Alaska. No relationship between Hp and body condition was found. Lastly, a nonlinear relationship of plasma Hp and whole blood total mercury concentrations (THg) was observed in SSLs from the endangered western distinct population segment in Alaska. These results demonstrated that regional variation in Hp, especially in younger SSLs, may reflect regional differences in health and circulating THg.