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Abstract Restoring motor function after stroke necessitates involvement of numerous cognitive systems. However, the impact of damage to motor and cognitive network organization on recovery is not well understood. To discover correlates of successful recovery, we explored imaging characteristics in chronic stroke subjects by combining noninvasive brain stimulation and fMRI. Twenty stroke survivors (6 months or more after stroke) were randomly assigned to a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or sham during image acquisition. Twenty healthy subjects were included as controls. tDCS was limited to 10 min at 2 mA to serve as a mode of network modulation rather than therapeutic delivery. Fugl-Meyer Assessments (FMA) revealed significant motor improvement in the chronic stroke group receiving active stimulation (p = 0.0005). Motor changes in this group were correlated in a data-driven fashion with imaging features, including functional connectivity (FC), surface-based morphometry, electric field modeling and network topology, focusing on relevant regions of interest. We observed stimulation-related changes in FC in supplementary motor (p = 0.0029), inferior frontal gyrus (p = 0.0058), and temporo-occipital (p = 0.0095) areas, though these were not directly related to motor improvement. The feature most strongly associated with FMA improvement in the chronic stroke cohort was graph topology of the dorsal attention network (DAN), one of the regions surveyed and one with direct connections to each of the areas with FC changes. Chronic stroke subjects with a greater degree of motor improvement had lower signal transmission cost through the DAN (p = 0.029). While the study was limited by a small stroke cohort with moderate severity and variable lesion location, these results nevertheless suggest a top-down role for higher order areas such as attention in helping to orchestrate the stroke recovery process.

Background Multiple randomized trials could not establish the noninferiority of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) alone without preceding intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or superiority of IVT followed by EVT in anterior circulation large‐vessel occlusion stroke. The role of prior IVT in posterior circulation large‐vessel occlusion remains controversial. Methods In this multicenter, retrospective study, patients with stroke with large‐vessel occlusion in the posterior circulation who received EVT alone or with IVT were selected from the stroke thrombectomy and aneurysm registry between 2013 and 2022. Effects of IVT followed by thrombectomy on favorable functional outcome (defined as modified Rankin scale≤3 at 90 days) and safety were investigated using multivariable logistic and linear regression models. Results Of the 588 included patients, 67% (n = 394) were treated with EVT alone and 29% (n = 170) with EVT after IVT, and 4% (n = 24) have missing values on this variable. Controlling for multiple confounding factors, IVT was not associated with a higher likelihood of favorable functional outcome at 90 days (odds ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.52–2.09; P = 0.901). Thrombectomy alone did not show any safety advantages compared with those receiving IVT. Conclusion Similar functional outcomes and complication rates were seen in patients with posterior circulation large‐vessel occlusion treated with EVT alone versus EVT after IVT. Further prospective studies are required to determine the utility of IVT in posterior circulation stroke, especially in patients being directly admitted to thrombectomy centers.

Background Mechanical thrombectomy has become the standard of care for treatment of acute ischemic stroke secondary to large‐vessel occlusion up to 24 hours from last known normal time. Multiple different techniques for mechanical thrombectomy have been described, including a direct aspiration first‐pass technique and stent retriever thrombectomy. With a direct aspiration first‐pass technique, classically, a large‐bore aspiration catheter is delivered over a microcatheter and microwire to the clot. Recently, a novel macrowire has been introduced as a potential alternative to the use of microwire–microcatheter to allow the delivery of the aspiration catheter. The aim of this study is to develop a multicenter registry comparing delivery of an aspiration catheter for intracranial thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke secondary to emergent large‐vessel occlusion over a macrowire in comparison with traditional use of microcatheter and microwire. Methods MINT (Macrowire for Intracranial Thrombectomy) is a multicenter, observational study currently enrolling patients with large‐vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using a macrowire to deliver the aspiration catheter to the intracranial occlusion. All the participating sites will screen and report cases on a monthly basis. The decision to use the macrowire and various aspiration catheters is at the discretion of the interventionalist. Results We will collect patient's clinical, demographic, and radiographic data. In addition, we plan to collect procedure variables and postprocedure clinical and imaging data. Outcomes include successful delivery of the reperfusion catheter to the clot interface, time taken from groin access to first pass, and a bailout strategy for thrombectomy in cases where this is not feasible. Conclusion The MINT registry will add to our understanding of safety and efficacy of this novel macrowire in intracranial thrombectomy. This registry will also highlight and allow for understanding in workflow improvements from simplifying setup and possibly cost effectiveness of this technique.

Background Cerebrovascular diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Understanding demographic differences in mortality rate trends can raise awareness of demographic disparities. We sought to investigate age‐adjusted mortality trends due to cerebrovascular diseases and ischemic stroke for demographic disparities in trend from 1999 to 2020. Methods We used the publicly accessible Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database to gather mortality data to determine trends in cerebrovascular diseases and cerebral infarction mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2020. Using the Joinpoint program, temporal trends for cerebrovascular diseases and cerebral infarction mortality were calculated for each demographic group and reported as both annual percentage changes (APCs) or average APC from 1999 to 2020. In addition, trends were compared between groups for significant differences. Results We found an overall decrease in mortality rate for cerebrovascular diseases with average APC −1.9%. In 2020, age‐adjusted mortality rates due to cerebrovascular diseases in the Black population was 1031 per 1 000 000 compared with 679 in the White population. Similarly in 2020, cerebral infarction for the Black population had an age‐adjusted mortality rate of 256.3 compared with the White population's 170.4. When assessing overall trends by race and ethnic group: American Indian/Alaska Native had average APC −2.5%, Asian Pacific Americans had 2.4%, White population had −1.9%, and the Black population had −1.8%. We found a statistically significant difference in trend of decline between the Black and White population cerebrovascular diseases age‐adjusted mortality rates. No significant average APCs were found for cerebral infarction. The results of this study showcase disparities in cerebrovascular diseases mortality in the United States and where additional effort, research, and care should be focused. Conclusion The results of this study showcase disparities in mortality in the United States and where additional effort, research, and care should be focused.

Background and Purpose Outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are strongly correlated with successful recanalization, traditionally defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients with low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS; 2–5) who achieved mTICI 2b versus those who achieved mTICI 2c/3 after MT. Methods This study utilized data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), which combined databases from 32 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers between 2013 and 2023. The study included only patients with low ASPECTS who achieved mTICI 2b, 2c, or 3 after MT for internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (M1) stroke. Results Of the 10,229 patients who underwent MT, 234 met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 98 (41.9%) achieved mTICI 2b, and 136 (58.1%) achieved mTICI 2c/3. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The 90-day favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score: 0–3) was significantly better in the mTICI 2c/3 group than in the mTICI 2b group (adjusted odds ratio 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–4.81; P=0.02). Binomial logistic regression revealed that achieving mTICI 2c/3 was significantly associated with higher odds of a favorable 90-day outcome (odds ratio 2.14; 95% CI 1.07–4.41; P=0.04). Conclusion In patients with low ASPECTS, achieving an mTICI 2c/3 score after MT is associated with a more favorable 90-day outcome. These findings suggest that mTICI 2c/3 is a better target for MT than mTICI 2b in patients with low ASPECTS.

ImportanceStroke-to-recanalization time is a strong predictor of outcomes in anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (LVO). The authors aimed to evaluate functional outcomes in early (

Background As the number of thrombectomy passes increases during endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute stroke, neurointerventionalists must weigh the risks of potential complications against the risk of failing to recanalize the affected vessel. Thus, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of EVT for patients with acute stroke in which ≥5 EVT passes were performed. Methods This retrospective cohort study from January 2013 to December 2022 included 31 thrombectomy‐capable centers. Patients in whom ≥5 EVT passes were made were included in the analysis. The patients with successful recanalization defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b at 5, 6, 7, or more passes were compared with unsuccessful recanalization. We also compared procedure time, separated by 30 minutes. Primary outcome was a favorable 90‐day outcome (modified Rankin scale score of 0–2). Secondary outcomes were intracranial hemorrhage and death. Results A total of 407 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 175 were women (43.1%); the mean age was 67.3 years. In 265 (65.1%) patients, successful recanalization was achieved: 134 patients with 5 passes, 67 patients with 6 passes, and 64 with ≥7 passes. Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration was more common in the unsuccessful recanalization group (successful recanalization with 5, 6, and ≥7 EVT passes and unsuccessful recanalization: 35.3%, 30.3%, 18.8%, and 45.4%, respectively). Successful recanalization with 5, 6, and ≥7 EVT passes was associated with favorable outcome compared with unsuccessful recanalization group (adjusted odds ratio successful recanalization with 5, 6, and ≥7 EVT passes to unsuccessful recanalization [95% CIs]: 8.29 [2.13–32.3]; 14.0 [3.27–60.3]; and 5.26 [1.12–24.8], respectively). However, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was not significantly different between the groups. Regarding procedure time, favorable outcome was not significantly different in each group, while symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred more frequently in the 60 to 89 minutes group compared with the

Background and Purpose Vessel recanalization after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is associated with favorable outcomes and lower mortality. Several studies examined the timing and predictors of recanalization after CVT with mixed results. We aimed to investigate predictors and timing of recanalization after CVT. Methods We used data from the multicenter, international AntiCoagulaTION in the Treatment of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (ACTION-CVT) study of consecutive patients with CVT from January 2015 to December 2020. Our analysis included patients that had undergone repeat venous neuroimaging more than 30 days after initiation of anticoagulation treatment. Prespecified variables were included in univariate and multivariable analyses to identify independent predictors of failure to recanalize. Results Among the 551 patients (mean age, 44.4±16.2 years, 66.2% women) that met inclusion criteria, 486 (88.2%) had complete or partial, and 65 (11.8%) had no recanalization. The median time to first follow-up imaging study was 110 days (interquartile range, 60–187). In multivariable analysis, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.07), male sex (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.24–0.80), and lack of parenchymal changes on baseline imaging (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29–0.96) were associated with no recanalization. The majority of improvement in recanalization (71.1%) occurred before 3 months from initial diagnosis. A high percentage of complete recanalization (59.0%) took place within the first 3 months after CVT diagnosis. Conclusion Older age, male sex, and lack of parenchymal changes were associated with no recanalization after CVT. The majority recanalization occurred early in the disease course suggesting limited further recanalization with anticoagulation beyond 3 months. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Introduction Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for patients with large vessel occlusion and salvageable tissue. Whether the benefit of thrombectomy is maintained for patients transferred to a thrombectomy‐capable center in a real‐world setting remains unknown. In this study, we sought to assess clinical outcomes of MT following inter‐hospital transfer. Methods We collected data for all patients who underwent MT at a single center between May 2016 and July 2021. Outcomes were compared between transferred and direct admit patients. Our outcomes measurements included National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. We used Mann‐Whitney U and chi‐square tests for univariate analysis. Multivariate regression analysis was also carried out to assess the relationship between transfer status and long‐term functional independence (90 days mRS 0‐2) controlling for age, sex, symptom‐onset to groin time, IV thrombolysis, and baseline NIHSS. Results 246/620 (40%) patients undergoing MT were transferred and 374/620 (60%) presented directly to our institution. There was no difference in age (68 vs. 70 years, P=0.58), baseline NIHSS (16 vs. 15, P=0.20), or ASPECTs score (7 vs. 8, P=0.06) in the transferred and direct admit groups, respectively. The duration from symptom‐onset to groin was longer (393 vs. 270 min, P

Background Mechanical thrombectomy has been shown to be effective in patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to large‐vessel occlusion and small to moderate infarct volume. However, there are no randomized clinical trials for large‐core infarct volume comparing mechanical thrombectomy to medical therapy in the population selected based solely on noncontrast computed tomography brain scan. The TESLA (Thrombectomy for Emergent Salvage of Large Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke) randomized clinical trial is designed to address this clinical question. Methods The TESLA trial aim is to demonstrate the efficacy (3‐month and 1‐year disability following stroke) and safety of intraarterial mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large‐volume infarction assessed with a noncontrast computed tomography scan. The TESLA trial design is a prospective, randomized controlled, multicenter, open‐label, assessor‐blinded anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke trial with adaptive enrichment design, enrolling up to 300 patients. Patients with anterior circulation large‐vessel occlusion who meet the imaging and clinical eligibility criteria with a large‐core infarction on the basis of noncontrast computed tomography Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (2–5) adjudicated by a site investigator will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo intraarterial thrombectomy or best medical management up to 24 hours from last known well. Results The primary efficacy outcome is utility‐weighted modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score distribution at 90 days between the groups. The results will be based on an intention‐to‐treat analysis that will examine the Bayesian posterior probability that, adjusted for Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, patients with large‐core infarct volume treated with intra‐arterial thrombectomy have higher expected utility‐weighted mRS than those treated with best medical management alone. The primary safety outcome is the 90‐day death rate. Key secondary outcomes are dichotomized mRS 0 to 2 and 0 to 3 outcomes, ordinal mRS scores, and quality of life (EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level survey) at 90 days and 1 year, utility‐weighted mRS at 1 year, hemicraniectomy rate, and rate of 24‐hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in both groups. Conclusion TESLA is a pragmatic trial, designed to address the unanswered question of the efficacy and safety of intra‐arterial thrombectomy in patients with large infarcts diagnosed by the site investigator only on noncontrast computed tomography scan secondary to anterior circulation large‐vessel occlusion up to 24 hours from stroke symptoms onset.

Background Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) failure occurs in ≈10% to 20% of MTs. Among the common causes of failed MT is residual underlying intracranial stenosis (ICAS), typically attributable to atherosclerotic disease. ICAS large‐vessel occlusion (ICAS‐LVO) remains poorly understood, and management of ICAS‐LVO is unclear. The RESCUE‐ICAS (Registry of Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion Due to Intracranial Stenosis) aims at providing better understanding of the prevalence of ICAS‐LVO, and the overall safety and efficacy of various rescue therapies. Methods RESCUE‐ICAS is a multicenter, international, prospective registry that is currently enrolling patients with ICAS‐LVO who underwent MT. All sites are required to report monthly MT cases that meet inclusion criteria. The decision of whether to use rescue therapy is up to the interventionist. Results We will collect patients’ demographic, clinical, and radiographic data at baseline. Also, we will capture variables related to the MT procedure and rescue therapy (if performed), and postprocedural clinical and imaging variables. Outcomes include the rate of successful recanalization, defined by modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of ≥2b, the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, the 90‐day modified Rankin scale score, and mortality. Conclusions No strong evidence is currently available to support an optimal treatment strategy for patients with ICAS‐LVO undergoing MT. RESCUE‐ICAS is a prospective cohort study that will provide important data to help design randomized controlled trials.

Background Mechanical thrombectomy of middle cerebral artery M2 segment occlusion of the middle cerebral artery has reported safety and efficacy in recent post‐hoc and observational studies. However, there is no known benefit of mechanical thrombectomy for patients with M2 segment occlusions in the delayed time window (>6 hours). Methods The Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) is a prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized observational study registry for acute ischemic stroke thrombectomy and aneurysm treatment. We analyzed all patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy within the late time window (>6 hours from symptom onset) involving isolated M2 occlusions. We used propensity score matching to select a comparison group of patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for M1 occlusion in the same time window. Results Of 1083 consecutive patients analyzed, propensity matching yielded 180 well matched M1 and M2 pairs. Baseline demographics were well balanced between the groups (M1 and M2). Alberta stroke program early CT score (7.6±1.7 versus 8.3±1.5; P

Introduction Acute stroke patients presenting with large vessel occlusion secondary to intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS‐LVO) may require rescue therapy (RT) in addition to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to achieve and maintain successful recanalization. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of comparative studies that reported outcomes of RT in ICAS‐LVO patients to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Methods Databases searched include PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and Scopus from database date of inception through August 17, 2021. We included comparative studies that reported the outcomes of ICAS‐LVO RT compared to outcomes of ICAS‐LVO patients who did not undergo RT or to those presenting with embolic LVO patients (non‐ICAS LVO). Meta‐analysis using the random effects model was used to combine estimates reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Total of 9 nonrandomized studies were included: 5 studies in ICAS‐LVO RT vs. ICAS‐LVO non‐RT analysis and 5 ICAS‐LVO RT vs. non‐ICAS LVO analysis. Rescue treatments included intra‐arterial antiplatelets, angioplasty, stenting or combination of treatments. Compared to non‐RT ICAS LVO, RT was associated with increased favorable 90‐day outcome (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.91‐5.32, I2 14%) and decreased 90‐day mortality (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16‐0.76, I2 21%) (Figure 1). In the analysis of ICAS LVO vs embolic LVO, the incidence of favorable 90‐day outcome and 90‐day mortality did not differ between the ICAS‐LVO RT and non‐ICAS LVO (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.58‐1.64, I2 50%) and (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.90‐1.66, I2 0%), respectively. Conclusions Rescue treatment is associated with better outcomes in ICAS‐LVO patients. The outcomes of ICAS‐LVO patients who receive RT may be comparable to embolic LVO patients (non‐ICAS LVO).

Background Patients with acute stroke presenting with large vessel occlusion secondary to intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS‐LVO) may require rescue therapy (RT) in addition to mechanical thrombectomy to achieve and maintain successful recanalization. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of comparative studies that reported outcomes of RT in patients with ICAS‐LVO to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Methods Databases searched include PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and Scopus from database date of inception through August 17, 2021. We included comparative studies that reported the outcomes of ICAS‐LVO RT compared with outcomes of patients with ICAS‐LVO who did not undergo RT or to those patients presenting with embolic large vessel occlusion (non–ICAS‐LVO). Meta‐analysis using the random‐effects model was used to combine estimates reporting odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Results A total of 9 nonrandomized studies were included: 5 studies in ICAS‐LVO RT versus ICAS‐LVO non‐RT analysis and 5 in ICAS‐LVO RT versus non‐ICAS LVO analysis. Rescue treatments included intra‐arterial antiplatelets, angioplasty, stenting, or a combination of treatments. Compared with non‐RT ICAS‐LVO, RT was associated with an increased favorable 90‐day outcome (OR, 3.19 [95% CI, 1.91–5.32]; I2 = 14%) and decreased 90‐day mortality (OR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.16–0.76]; I2 = 21%). In the analysis of ICAS‐LVO RT versus embolic LV, the incidence of favorable 90‐day outcome and 90‐day mortality did not differ between ICAS‐LVO RT and non–ICAS‐LVO (OR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.58–1.64; I2 = 50%]; and OR, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.90–1.66; I2 = 0%], respectively). Conclusions Rescue treatment is likely associated with better outcomes in patients with ICAS‐LVO. The outcomes of patients with ICAS‐LVO who receive RT may be comparable with patients with embolic large vessel occlusion (non–ICAS‐LVO).

Background Mechanical thrombectomy has become the first‐line treatment strategy for patients with large‐vessel occlusion strokes. Often >1 thrombectomy maneuver is necessary to achieve reperfusion. A first‐pass (FP) effect with improved functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy has been described. Aim of the present study is to investigate the FP effect in a large, international, multicenter stroke database. Methods Patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for large‐vessel occlusion stroke in the anterior cerebral circulation between January 2014 and January 2021 and achieved complete reperfusion were identified from the STAR (Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry). We compared functional outcomes of patients with FP (defined as modified treatment in cerebral ischemia score 3 after a single thrombectomy maneuver) versus multiple‐pass complete reperfusion (defined as modified treatment in cerebral ischemia 3 after ≥1 thrombectomy maneuver). Results A total of 1481 patients with anterior circulation large‐vessel occlusion stroke and successful recanalization were included in the analysis. FP complete recanalization was achieved in 778 patients versus 703 patients with multiple‐pass complete reperfusion. Patients with FP complete recanalization had higher Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT [Computed Tomography] Score at baseline (9 [7–10] versus 8 [7–10]; P=0.002), were less likely to be men (47% versus 51%; P=0.078) and to have intracranial internal carotid artery occlusions (14% versus 27%), as well as more likely to have M1/M2 occlusions (86% versus 73%; P

Background Patients with emergent large vessel occlusion secondary to intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis who fail mechanical thrombectomy pose a treatment challenge. The aim of this study is to report our single‐center experience using the Neuroform Atlas stent as a potential rescue modality. Methods Data were analyzed from a prospectively maintained database at a Comprehensive Stroke Center between January 2019 and September 2021 of all patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis–emergent large vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy and required rescue stenting with the Neuroform Atlas. We systematically gathered demographic, clinical, procedural, and functional characteristics on patients presenting with emergent large vessel occlusion within 24 hours of last known normal. The primary outcome was the rate of revascularization following stenting. Results Twenty‐six patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 56.5 years, 34.6% of whom were women. On presentation, the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 11 and median Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score was 9. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed using a direct aspiration, first‐pass technique in all patients. Following Neuroform Atlas stent placement, 3 patients (11.5%) had moderate in‐stent stenosis, while severe stenosis was encountered in 4 patients (15.4%). The rate of successful revascularization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2B–3) was identified in 92.3% of the patients. On follow‐up vascular images, reocclusion occurred in 2 patients (7.7%) and symptomatic hemorrhage was encountered in 3 patients (11.5%). Excellent outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin scale 0–2) was achieved in 13 of 26 (50%) patients. Conclusion Our series provides preliminary safety and efficacy data regarding the use of the Neuroform Atlas stent as a rescue modality in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis–emergent large vessel occlusion cases.

Background In cases of failed recanalization despite modern mechanical thrombectomy (MT) techniques, intracranial rescue stenting (RS) may be beneficial. However, outcomes and complications of RS relative to the natural history of ongoing emergent large vessel occlusion are unknown. To evaluate whether RS for ongoing emergent large vessel occlusion after failed MT achieves superior outcomes to the natural history of persistent emergent large vessel occlusion. Methods Patients from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry who underwent RS after failed MT from 2014 to 2019 were analyzed. For outcome comparisons, patients were screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria of 3 major randomized, controlled MT trials. Results Over 5 years, 2827 patients underwent thrombectomy, of which 120 required RS for failed revascularization. RS resulted in reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction≥2B) in 85.8%. Good 90‐day clinical outcomes (modified Rankin scale 0–2) were achieved in 33.9% of patients. Inclusion/exclusion criteria was met in 50 patients for MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands), 64 patients for ESCAPE (Endovascular Treatment for Small Core and Proximal Occlusion Ischemic Stroke), and 45 patients for DAWN (DWI or CTP Assessment With Clinical Mismatch in the Triage of Wake‐Up and Late Presenting Strokes Undergoing Neurointervention). Of patients meeting trial criteria, 40.8% of the RS cohort achieved modified Rankin scale 0–2 versus 19% in the MR CLEAN medical arm (P

Intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) is one of the most common causes of stroke worldwide and is associated with high risk of stroke recurrence. While the most common clinical presentation is acute–subacute transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke, occasionally, patients with underlying ICAS present with acute occlusion of the affected vessel. Diagnosis and endovascular management of ICAS-related emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) can be challenging. Herein, we review the current evidence supporting endovascular management of ICAS-related ELVO and discuss future directions.

Background Some emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVOs) are refractory to reperfusion because of underlying intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS), often requiring rescue therapy (RT) with balloon angioplasty, stenting, or both. In this study, we investigate the safety, efficacy, and long‐term outcomes of RT in the setting of mechanical thrombectomy for ICAS‐related ELVO. Methods and Results We queried the databases of 10 thrombectomy‐capable centers in North America and Europe included in STAR (Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry). Patients with ELVO who underwent ICAS‐related RT were included. A matched sample was produced for variables of age, admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, onset to groin puncture time, occlusion site, and final recanalization. Out of 3025 patients with MT, 182 (6%) patients required RT because of underlying ICAS. Balloon angioplasty was performed on 122 patients, and 117 patients had intracranial stenting. In the matched analysis, 141 patients who received RT matched to a similar number of controls. The number of thrombectomy passes was higher (3 versus 1, P

Intracranial atherosclerotic arterial stenosis (ICAS) is one of the most common causes of stroke worldwide and is associated with particularly a high risk of recurrent stroke. Although aggressive medical management, consisting of dual antiplatelet therapy and intensive control of vascular risk factors, has improved the prognosis of patients with ICAS, subgroups of patients remain at very high risk of stroke. More effective therapies for these high-risk patients are urgently needed. One promising treatment is remote limb ischemic conditioning, which involves producing repetitive, transient ischemia of a limb by inflating a blood pressure cuff with the intention of protecting the brain from subsequent ischemia. In this study, we review the limitations of currently available treatments, discuss the potential mechanisms of action of ischemic conditioning, describe the preclinical and clinical data suggesting a possible role of ischemic conditioning in treating patients with ICAS, and outline the questions that still need to be answered in future studies of ischemic conditioning in subjects with ICAS.