Search

The therapeutic focus in acute ischemic stroke over the last 2.5 decades has been to balance the benefits of rapid reperfusion therapy with the risks of treatment-related complications. Both intravenous thrombolytics and endovascular thrombectomy are proven to substantially improve outcomes in a time-dependent manner. Each minute saved in achieving successful reperfusion grants an additional week of healthy life and may salvage up to 27 million neurons. The current approach to patient triage is inherited from the preendovascular thrombectomy era of stroke care. Current workflow concentrates on stabilization, diagnosis, and decision-making in the emergency department, followed by thrombolysis if eligible and subsequent transfer to the angiography suite as needed for further treatment. Multiple efforts have been directed toward minimizing the time from first medical contact to reperfusion therapy including prehospital triage and intrahospital workflow. Novel approaches for stroke patient triage such as the direct to angio approach, (also referred to as One Stop Management) are currently in development. The concept was initially introduced as several single-center experiences. In this narrative review article, we will consider various definitions of direct to angio and its variants, discuss its rationale, review its safety and efficacy, assess its feasibility, and delineate its limitations. Further, we will address methods to overcome these limitations and the potential impact of emerging data and new technologies on the direct-to-angio approach.

Background: We aim to assess whether time of day modified the treatment effect in the RACECAT trial (Direct Transfer to an Endovascular Center Compared to Transfer to the Closest Stroke Center in Acute Stroke Patients With Suspected Large Vessel Occlusion Trial), a cluster-randomized trial that did not demonstrate the benefit of direct transportation to a thrombectomy-capable center versus nearest local stroke center for patients with a suspected large vessel stroke triaged in nonurban Catalonia between March 2017 and June 2020. Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of RACECAT to evaluate if the association between initial transport routing and functional outcome differed according to trial enrollment time: daytime (8:00 am –8:59 pm ) and nighttime (9:00 pm –7:59 am ). Primary outcome was disability at 90 days, as assessed by the shift analysis on the modified Rankin Scale score, in patients with ischemic stroke. Subgroup analyses according to stroke subtype were evaluated. Results: We included 949 patients with an ischemic stroke, of whom 258 patients(27%) were enrolled during nighttime. Among patients enrolled during nighttime, direct transport to a thrombectomy-capable center was associated with lower degrees of disability at 90 days (adjusted common odds ratio [acOR], 1.620 [95% CI, 1.020–2.551]); no significant difference between trial groups was present during daytime (acOR, 0.890 [95% CI, 0.680–1.163]; P interaction =0.014). Influence of nighttime on the treatment effect was only evident in patients with large vessel occlusion(daytime, acOR 0.766 [95% CI, 0.548–1.072]; nighttime, acOR, 1.785 [95% CI, 1.024–3.112] ; P interaction P interaction >0.1 for all comparisons). We observed longer delays in alteplase administration, interhospital transfers, and mechanical thrombectomy initiation during nighttime in patients allocated to local stroke centers. Conclusions: Among patients evaluated during nighttime for a suspected acute severe stroke in non-urban areas of Catalonia, direct transport to a thrombectomy-capable center was associated with lower degrees of disability at 90 days. This association was only evident in patients with confirmed large vessel occlusion on vascular imaging. Time delays in alteplase administration and interhospital transfers might mediate the observed differences in clinical outcome. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT02795962.

Mechanical thrombectomy; New device; Stroke Trombectomia mecànica; Nou dispositiu; Ictus Trombectomía mecánica; Nuevo dispositivo; Ictus Introduction The ANA™ (Anaconda Biomed) thrombectomy system is a novel stroke thrombectomy device comprising a self-expanding funnel designed to reduce clot fragmentation by locally restricting flow while becoming as wide as the lodging artery. Once deployed, ANA allows distal aspiration in combination with a stentretriever (SR) to mobilize the clot into the funnel where it remains copped during extraction. We investigate safety and efficacy of ANA™ in a first-in-man study. Methods Prospective data was collected on 35 consecutive patients treated as first line with ANA™ at a single centre. Outcome measures included per-pass reperfusion scores, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), NIHSS at day 5, and mRS at 90 days. Results Median NIHSS was 12(9−18). Sites of primary occlusion were: 5 ICA, 15 M1-MCA, 15 M2-MCA. Primary performance endpoint, mTICI 2b-3 within 3 passes without rescue therapy was achieved in 91.4% (n = 32) of patients; rate of complete recanalization (mTICI 2c-3) was 65.7%. First pass complete recanalization rate was 42.9%, and median number of ANA passes 1(IQR: 1−2). In 17.1% (n = 6) rescue treatment was used; median number of rescue passes was 2(1–7), leading to a final mTICI2b-3rate of 94.3% (n = 33). There were no device related serious adverse events, and rate of sICH was 5.7% (n = 2). At 5 days median NIHSS was 1 (IQR 1−6) and 90 days mRS 0−2 was achieved in 60% of patients. Conclusions In this initial clinical experience, the ANA™ device achieved a high rate of complete recanalization with a good safety profile and favourable 90 days clinical outcomes. The study was funded by Anaconda Biomed S.L.

BACKGROUND The safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion presenting beyond 24 hours from last known well (LKW) remains undetermined. METHODS In this single center study, we identified patients with large vessel occlusion who were eligible for EVT based on noncontrast computed tomography (CT)/CT angiography (without CT perfusion or magnetic resonance imaging) using an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score of ≥5, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of ≥6, and presenting beyond 24 hours from LKW, between January 2018 and March 2022. During the study period, EVT service limitations meant patients eligible for EVT presenting outside service hours, routinely received best medical management (BMM). Functional and safety outcomes were compared between patients receiving EVT or BMM following multivariable adjustment for age, baseline stroke severity, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, time from LKW, IV thrombolysis, and clot location. RESULTS Among 35 patients presenting beyond 24 hours from LKW and eligible for EVT, 19 (54%) were treated with EVT and 16 (46%) with BMM. Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score were similar across both groups (EVT: 7 [6.75–8] versus BMM: 7 [6–8]), but not the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (EVT: 17 [11–19.5] versus BMM: 20 [9.75–26]). No significant difference was observed between the EVT and BMM groups in the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (5.3% versus 0%; P =0.28) or mortality (26.3% versus 37.5%; P =0.42) rates, respectively. The modified Rankin scale at 90 days (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 1.94; [95% CI 0.42–8.87]; P =0.39) and functional independence rate, although numerically higher in the EVT group compared with the BMM group (modified Rankin scale≤2; 36.9% versus 18.8%; adjusted OR, 4.34; [95% CI 0.34–54.83]; P =0.25), were not significantly different. 94.7% of patients treated with EVT achieved successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b–3). CONCLUSION In routine clinical practice, EVT beyond 24 hours from LKW appears safe and feasible, when performed in patients with acute ischemic stroke who were deemed eligible for EVT by noncontrast CT /CT angiography alone. A large collaborative randomized trial assessing the efficacy of EVT beyond 24 hours is warranted. Our findings provide a basis for the sample size estimate for an adequately powered trial.

Background The efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) >6 hours from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) onset for patients selected without computed tomography (CT) perfusion or magnetic resonance imaging is undetermined in routine clinical practice. Methods In this single‐center study, we identified consecutive late‐presenting patients with AIS who were eligible for EVT on the basis of noncontrast CT/CT angiography (without CT perfusion or magnetic resonance imaging) using an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score of ≥6, >6 hours from stroke onset, between January 2018 and March 2022. During the study period, EVT capacity limitations meant EVT‐eligible patients presenting out of regular working hours, consistently received best medical management (BMM). Functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale at 90 days), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality at 90 days were compared between patients receiving EVT or BMM following multivariable adjustment for age, sex, baseline stroke severity, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, onset‐to‐neuroimaging time, intravenous thrombolysis, and clot location. Results Among 4802 patients with AIS, 150 patients (3.1%) presenting beyond 6 hours of onset were eligible for EVT: 74 (49%) treated with EVT and 76 (51%) with BMM. Compared with the BMM group, patients treated with EVT had significantly improved functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) (adjusted common odds ratio, 2.23 [95% CI, 1.18–4.22]; P =0.013), and higher rates of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale ≤2; 39.2.% versus 9.2%; adjusted odds ratio, =4.73 [95% CI, 1.64–13.63]; P =0.004). No significant difference was observed between the EVT and BMM groups in the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (5.4% versus 2.6%; P =0.94) or mortality (20.2% versus 47.3%; P =0.16) rates, respectively. Conclusion In routine clinical practice, of the 3.1% of patients in our AIS population presenting after 6 hours from stroke onset who were deemed eligible for EVT by noncontrast CT/CT angiography alone, those treated with EVT achieved significantly improved functional outcome, compared with patients treated with BMM only. No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups with respect to symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. While confirmatory randomized trials are awaited, these findings suggest that EVT is effective and safe when performed in patients with AIS selected without CT perfusion or magnetic resonance imaging >6 hours from stroke onset.

Background: The optimal imaging paradigm for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) patient selection in early time window (0–6 hours) treated acute ischemic stroke patients remains uncertain. We aimed to compare post-EVT outcomes between patients who underwent prerandomization basic (noncontrast computed tomography [CT], CT angiography only) versus additional advanced imaging (computed tomography perfusion [CTP] imaging) and to determine the association of performance of prerandomization CTP imaging with clinical outcomes. Methods: The HERMES collaboration (Highly Effective Reperfusion Evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials) pooled patient-level data from randomized controlled trials comparing EVT with usual care for acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Good functional outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2 at 90 days, was compared between randomized patients with and without CTP baseline imaging. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of baseline CTP imaging and good functional outcome. Results: We analyzed 1348 patients 610 (45.3%) of whom underwent CTP prerandomization. The benefit of EVT compared with best medical management was maintained irrespective of the baseline imaging paradigm (90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0–2 in EVT versus control patients: with CTP: 46.0% (137/298) versus 28.9% (88/305), without CTP: 44.1% (162/367) versus 27.3% (100/366). Performance of CTP baseline imaging compared with baseline noncontrast CT and CT angiography only yielded similar rates of good outcome (odds ratio, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.82–1.33], adjusted odds ratio, 1.04, [95% CI, 0.80–1.35]). Conclusions: Rates of good functional outcome were similar among patients in whom CTP was or was not performed, and EVT treatment effect in the 0- to 6-hour time window was similar in patients with and without baseline CTP imaging.

BackgroundEarly neurological deterioration (END) after endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with poor outcome. END may remain unexplained by parenchymal hemorrhage (UnEND). We aim to analyze the risk factors of UnEND in the medical management (MM) and EVT arms of the HERMES study.MethodsWe conducted a post-hoc analysis of anterior AIS patients who underwent EVT for proximal anterior occlusions. Risk factors of UnEND, defined as a worsening of ≥4 points between baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and NIHSS at 24 hours without hemorrhage, were compared between both arms using mixed logistic regression models adjusted for baseline characteristics. An interaction analysis between the EVT and MM arms for risk factors of UnEND was conducted.ResultsAmong 1723 patients assessable for UnEND, 160 patients experienced an UnEND (9.3%), including 9.1% (78/854) in the EVT arm and 9.4% (82/869) in the MM arm. There was no significant difference in the incidence of UnEND between the two study arms. In the EVT population, independent risk factors of UnEND were lower baseline NIHSS, higher baseline glucose, and lower collateral grade. In the MM population, the only independent predictor of UnEND was higher baseline glucose. However, we did not demonstrate an interaction between EVT and MM for baseline factors as risk factors of UnEND. UnEND was, similarly in both treatment groups, a significant predictor of unfavorable outcome in both the EVT (pConclusionsUnEND is not an uncommon event, with a similar rate which ever treatment arm is considered. In the clinical scenario of AIS due to large vessel occlusion, no patient-related factor seems to increase the risk for UnEND when treated by EVT compared with MM.

Trials examining the benefit of thrombectomy in anterior circulation proximal large vessel occlusion stroke have enrolled patients considered to have salvageable brain tissue, who were randomly assigned beyond 6 h and (depending on study protocol) up to 24 h from time last seen well. We aimed to estimate the benefit of thrombectomy overall and in prespecified subgroups through individual patient data meta-analysis.We did a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis between Jan 1, 2010, and March 1, 2021, of randomised controlled trials of endovascular stroke therapy. In the Analysis Of Pooled Data From Randomized Studies Of Thrombectomy More Than 6 Hours After Last Known Well (AURORA) collaboration, the primary outcome was disability on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days, analysed by ordinal logistic regression. Key safety outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage and mortality within 90 days.Patient level data from 505 individuals (n=266 intervention, n=239 control; mean age 68·6 years [SD 13·7], 259 [51·3%] women) were included from six trials that met inclusion criteria of 17 screened published randomised trials. Primary outcome analysis showed a benefit of thrombectomy with an unadjusted common odds ratio (OR) of 2·42 (95% CI 1·76-3·33; p0·0001) and an adjusted common OR (for age, gender, baseline stroke severity, extent of infarction on baseline head CT, and time from onset to random assignment) of 2·54 (1·83-3·54; p0·0001). Thrombectomy was associated with higher rates of independence in activities of daily living (mRS 0-2) than best medical therapy alone (122 [45·9%] of 266 vs 46 [19·3%] of 238; p0·0001). No significant difference between intervention and control groups was found when analysing either 90-day mortality (44 [16·5%] of 266 vs 46 [19·3%] of 238) or symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (14 [5·3%] of 266 vs eight [3·3%] of 239). No heterogeneity of treatment effect was noted across subgroups defined by age, gender, baseline stroke severity, vessel occlusion site, baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, and mode of presentation; treatment effect was stronger in patients randomly assigned within 12-24 h (common OR 5·86 [95% CI 3·14-10·94]) than those randomly assigned within 6-12 h (1·76 [1·18-2·62]; pThese findings strengthen the evidence for benefit of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with evidence of reversible cerebral ischaemia across the 6-24 h time window and are relevant to clinical practice. Our findings suggest that in these patients, thrombectomy should not be withheld on the basis of mode of presentation or of the point in time of presentation within the 6-24 h time window.Stryker Neurovascular.

Background: Two early basilar artery occlusion (BAO) randomized controlled trials did not establish superiority of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) over medical management. While many providers continue to recommend EVT for acute BAO, perceptions of equipoise in randomizing patients with BAO to medical management may differ between clinician specialties. Methods: We conducted an international survey (1/1/22-3/31/22) regarding management strategies in acute BAO prior to the announcement of 2 trials indicating superiority of EVT, and compared responses between interventionalists (INT) and non-interventionalists (nINT). Selection practices for routine EVT based on neuroimaging and clinical features were compared between the two groups using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 1245 respondents (nINT=702), INT more commonly believed that EVT was superior to medical management in acute BAO (98.5% vs. 95.1%, p0.05), although nINT more commonly preferred perfusion imaging (24.2% vs. 19.7%, p=0.04). Among respondents who indicated they would randomize to medical management, INT were more likely to randomize when the NIHSS was ≥10 (15.9% vs. 6.9%, p Conclusions: Following the publication of two neutral clinical trials in BAO EVT, most stroke providers believed EVT to be superior to medical management in carefully selected patients, with most indicating they would not randomize a patient to medical treatment. There were small differences in preference of advanced neuroimaging, although these preferences were unsupported by clinical trial data.

Background: The proper imaging modality for use in the selection of patients for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) presenting in the late window remains controversial, despite current guidelines advocating the use of advanced imaging in this population. We sought to understand if clinicians with different specialty training differ in their approach to patient selection for EVT in the late time window. Methods: We conducted an international survey of stroke and neurointerventional clinicians between January and May 2022 with questions focusing on imaging and treatment decisions of large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients presenting in the late window. Interventional neurologists, interventional neuroradiologists, and endovascular neurosurgeons were defined as interventionists whereas all other specialties were defined as non-interventionists. The non-interventionist group was defined by all other specialties of the respondents: stroke neurologist, neuroradiologist, emergency medicine physician, trainee (fellows and residents) and others. Results: Of 3000 invited to participate, 1506 (1027 non-interventionists, 478 interventionists, 1 declined to specify) physicians completed the study. Interventionist respondents were more likely to proceed directly to EVT (39.5% vs. 19.5%; p < 0.0001) compared to non-interventionist respondents in patients with favorable ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score). Despite no difference in access to advanced imaging, interventionists were more likely to prefer CT/CTA alone (34.8% vs. 21.0%) and less likely to prefer CT/CTA/CTP (39.1% vs. 52.4%) for patient selection (p < 0.0001). When faced with uncertainty, non-interventionists were more likely to follow clinical guidelines (45.1% vs. 30.2%) while interventionists were more likely to follow their assessment of evidence (38.7% vs. 27.0%) (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Interventionists were less likely to use advanced imaging techniques in selecting LVO patients presenting in the late window and more likely to base their decisions on their assessment of evidence rather than published guidelines. These results reflect gaps between interventionists and non-interventionists reliance on clinical guidelines, the limits of available evidence, and clinician belief in the utility of advanced imaging.

© 2023 American Society of Neuroimaging., Background and purpose: Two early basilar artery occlusion (BAO) randomized controlled trials did not establish the superiority of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) over medical management. While many providers continue to recommend EVT for acute BAO, perceptions of equipoise in randomizing patients with BAO to EVT versus medical management may differ between clinician specialties. Methods: We conducted an international survey (January 18, 2022 to March 31, 2022) regarding management strategies in acute BAO prior to the announcement of two trials indicating the superiority of EVT, and compared responses between interventionalists (INTs) and non-interventionalists (nINTs). Selection practices for routine EVT and perceptions of equipoise regarding randomizing to medical management based on neuroimaging and clinical features were compared between the two groups using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 1245 respondents (nINTs = 702), INTs more commonly believed that EVT was superior to medical management in acute BAO (98.5% vs. 95.1%, p < .01). A similar proportion of INTs and nINTs responded that they would not randomize a patient with BAO to EVT (29.4% vs. 26.7%), or that they would only under specific clinical circumstances (p = .45). Among respondents who would recommend EVT for BAO, there was no difference in the maximum prestroke disability, minimum stroke severity, or infarct burden on computed tomography between the two groups (p > .05), although nINTs more commonly preferred perfusion imaging (24.2% vs. 19.7%, p = .04). Among respondents who indicated they would randomize to medical management, INTs were more likely to randomize when the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was ≥10 (15.9% vs. 6.9%, p < .01). Conclusions: Following the publication of two neutral clinical trials in BAO EVT, most stroke providers believed EVT to be superior to medical management in carefully selected patients, with most indicating they would not randomize a BAO patient to medical treatment. There were small differences in preference for advanced neuroimaging for patient selection, although these preferences were unsupported by clinical trial data at the time of the survey.

Background Current stroke guidelines recommend advanced imaging (computed tomography [CT] perfusion or magnetic resonance imaging) prior to endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with late presentation of large vessel occlusion. Adherence to guidelines may be constrained by resources or timely access to imaging. We sought to understand the factors which influence late window imaging selection for EVT candidates with large vessel occlusion. Methods We conducted an international survey from January to May 2022. The questions aimed to identify advanced imaging and treatment decisions based on access to imaging, time delays, and simulated patient scenarios. Results There were 3000 invited participants and 1506 respondents, the majority (89.6%) from comprehensive stroke centers in high‐income countries. Neurointerventionalists comprised 31.8% and noninterventionalists 68.2% of respondents. Overall, 70.7% reported routine use of advanced imaging for late EVT selection, and 63.6% reported its usage in every case. There was greater availability of advanced imaging in comprehensive stroke centers versus primary stroke centers (67.0% versus 33.7%; P P Conclusion Current guidelines for imaging late window EVT candidates are inconsistent with imaging decisions by physicians. Most respondents consider an imaging delay of greater than 20 minutes unacceptable. Access to advanced imaging was greater in comprehensive stroke centers and high‐income countries. In the case of limited access most respondents would consider EVT based on CT only.

Large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke represents a stroke subset associated with the highest morbidity and mortality. Multiple prospective randomized trials have shown that thrombectomy, alone or in conjunction with IV thrombolysis, is highly effective in reestablishing cerebral perfusion and improving clinical outcomes. In unselected patients and especially in patients with poor collaterals, the benefit of reperfusion therapy is exquisitely time sensitive; the earlier thrombectomy is started, the lower the likelihood of disability or death. Understanding both the pathophysiologic underpinnings and the modifying factors of this strong time-to-treatment effect demonstrated in numerous randomized clinical trials is important for implementation of intrahospital workflow measures to maximize time efficiency of thrombectomy. Reducing delays in reperfusion therapy initiation has become a priority in acute stroke care, and therefore a thorough understanding of the main systems-based factors responsible for these delays is critical. Because the time spent evaluating the patient in the emergency department, which typically includes neuroimaging studies performed in scanners remote from the angiography suite, represents the main source of delays in thrombectomy initiation, the direct to angiography (DTA) model has emerged as a means to substantially reduce treatment times and is being instituted at an increasing number of thrombectomy centers across the world. The aim of this report is to introduce DTA as an emerging stroke care paradigm for patients with suspicion of LVO stroke, review results from studies evaluating its feasibility and impact on outcomes, describe current barriers to its more widespread adoption, and propose potential solutions to overcoming these barriers.

Background and Purpose: Thrombus perviousness estimates residual flow along a thrombus in acute ischemic stroke, based on radiological images, and may influence the benefit of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate potential endovascular treatment (EVT) effect modification by thrombus perviousness. Methods: We included 443 patients with thin-slice imaging available, out of 1766 patients from the pooled HERMES (Highly Effective Reperfusion Evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke trials) data set of 7 randomized trials on EVT in the early window (most within 8 hours). Control arm patients (n=233) received intravenous alteplase if eligible (212/233; 91%). Intervention arm patients (n=210) received additional EVT (prior alteplase in 178/210; 85%). Perviousness was quantified by thrombus attenuation increase on admission computed tomography angiography compared with noncontrast computed tomography. Multivariable regression analyses were performed including multiplicative interaction terms between thrombus attenuation increase and treatment allocation. In case of significant interaction, subgroup analyses by treatment arm were performed. Our primary outcome was 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score), resulting in an adjusted common odds ratio for a one-step shift towards improved outcome. Secondary outcomes were mortality, successful reperfusion (extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score, 2B–3), and follow-up infarct volume (in mL). Results: Increased perviousness was associated with improved functional outcome. After adding a multiplicative term of thrombus attenuation increase and treatment allocation, model fit improved significantly ( P =0.03), indicating interaction between perviousness and EVT benefit. Control arm patients showed significantly better outcomes with increased perviousness (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.1–1.3]). In the EVT arm, no significant association was found (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.0 [95% CI, 0.9–1.1]), and perviousness was not significantly associated with successful reperfusion. Follow-up infarct volume (12% [95% CI, 7.0–17] per 5 Hounsfield units) and chance of mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.70–0.97]) decreased with higher thrombus attenuation increase in the overall population, without significant treatment interaction. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the benefit of best medical care including alteplase, compared with additional EVT, increases in patients with more pervious thrombi.

BackgroudThe goal of this study was to determine if the choice of imaging paradigm performed in the emergency department influences the procedural or clinical outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT).MethodsThis is a retrospective comparative outcome study which was conducted from the ANGEL-ACT registry. Comparisons were made between baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing MT with non-contrast head computed tomography (NCHCT) alone versus patients undergoing NCHCT plus non-invasive vessel imaging (NVI) (including CT angiography (with or without CT perfusion) and magnetic resonance angiography). The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included change in mRS score from baseline to 90 days, the proportions of mRS 0–1, 0–2, and 0–3, and dramatic clinical improvement at 24 hours. The safety outcomes were any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic ICH, and mortality within 90 days.ResultsA total of 894 patients met the inclusion criteria; 476 (53%) underwent NCHCT alone and 418 (47%) underwent NCHCT + NVI. In the NCHCT alone group, the door-to-reperfusion time was shorter by 47 min compared with the NCHCT + NVI group (219 vs 266 min, PConclusionsIn patients selected for MT using NCHCT alone versus NCHCT + NVI, there were improved procedural outcomes and smaller increases in baseline mRS scores at 90 days.

Background and Purpose: Although National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores provide an objective measure of clinical deficits, data regarding the impact of neglect or language impairment on outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is lacking. We assessed the frequency of neglect and language impairment, rate of their rescue by MT, and impact of rescue on clinical outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database from a comprehensive stroke center. We assessed right (RHS) and left hemispheric strokes (LHS) patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion undergoing MT to assess the impact of neglect and language impairment on clinical outcomes, respectively. Safety and efficacy outcomes were compared between patients with and without rescue of neglect or language impairment. Results: Among 324 RHS and 210 LHS patients, 71% of patients presented with neglect whereas 93% of patients had language impairment, respectively. Mean age was 71±15, 56% were females, and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 16 (12–20). At 24 hours, MT resulted in rescue of neglect in 31% of RHS and rescue of language impairment in 23% of LHS patients, respectively. RHS patients with rescue of neglect (56% versus 34%, P P P =0.01) and lower mortality ( P =0.01). Similarly, rescue of language impairment among LHS patients was associated with functional independence ( P =0.02) and lower mortality ( P =0.001). Conclusions: Majority of LHS-anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and of RHS-anterior circulation large vessel occlusion patients present with the impairment of language and neglect, respectively. In comparison to 24-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, rescue of these deficits by MT is an independent and a better predictor of functional independence and lower mortality.

Background and Purpose: Little is known about the combined effect of age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion, and it is not clear how the effects of baseline age and NIHSS on outcome compare to each other. The previously described Stroke Prognostication Using Age and NIHSS (SPAN) index adds up NIHSS and age to a 1:1 combined prognostic index. We added a weighting factor to the NIHSS/age SPAN index to compare the relative prognostic impact of NIHSS and age and assessed EVT effect based on weighted age and NIHSS. Methods: We performed adjusted logistic regression with good outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) as primary outcome. From this model, the coefficients for NIHSS and age were obtained. The ratio between the NIHSS and age coefficients was calculated to determine a weighted SPAN index. We obtained adjusted effect size estimates for EVT in patient subgroups defined by weighted SPAN increments of 3, to evaluate potential changes in treatment effect. Results: We included 1750/1766 patients from the HERMES collaboration (Highly Effective Reperfusion Using Multiple Endovascular Devices) with available age and NIHSS data. Median NIHSS was 17 (interquartile range, 13–21), and median age was 68 (interquartile range, 57–76). Good outcome was achieved by 682/1743 (39%) patients. The NIHSS/age effect coefficient ratio was ([−0.0032]/[−0.111])=3.4, which was rounded to 3, resulting in a weighted SPAN index defined as ([3×NIHSS]+age). Cumulative EVT effect size estimates across weighted SPAN subgroups consistently favored EVT, with a number needed to treat ranging from 5.3 to 8.7. Conclusions: The impact on chance of good outcome of a 1-point increase in NIHSS roughly corresponded to a 3-year increase in patient age. EVT was beneficial across all weighted age/NIHSS subgroups.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background and Purpose: Benefit of early endovascular treatment (EVT) for ischemic stroke varies considerably among patients. The MR PREDICTS decision tool, derived from MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands), predicts outcome and treatment benefit based on baseline characteristics. Our aim was to externally validate and update MR PREDICTS with data from international trials and daily clinical practice. Methods: We used individual patient data from 6 randomized controlled trials within the HERMES (Highly Effective Reperfusion Evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials) collaboration to validate the original model. Then, we updated the model and performed a second validation with data from the observational MR CLEAN Registry. Primary outcome was functional independence (defined as modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) 3 months after stroke. Treatment benefit was defined as the difference between the probability of functional independence with and without EVT. Discriminative performance was evaluated using a concordance (C) statistic. Results: We included 1242 patients from HERMES (633 assigned to EVT, 609 assigned to control) and 3156 patients from the MR CLEAN Registry (all of whom underwent EVT within 6.5 hours). The C-statistic for functional independence was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.72–0.77) in HERMES and, after model updating, 0.80 (0.78–0.82) in the Registry. Median predicted treatment benefit of routinely treated patients (Registry) was 10.3% (interquartile range, 5.8%–14.4%). Patients with low (

Background: Age and infarct volume are strong predictors of outcome in patients with ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT). We aimed to investigate the impact of ischemic core volume (ICV) on stroke outcome after EVT in elderly. Methods: Using the HERMES (Highly Effective Reperfusion Using Multiple Endovascular Devices) collaboration, a patient-level meta-analysis of 7 randomized trials in which patients were enrolled from December 2010 to April 2015) dataset, we categorized patients into those aged Results: A total of 899 patients who had baseline ICV data, 247 patients aged ≥75 years, of which 118 were randomized in the EVT arm. Patients aged ≥75 years required smaller ICV to achieve mRS score ≤3 than those aged P Conclusions: Baseline ICV has an impact on stroke outcome after EVT in the elderly, but elderly patients with large ICV may still benefit from EVT if near-complete or complete reperfusion is achieved. Young patients seem to benefit from EVT regardless of ICV status.

Background and ObjectivesCurrent guidelines do not address recommendations for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in the extended time window (>6 hours after time last seen well [TLSW]) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients with preexisting modified Rankin Scale (mRS) > 1. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of MT vs medical management in patients with prestroke disability presenting in the 6- to 24-hour time window with acute LVO.MethodsWe analyzed a multinational cohort (61 sites, 6 countries from 2014 to 2020) of patients with prestroke (or baseline) mRS 2 to 4 and anterior circulation LVO treated 6–24 hours from TLSW. Patients treated in the extended time window with MT vs medical management were compared using multivariable logistic regression and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). The primary outcome was the return of Rankin (ROR, return to prestroke mRS by 90 days).ResultsOf 554 included patients (448 who underwent MT), the median age was 82 years (interquartile range [IQR] 72–87) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 18 (IQR 13–22). In both MV logistic regression and IPTW analysis, MT was associated with higher odds of ROR (adjusted OR [aOR] 3.96, 95% CI 1.78–8.79 and OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.20–7.98, respectively). Among other factors, premorbid mRS 4 was associated with higher odds of ROR (aOR, 3.68, 95% CI 1.97–6.87), while increasing NIHSS (aOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86–0.94) and decreasing Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scale score (aOR per point 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.99) were associated with lower odds of ROR. Age, intravenous thrombolysis, and occlusion location were not associated with ROR.DiscussionIn patients with preexisting disability presenting in the 6- to 24-hour time window, MT is associated with a higher probability of returning to baseline function compared with medical management.Classification of EvidenceThis investigation's results provide Class III evidence that in patients with preexisting disability presenting 6–24 hours from the TLSW and acute anterior LVO stroke, there may be a benefit of MT over medical management in returning to baseline function.

Background The COVID‐19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic communities, whose stroke care has been previously shown to experience existing disparities. We sought to evaluate how these disparities in stroke care and in‐hospital mortality have been affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods In this retrospective observational cohort study, we evaluated stroke hospitalizations in the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology COVID‐19 registry. We compared stroke characteristics between non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic Black, and Hispanic patients pre–COVID‐19 and post–COVID‐19 (March–July 2019 versus March–July 2020) and evaluated whether racial and ethnic differences present before the pandemic were exacerbated during the pandemic. Our primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality/discharge to hospice, and secondary outcomes were acute treatment use. Results Of the 4908 included patients, numerically fewer non‐Hispanic White and Hispanic patients were evaluated during COVID‐19. Non‐Hispanic White and non‐Hispanic Black patients with large‐vessel occlusion were more likely to undergo thrombectomy ( P P P =0.12). Conclusions There was an increase in mortality/hospice discharges among all races during the COVID‐19 period. There were no noted racial or ethnic differences in rates of thrombolytic use, thrombectomy, or mortality within racial groups prepandemic compared with during the pandemic. Although other studies have demonstrated deepening disparities in these outcomes during COVID‐19, our data suggest that declines in stroke presentations and use of acute stroke therapies were not a uniform phenomenon. Disparities in stroke care were differentially affected in thrombolytic versus endovascular therapies and among non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients.

Background Balloon test occlusion (BTO) with adjunctive single‐photon emission computed tomography has been used to predict tolerance after permanent internal carotid artery occlusion. Anatomic characteristics of the cerebral circulation might predict BTO outcomes and identify patients susceptible to test failure. Methods We performed a single‐center retrospective analysis of patients who underwent internal carotid artery BTO from July 2013 to June 2020. Patients who passed the clinical BTO underwent single‐photon emission computed tomography imaging; technetium‐99m‐ethyl cysteinate dimer was injected intravenously after 15 to 30 minutes of occlusion and induced hypotension. The diameter of the vessels of the circle of Willis was measured angiographically. Single‐photon emission computed tomography imaging hypoperfusion severity was classified as none, mild, low intermediate, high intermediate, and severe. A threshold vessel diameter with most predicted accuracy for BTO failure was created using the Youden index. The threshold value was tested in a logistic regression for prediction of BTO failure and accuracy as represented with a receiver operator curve. Results Fifty‐seven patients underwent BTO. Neoplasia was the most common indication (n=43, 75%). Twelve (21.1%) patients failed the clinical BTO. Contralateral dominant vertebral artery ( P =0.02), smaller anterior communicating artery (ACom; P =0.002), and ipsilateral posterior communicating artery ( P =0.03) diameters were correlated with clinical BTO failure. Smaller ACom was most predictive with an area under the curve of 0.907. The Youden index identified an ACom diameter threshold of 1.1 mm, with a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 77.8% (odds ratio, 0.026 [95% CI, 0.003–0.226]; receiver operating characteristic, 0.847) for predicting BTO failure. Patients with severe single‐photon emission computed tomography asymmetry had significantly smaller‐caliber ACom arteries (ACom median diameter, 0.95 versus 1.4 mm; P =0.0073). Conclusions Angiographic findings can be used to predict BTO results. A small ipsilateral posterior communicating artery, and more significantly, a small ACom (

Large clinical trials have helped establish the benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion and small infarct core volume as determined by scores ≥6 on the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores. Several small studies have suggested that patients with large infarct core volume (LICV) may also benefit from EVT. Currently, at least 6 randomized clinical trials are examining the benefit of extending EVT to this population of patients with acute ischemic stroke. These trials were independently conceived and have significant differences in their inclusion criteria. Understanding these inclusion criteria and other differences in trial design is pivotal for the field to interpret the upcoming results of these trials. In this review, the designs of the 6 trials are summarized and compared. Specific differences are described, including (1) the rationale for EVT treatment in patients with LICV, (2) how to define LICV and the imaging modality used to identify LICV, (3) inclusion of an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 0 to 5 versus 3 to 5, (4) use of the mismatch between blood flow and the size of infarct as an inclusion criterion, and (5) inclusion of early window and/or late window patients. The potential impact of these trial results on current guidelines for acute ischemic stroke is discussed. Differences in trial design as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria may influence trial outcomes. The implications of these trial results will likely be enhanced by a pooled analysis.

Rationale There are no randomized trials examining the best treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion in the 6–24-hour time window. Aims To assess the safety and efficacy of thrombectomy for stroke due to basilar artery occlusion in patients randomized within 6–24 h from symptom onset or time last seen well. Sample size For an estimated difference of 20% in proportions of the primary outcome between the two groups, 318 patients will be included for 5% significance and 90% power with a planned interim analysis after two-thirds of the sample size (212 patients) have achieved the 90 days follow-up. Methods and design A prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled, open-label and blinded-endpoint trial. The randomization employs a 1:1 ratio of mechanical thrombectomy with the detachable Solitaire thrombectomy device and best medical therapy (BMT) vs. BMT alone. Study outcomes The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients achieving modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–3 at 90 days. Key secondary outcomes are: dramatic early favorable response, dichotomized mRS score (0–2 vs. 3–6 and 0–4 vs. 5–6) at 90 days, ordinal (shift) mRS analysis at 90 days, infarct volume at 24 h, vessel recanalization at 24 h in both treatment arms, and successful recanalization in the thrombectomy arm according to the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) classification defined as mTICI 2 b or 3. Safety variables are mortality at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates at 24 h, and procedure-related complications. Discussion Results from this trial will indicate whether mechanical thrombectomy is superior to medical management alone in achieving favorable outcomes in subjects with acute stroke caused by basilar artery occlusion presenting within 6–24 h from symptom onset. Trial registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02737189.

INTRODUCTION: We have demonstrated in a multicenter cohort that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a delay in intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) among stroke patients. Whether this delay contributes to meaningful short-term outcome differences in these patients warranted further exploration. METHODS: We conducted a nested observational cohort study of adult acute ischemic stroke patients receiving IVT from 9 comprehensive stroke centers across 7 U.S states. Patients admitted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (1/1/2019-02/29/2020) were compared to patients admitted during the early pandemic (3/1/2020-7/31/2020). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of IVT delay on discharge to hospice or death, with treatment delay on admission during COVID-19 included as an interaction term. RESULTS: Of the 676 thrombolysed patients, the median age was 70 (IQR 58-81) years, 313 were female (46.3%), and the median NIHSS was 8 (IQR 4-16). Longer treatment delays were observed during COVID-19 (median 46 vs 38 min, p = 0.01) and were associated with higher in-hospital death/hospice discharge irrespective of admission period (OR per hour 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.17, p = 0.03). This effect was strengthened after multivariable adjustment (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.24, p < 0.001). There was no interaction of treatment delay on admission during COVID-19 (pinteraction = 0.65). Every one-hour delay in IVT was also associated with 7% lower odds of being discharged to home or acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment delays observed during the COVID-19 pandemic led to greater early mortality and hospice care, with a lower probability of discharge to home/rehabilitation facility. There was no effect modification of treatment delay on admission during the pandemic, indicating that treatment delay at any time contributes similarly to these short-term outcomes.

Background Neurocritical care is routinely provided to patients post‐endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for anterior large vessel occlusion strokes. We aim to study the relationship between immediate improvement in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on outcomes post‐EVT and potential implications for postprocedural care. Methods We performed a retrospective review of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (internal carotid/proximal middle cerebral artery) patients undergoing EVT. Demographic, clinical, and imaging information was analyzed. Ultra‐early functional improvement (UEFI) was defined as NIHSS score Results Of the 343 anterior large vessel occlusion patients undergoing EVT, mean age was 71 ± 15 and 46% were male. Mean NIHSS was 17 ± 6 and Time Last Known Well (TLKW) to arrival was 9 ± 11 hours. UEFI was observed in 23% (79/343) of patients. Independent predictors of UEFI included lower pretreatment NIHSS, favorable Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), and lower admission systolic blood pressure. Rates of 90‐day‐modified Rankin scale 0–2 were higher (71% versus 33%, P P Conclusions Approximately 1‐in‐4 of anterior large vessel occlusion stroke patients undergoing EVT have an NIHSS score of

Background and Purpose: The degree to which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected systems of care, in particular, those for time-sensitive conditions such as stroke, remains poorly quantified. We sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in the overall screening for acute stroke utilizing a commercial clinical artificial intelligence platform. Methods: Data were derived from the Viz Platform, an artificial intelligence application designed to optimize the workflow of patients with acute stroke. Neuroimaging data on suspected patients with stroke across 97 hospitals in 20 US states were collected in real time and retrospectively analyzed with the number of patients undergoing imaging screening serving as a surrogate for the amount of stroke care. The main outcome measures were the number of computed tomography (CT) angiography, CT perfusion, large vessel occlusions (defined according to the automated software detection), and severe strokes on CT perfusion (defined as those with hypoperfusion volumes >70 mL) normalized as number of patients per day per hospital. Data from the prepandemic (November 4, 2019 to February 29, 2020) and pandemic (March 1 to May 10, 2020) periods were compared at national and state levels. Correlations were made between the inter-period changes in imaging screening, stroke hospitalizations, and thrombectomy procedures using state-specific sampling. Results: A total of 23 223 patients were included. The incidence of large vessel occlusion on CT angiography and severe strokes on CT perfusion were 11.2% (n=2602) and 14.7% (n=1229/8328), respectively. There were significant declines in the overall number of CT angiographies (−22.8%; 1.39–1.07 patients/day per hospital, P P P P P =0.9) and comprehensive stroke center hospitalizations (18.8% versus 11.0%, P =0.4). Conclusions: A significant decline in stroke imaging screening has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis underscores the broader application of artificial intelligence neuroimaging platforms for the real-time monitoring of stroke systems of care.

Background The clinical efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy has been unequivocally demonstrated in multiple randomized clinical trials. However, these studies were performed in carefully selected centers and utilized strict inclusion criteria. Aim We aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy in a prospective registry. Methods A total of 2008 patients from 76 sites across 12 countries were enrolled in a prospective open-label mechanical thrombectomy registry. Patients were categorized into the corresponding cohorts of the SWIFT-Prime, DAWN, and DEFUSE 3 trials according to the basic demographic and clinical criteria without considering specific parenchymal imaging findings. Baseline and outcome variables were compared across the corresponding groups. Results As compared to the treated patients in the actual trials, registry-derived patients tended to be younger and had lower baseline ASPECTS. In addition, time to treatment was earlier and the use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) and general anesthesia were higher in DAWN- and DEFUSE-3 registry derived patients versus their corresponding trials. Reperfusion rates were higher in the registry patients. The rates of 90-day good outcome (mRS0-2) in registry-derived patients were comparable to those of the patients treated in the corresponding randomized clinical trials (SWIFT-Prime, 64.5% vs. 60.2%; DAWN, 50.4% vs. 48.6%; Beyond-DAWN: 52.4% vs. 48.6%; DEFUSE 3, 52% vs. 44.6%, respectively; all P > 0.05). Registry-derived patients had significant less disability than the corresponding randomized clinical trial controls (ordinal modified Rankin Scale (mRS) shift odds ratio (OR), P Conclusion Our study provides favorable generalizability data for the safety and efficacy of thrombectomy in the “real-world” setting and supports that patients may be safely treated outside the constraints of randomized clinical trials.

BackgroundStent-assisted coiling of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms (IAs) using the Neuroform Atlas Stent System (Atlas) has shown promising results.ObjectiveTo present the primary efficacy and safety results of the ATLAS Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) trial in a cohort of patients with posterior circulation IAs.MethodsThe ATLAS trial is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study of unruptured, wide-necked, IAs treated with the Atlas stent and adjunctive coiling. This study reports the results of patients with posterior circulation IAs. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete aneurysm occlusion (Raymond-Roy (RR) class I) on 12-month angiography, in the absence of re-treatment or parent artery stenosis >50%. The primary safety endpoint was any major ipsilateral stroke or neurological death within 12 months. Adjudication of the primary endpoints was performed by an imaging core laboratory and a Clinical Events Committee.ResultsThe ATLAS trial enrolled and treated 116 patients at 25 medical centers with unruptured, wide-necked, posterior circulation IAs (mean age 60.2±10.5 years, 81.0% (94/116) female). Stents were placed in all patients with 100% technical success rate. A total of 95/116 (81.9%) patients had complete angiographic follow-up at 12 months, of whom 81 (85.3%) had complete aneurysm occlusion (RR class I). The primary effectiveness outcome was achieved in 76.7% (95% CI 67.0% to 86.5%) of patients. Overall, major ipsilateral stroke and secondary persistent neurological deficit occurred in 4.3% (5/116) and 1.7% (2/116) of patients, respectively.ConclusionsIn the ATLAS IDE posterior circulation cohort, the Neuroform Atlas Stent System with adjunctive coiling demonstrated high rates of technical and safety performance.Trial registration numberhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02340585.

BackgroundANA Advanced Neurovascular Access provides a novel funnel component designed to reduce clot fragmentation and facilitate retrieval in combination with stent-retrievers (SRs) in stroke patients by restricting flow and limiting clot shaving. In previous publications ANA presented excellent in vitro/in vivo efficacy data, especially with fibrin-rich hard clots. We aimed to determine the main physical property responsible for these results, namely suction force versus aspiration flow.MethodsWe evaluated in a bench model the suction force and flow generated by ANA and compared them to other neurovascular catheters combined with a SR (Solitaire). Aspiration flow was evaluated with a flow rate sensor while applying vacuum pressure with a pump. Suction force was determined using a tensile strength testing machine and a purposely designed tool that completely seals the device tip simulating complete occlusion by a hard clot. Suction force was defined as the force needed to separate the device from the clot under aspiration. All experiments were repeated five times, and mean values used for comparisons.ResultsAspiration flow increased with the inner diameter of the device: ANA 1.85±0.04 mL/s, ACE68 3.74±0.05 mL/s, and 8F-Flowgate2 5.96±0.30 mL/s (PConclusionDespite lower in vitro aspiration flow, the ANA design showed a substantially higher suction force than other thrombectomy devices.

Background A better understanding of real‐world practice patterns in the endovascular treatment for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke is needed. Here, we report the methods and initial results of the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) Registry. Methods The SVIN Registry is an ongoing prospective, multicenter, observational registry capturing patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment since November 2018. Participating sites also contributed pre‐SVIN Registry data collected per institutional prospective registries, and these data were combined with the SVIN Registry in the SVIN Registry+ cohort. Results There were 2088 patients treated across 11 US centers included in the prospective SVIN Registry and 5372 in SVIN Registry+. In the SVIN Registry cohort, the median number of enrollments per institution was 160 [interquartile range 53–243]. Median age was 67 [58–79] years, 49% were women, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 16 [10–21], Alberta stroke program early CT score 9 [7–10], and 20% had baseline modified Rankin scale (mRS)≥2. The median last‐known normal to puncture time was 7.7 [3.1–11.5] hours, and puncture‐to‐reperfusion was 33 [23–52] minutes. The predominant occlusion site was the middle cerebral artery‐M1 (45%); medium vessel occlusions occurred in 97(4.6%) patients. The median number of passes was 1 [1–3] with 93% achieving expanded Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia2b50–3 reperfusion and 51% expanded Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia3/complete reperfusion. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 5.3% of patients, with 37.3% functional independence (mRS0–2) and 26.4% mortality rates at 90‐days. Multivariable regression indicated older age, longer last‐normal to reperfusion, higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and glucose, lower Alberta stroke program early CT score, heart failure, and general anesthesia associated with lower 90‐day chances of mRS0–2 at 90‐days. Demographic, imaging, procedural, and clinical outcomes were similar in the SVIN Registry+. A comparison between AHA Guidelines‐eligible patients from the SVIN Registry against the Highly Effective Reperfusion evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials study population demonstrated comparable clinical outcomes. Conclusions The prospective SVIN Registry demonstrates that satisfactory procedural and clinical outcomes can be achieved in real‐world practice, serving as a platform for local quality improvement and the investigation of unexplored frontiers in the endovascular treatment of acute stroke.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background and Purpose: The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to an unprecedented paradigm shift in medical care. We sought to evaluate whether the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to delays in acute stroke management at comprehensive stroke centers. Methods: Pooled clinical data of consecutive adult stroke patients from 14 US comprehensive stroke centers (January 1, 2019, to July 31, 2020) were queried. The rate of thrombolysis for nontransferred patients within the Target: Stroke goal of 60 minutes was compared between patients admitted from March 1, 2019, and July 31, 2019 (pre–COVID-19), and March 1, 2020, to July 31, 2020 (COVID-19). The time from arrival to imaging and treatment with thrombolysis or thrombectomy, as continuous variables, were also assessed. Results: Of the 2955 patients who met inclusion criteria, 1491 were admitted during the pre–COVID-19 period and 1464 were admitted during COVID-19, 15% of whom underwent intravenous thrombolysis. Patients treated during COVID-19 were at lower odds of receiving thrombolysis within 60 minutes of arrival (odds ratio, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.38–0.98]; P=0.04), with a median delay in door-to-needle time of 4 minutes (P=0.03). The lower odds of achieving treatment in the Target: Stroke goal persisted after adjustment for all variables associated with earlier treatment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.35–0.85]; P

BackgroundInterventional cardiology produced level 1 evidence recommending radial artery-first for coronary angiography given lower vascular complications. Neuroendovascular surgeons have not widely adopted the transradial approach. This prospective, single center, non-inferiority comparative effectiveness study aims to compare the transradial and transfemoral approaches for diagnostic cerebral angiography with respect to efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction.MethodsConsecutive patients presenting for diagnostic cerebral angiography were selected to undergo right radial or femoral access based on date of presentation. Primary outcome was ability to answer the predefined diagnostic goal of the cerebral angiogram using the initial access site and was assessed with a non-inferiority design. Secondary outcomes included technical success per vessel, complications, procedure times and patient satisfaction.ResultsA total of 312 patients were enrolled, 158 and 154 for right radial and femoral access, respectively. The diagnostic goal of the angiogram was achieved in 152 of 154 (99%) patients who underwent attempted femoral access compared with 153 of 158 (97%) patients who underwent radial access, confirming non-inferiority of the transradial approach. Secondary outcomes showed equivalent technical success by vessel, no major complications, and similar frequency of minor complications between the two approaches. In-room time was similar between approaches, though post-procedure recovery room time was significantly shorter for transradial patients. Patient satisfaction results significantly favored the radial approach.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing diagnostic cerebral angiography, transfemoral and transradial access achieve procedural goals with similar effectiveness and safety, though patients strongly prefer the radial approach. Findings support consideration of adopting a radial-first strategy for diagnostic cerebral angiography.

Background and Purpose— Because of unique attributes of mechanical thrombectomy performed between 6 and 24 hours after symptom onset in acute ischemic stroke patients, it is not known if predictors of angiographic recanalization and favorable outcome in patients treated with thrombectomy in the late (6–24 hour) time window are similar to those treated in the early time window. Methods— We analyzed data from the DAWN trial (DWI or CTP Assessment With Clinical Mismatch in the Triage of Wake-Up and Late Presenting Strokes Undergoing Neurointervention With Trevo) which enrolled patients with symptom onset 6 to 24hours after last known well and occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery or proximal middle cerebral artery with a mismatch between severity of clinical deficit and infarct core volume as identified by computed tomography–perfusion or diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated the effect of tandem occlusions, periprocedural heparin use, procedural speed (from puncture to procedure completion), general anesthesia, balloon-guide catheters, thrombectomy device size, and number of passes on substantial reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3) and on likelihood of obtaining a modified Rankin Scale at 3 months indicating functional independence. Results— Of 107 patients who underwent MT in the interventional arm of DAWN, substantial reperfusion and modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2 at 3 months was seen in 90 (84%) and 52 (49%), respectively. In univariate analysis, general anesthesia (odds ratio [OR] 0.27; P =0.042) and ≥3 passes with stent retriever (OR, 0.17; P =0.002) were inversely associated with substantial reperfusion. In multivariate analyses, only ≥3 passes were associated with lack of revascularization (OR, 0.17; P =0.002). in univariate analysis ≥3 passes (OR, 0.24; P =0.003) and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >17 (OR, 0.19; P P =0.003) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >17 (OR, 0.19; P Conclusions— Patients requiring ≥3 thrombectomy passes had reduced substantial reperfusion and favorable outcome at 3 months in DAWN. Whether or not additional thrombectomy techniques beyond ≥3 thrombectomy passes with the Trevo stent retriever are beneficial for patient outcomes in this patient population remains to be clarified by future studies. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02142283.

Background: Futile recanalization (FR) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) are adverse outcomes after otherwise successful mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The aim of this study was to evaluate independent predictors of these unfavourable events in the extended time window and to compare imaging modalities (non-enhanced CT (NCCT) alone vs. CT perfusion vs. MRI) regarding patient selection. Methods: The CT for Late EndovasculAr Reperfusion (CLEAR) study was a multicenter, retrospective study of stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy in the extended time window. The primary endpoint of this study was the proportion of patients with FR, defined as a patient with large vessel occlusion achieving near-complete or complete reperfusion (TICI 2c/3) with a 90-day mRS score between 3 and 6. The secondary safety endpoints included the predictors of mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Inclusion criteria for this analysis were baseline NIHSS ≥6, internal carotid artery, M1 or M2 segment occlusion, prestroke modified rankin scale (pmRS) 0-2, time last seen well (TLSW) to treatment 6-24 hours, and mTICI 2c-3. Results: Of 2304 patients in the CLEAR study, 715 patients were included in this analysis. Of these, 364 patients (50.9%) showed FR, 37 patients (5.2%) suffered sICH and 127 patients (17.8%) died within 90 days. Old age, higher baseline NIHSS, higher prestroke disability, transfer to a comprehensive stroke center from another site, and a longer interval from TLSW to puncture were identified as positive predictors of FR. Hypertension was an independent predictor of sICH. The imaging modality (NCCT vs. CT perfusion vs. MRI) was not associated with FR, sICH, or mortality. Conclusions: Older age, higher baseline NIHSS, higher prestroke disability, transfer patients, and a longer interval from TLSW to puncture were predictors of FR in the extended window. Hypertension was a predictor of sICH in successfully reperfused patients. Neither MRI or CT perfusion was superior in predicting FR and sICH compared to NCCT alone. NCCT together with CTA may be sufficient for patient selection in the extended time window. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04096248

Background and Purpose: Achieving complete revascularization after a single pass of a mechanical thrombectomy device (first pass effect [FPE]) is associated with good clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. We assessed patient characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of FPE among a large real-world cohort of patients (Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated with Stroke Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke registry). Methods: Demographics, clinical outcomes, and procedural characteristics were analyzed among patients in whom FPE (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2c/3 after first pass) was achieved versus those requiring multiple passes (MP). Modified FPE and modified MP included patients achieving modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2B-3. Primary outcomes included 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score and mortality. Results: Among 984 Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated with Stroke Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke patients, 930 had complete 90-day follow-up. FPE was achieved in 40.5% (377/930) of patients and MP in 20.0% (186/930). Baseline characteristics were similar across all groups. The FPE group had fewer internal carotid artery occlusions compared with MP ( P =0.029). The FPE group had faster puncture to recanalization time ( P ≤0.001), higher rates of 90-day mRS score of 0 to 1 (52.6% versus 38.6%, P =0.003), mRS score of 0 to 2 (65.4% versus 52.0%, P =0.003), and lower 90-day mortality compared with the MP group (12.0% versus 18.7%, P =0.038). Similarly, compared with modified MP patients, the modified FPE group had fewer internal carotid artery occlusions ( P =0.004), faster puncture to recanalization time ( P ≤0.001), and higher rates of 90-day mRS score of 0 to 1 ( P =0.002) and mRS score of 0 to 2 ( P =0.003). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that FPE and modified FPE are associated with superior clinical outcomes.

Introduction: Balloon test occlusion (BTO) with adjunctive single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has been utilized to predict clinical tolerance after permanent internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Cerebrovascular anatomical characteristics might predict BTO outcomes and identify patients susceptible to test failure. Methods: We performed a single center retrospective study of patients who underwent catheter based cerebral angiogram and ICA BTO from July 2013 to June 2020. SPECT imaging was completed in all the patients who passed the clinical BTO; technetium 99m-ethyl cysteinate dimer was injected intravenously after 15-30 min of occlusion and induced hypotension. The diameter of each of the vessels of the Circle of Willis was measured angiographically. The severity of hypoperfusion on SPECT imaging was classified as none, mild, low intermediate, high intermediate, and severe. Results: A total of 57 patients underwent BTO; neoplasia was the most common indication (n=43, 75%). Twelve patients (21.1%) developed neurologic symptoms and clinically failed the BTO; 45 patients (78.9%) passed and proceeded to SPECT. Contralateral dominant vertebral artery (p=0.02), smaller ACom (p=0.002) and ipsilateral PCom (p=0.03) diameters were correlated with clinical BTO failure. Smaller ACom was most predictive with an AUC of 0.907. The Youden index identified an ACom diameter threshold of 1.1 mm, which demonstrated a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 77.8% (OR 0.026, 95% CI 0.003 - 0.226, ROC=0.847) for the prediction of BTO failure. Patients with severe SPECT asymmetry had significantly smaller caliber ACom arteries (ACom median diameter 0.95 mm vs. rest of cohort median 1.4; p=0.0073). Conclusions: BTO outcomes may be predicted using angiographic findings. A small (

Introduction: Endovascular (EVT) eligibility estimates using population-based, NIH-funded Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky (GCNK) Stroke Study 2010 data have been reported. Given the evolving EVT landscape, we present updated estimates of annual EVT eligibility using the 2015 GCNK epidemiological data and extrapolate to the 2021 US census. We project the potential increase in eligible patients in the US for each possible expanded indication with a randomized trial currently planned/underway. Methods: We ascertained all hospitalized AIS patients ≥18 years old in 2015 using ICD-9 430-436; ICD-10 I60-I67, G45-G46 within GCNK population; all cases were physician-reviewed. Patients presenting within 0-5 hrs of last known well (LKW) were considered EVT eligible if they had a pre-stroke mRS1 (for 0-5 hrs) or ≥2 (for 5-23 hrs), or larger core. Estimates of vessel occlusion and favorable imaging were applied based on literature review and expert opinions. The derived estimates were age, race and sex-adjusted to the 2015 US adult population and extrapolated to 2021 population. Results: Among the 1.3 million total (1.05m adult) GCNK population in 2015, 2741 adults had an ischemic stroke and 2176 had data available for this analysis. A total of 1978 presented within 23 hrs of LKW, and 1233 within 0-5 hrs of LKW. Further results are outlined in the figure. Conclusions: It is estimated 18,484 adult patients in the US in 2021 meet strict EVT eligibility criteria. An estimated 15,699 patients with low NIHSS, 9621 with unfavorable imaging, and 28,107 with pre-stroke disability may become eligible for EVT in the future annually. US stroke systems should be optimized to handle all EVT-eligible stroke patients both now and in the future.

Introduction Current recommendations for regional stroke destination suggest that patients with severe acute stroke in non-urban areas should be triaged based on the estimated transport time to a referral thrombectomy-capable center. Methods We performed a post hoc analysis to evaluate the association of pre-hospital workflow times with neurological outcomes in patients included in the RACECAT trial. Workflow times evaluated were known or could be estimated before transport allocation. Primary outcome was the shift analysis on the modified Rankin score at 90 days. Results Among the 1,369 patients included, the median time from onset to emergency medical service (EMS) evaluation, the estimated transport time to a thrombectomy-capable center and local stroke center, and the estimated transfer time between centers were 65 minutes (interquartile ratio [IQR] = 43-138), 61 minutes (IQR = 36-80), 17 minutes (IQR = 9-27), and 62 minutes (IQR = 36-73), respectively. Longer time intervals from stroke onset to EMS evaluation were associated with higher odds of disability at 90 days in the local stroke center group (adjusted common odds ratio (acOR) for each 30-minute increment = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.06), with no association in the thrombectomy-capable center group (acOR for each 30-minute increment = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.98-1.01, p(interaction) = 0.021). No significant interaction was found for other pre-hospital workflow times. In patients evaluated by EMS later than 120 minutes after stroke onset, direct transport to a thrombectomy-capable center was associated with better disability outcomes (acOR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.03-2.17). Conclusion We found a significant heterogeneity in the association between initial transport destination and neurological outcomes according to the elapse of time between the stroke onset and the EMS evaluation (: NCT02795962). ANN NEUROL 2022

Background The best management of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains uncertain. The BASICS (Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study) and the BEST (Basilar Artery Occlusion Endovascular Intervention Versus Standard Medical Treatment) trials reported neutral results. We sought to understand physicians’ approaches to BAOs and whether further BAO randomized controlled trials were warranted. Methods We conducted an online international survey from January to March 2022 to stroke neurologists and neurointerventionalists. Survey questions were designed to examine clinical and imaging parameters under which clinicians would offer (or rescind) a patient with BAO to endovascular therapy (EVT) or best medical management versus enrollment into a randomized clinical trial. Results Of >3002 invited participants, 1245 responded (41.4% response rate) from 73 countries, including 54.7% stroke neurologists and 43.6% neurointerventionalists. More than 95% of respondents would offer EVT to patients with BAO, albeit in various clinical circumstances. There were 70.0% of respondents who indicated that the BASICS and BEST trials did not change their practice. Only 22.1% of respondents would perform EVT according to anterior circulation occlusion criteria. The selection of patients for BAO EVT by clinical severity, timing, and imaging modality differed according to geography, specialty, and country income level. Over 80% of respondents agreed that further randomized clinical trials for BAO were warranted. Moreover, 45.6% of respondents indicated they would find it acceptable to enroll all trial‐eligible patients into the medical arm of a BAO trial, whereas 26.3% would not enroll. Conclusion Most stroke physicians continue to believe in the efficacy of EVT in selected patients with BAO in spite of BEST and BASICS. There is no consensus on which selection criteria to use, and few clinicians would use anterior circulation occlusion criteria for BAOs. Further randomized clinical trials for BAO are warranted.