Abstract 29: Optimization Methodologies to Enhance Endovascular Thrombectomy Access in the United States

Background: Timely access to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) centers is vital for best stroke outcome. We map current EVT access in the US then utilize modeling to optimize it. Methods: US designated stroke centers were mapped utilizing geo-mapping and stratified into EVT or non-EVT if they reported ≥1 thrombectomy code for acute ischemic stroke in 2017 to CMS. Direct EVT access, defined as the population with the closest facility to EVT centers, was calculated from validated trauma models adapted for stroke. Current 15 and 30 min access were described nationwide and in 4 states (TX, NY, CA, IL). Two optimization models were utilized. Model A used a greedy algorithm to capture the largest population with direct access when flipping 10 non-EVT to EVT centers to maximize access. Model B used bypassing methodology to directly transport patients to EVT centers within 15 min from the closest non-EVT center. Results: Of 1941 stroke centers, 714 were EVT. Approximately 99 million/32% Americans have direct EVT access within 15 min while 111 million (36.0%) within 30 minutes (Fig 1). There were 65 (43%) EVT centers in TX with 22% current 15 min access. Flipping the top 10 population density hospitals improved access to 32%, while bypassing resulted in 46% having direct access to EVT centers (fig 2 A-B). Direct access in CA was 26% which improved to 35% with flipping and 54% by 15 min bypassing from the closest non-EVT to EVT centers. Similar results were found in NY (current 21%, flipping 39%, bypassing 50%) and IL (15%, 27% and 35%, respectively), Tab 1. Conclusion: EVT access within 15 min is limited to less than 1/3 of the US population. Optimization methodology that increase EVT centers or bypass non-EVT to the closest EVT center both showed enhanced access. Results varied by states based on the population size and density. However, bypass showed more potential for maximizing direct EVT access. National and state efforts should focus on identifying gaps and tailoring solutions to improve EVT access.