Multicenter initial experience with the EmboTrap device in acute anterior ischemic stroke

A prospective, multicentre, registry study of RECO in the endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke

The RECO is a novel endovascular treatment (EVT) device that adjusts the distance between two mesh segments to axially hold the thrombus. We organized this postmarket study to assess the safety and performance of RECO in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). This was a single-arm prospective multicentre study that enrolled patients as first-line patients treated with RECO at 9 stroke centres. The primary outcome measures included functional independence at 90 days (mRS 0-2), symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH), time from puncture to recanalization and time from symptom onset to recanalization. The secondary outcome measures were a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of 2b or 3 after the first attempt and at the end of the procedure and the all-cause mortality rate within 90 days. From May 22, 2020, to July 30, 2022, a total of 268 consecutive patients were enrolled in the registry. The median puncture-to-recanalization time was 64 (IQR, 45-92), and the symptom onset-to-recanalization time was 328 min (IQR, 228-469). RECO achieved successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) after the first pass in 133 of 268 patients (49.6%). At the end of the operation, 96.6% of the patients reached mTICI 2b-3, and 97.4% of the patients ultimately achieved successful reperfusion. Sixteen (7.2%) patients had sICH. A total of 132 (49.3%) patients achieved functional independence at 90 days, and the all-cause mortality rate within 90 days was 17.5%. In this clinical experience, the RECO device achieved a high rate of complete recanalization with a good safety profile and favourable 90-day clinical outcomes.Clinical trial registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ ; Unique identifier: NCT04840719.

CT-based thrombus radiomics nomogram for predicting secondary embolization during mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion

Background and aims

Secondary embolization (SE) during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for cerebral large vessel occlusion (LVO) could reduce the anterior blood flow and worsen clinical outcomes. The current SE prediction tools have limited accuracy. In this study, we aimed to develop a nomogram to predict SE following MT for LVO based on clinical features and radiomics extracted from computed tomography (CT) images.

Materials and methods

A total of 61 patients with LVO stroke treated by MT at Beijing Hospital were included in this retrospective study, of whom 27 developed SE during the MT procedure. The patients were randomly divided (7:3) into training (n = 42) and testing (n = 19) cohorts. The thrombus radiomics features were extracted from the pre-interventional thin-slice CT images, and the conventional clinical and radiological indicators associated with SE were recorded. A support vector machine (SVM) learning model with 5-fold cross-verification was used to obtain the radiomics and clinical signatures. For both signatures, a prediction nomogram for SE was constructed. The signatures were then combined using the logistic regression analysis to construct a combined clinical radiomics nomogram.

Results

In the training cohort, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the nomograms was 0.963 for the combined model, 0.911 for the radiomics, and 0.891 for the clinical model. Following validation, the AUCs were 0.762 for the combined model, 0.714 for the radiomics model, and 0.637 for the clinical model. The combined clinical and radiomics nomogram had the best prediction accuracy in both the training and test cohort.

Conclusion

This nomogram could be used to optimize the surgical MT procedure for LVO based on the risk of developing SE.

MASTRO I: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of thrombectomy stent retriever outcomes: comparing functional, safety and recanalization outcomes between EmboTrap, Solitaire and Trevo in acute ischemic stroke

Aim: Stent-retriever (SR) thrombectomy has demonstrated superior outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke compared with medical management alone, but differences among SRs remain unexplored. We conducted a Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis to compare outcomes between three SRs: EmboTrap®, Solitaire™, and Trevo®. Methods: We conducted a PRISMA-compliant Systematic Review among English-language studies published after 2014 in PubMed/MEDLINE that reported SRs in ≥25 patients. Functional and safety outcomes included 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS 0-2), mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and embolization to new territory (ENT). Recanalization outcomes included modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) and first-pass recanalization (FPR). We used a random effects Meta-Analysis to compare outcomes; subgroup and outlier-influencer analysis were performed to explore heterogeneity. Results: Fifty-one articles comprising 9,804 patients were included. EmboTrap had statistically significantly higher rates of mRS 0-2 (57.4%) compared with Trevo (50.0%, p = 0.013) and Solitaire (45.3%, p < 0.001). Compared with Solitaire (20.4%), EmboTrap (11.2%, p < 0.001) and Trevo (14.5%, p = 0.018) had statistically significantly lower mortality. Compared with Solitaire (7.7%), EmboTrap (3.9%, p = 0.028) and Trevo (4.6%, p = 0.049) had statistically significantly lower rates of sICH. There were no significant differences in ENT rates across all three devices (6.0% for EmboTrap, 5.3% for Trevo, and 7.7% for Solitaire, p = 0.518). EmboTrap had numerically higher rates of recanalization; however, no statistically significant differences were found. Conclusion: The results of our Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis suggest that EmboTrap may be associated with significantly improved functional outcomes compared with Solitaire and Trevo. EmboTrap and Trevo may be associated with significantly lower rates of sICH and mortality compared with Solitaire. No significant differences in recanalization and ENT rates were found. These conclusions are tempered by limitations of the analysis including variations in thrombectomy techniques in the field, highlighting the need for multi-arm RCT studies comparing different SR devices to confirm our findings.

First-Pass Recanalization with EmboTrap II in Acute Ischemic Stroke (FREE-AIS): A Multicenter Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EmboTrap II in terms of first-pass recanalization and to determine whether it could yield favorable outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this multicenter, prospective study, we consecutively enrolled patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using EmboTrap II as a front-line device. The primary outcome was the first pass effect (FPE) rate defined by modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2c or 3 by the first pass of EmboTrap II. In addition, modified FPE (mFPE; mTICI grade 2b-3 by the first pass of EmboTrap II), successful recanalization (final mTICI grade 2b-3), and clinical outcomes were assessed. We also analyzed the effect of FPE on a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2 at 3 months.

RESULTS

Two hundred-ten patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 73.3 ± 11.4 years; male, 55.7%) were included. Ninety-nine patients (47.1%) had FPE, and mFPE was achieved in 150 (71.4%) patients. Successful recanalization was achieved in 191 (91.0%) patients. Among them, 164 (85.9%) patients underwent successful recanalization by exclusively using EmboTrap II. The time from groin puncture to FPE was 25.0 minutes (interquartile range, 17.0-35.0 minutes). Procedure-related complications were observed in seven (3.3%) patients. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage developed in 14 (6.7%) patients. One hundred twenty-three (58.9% of 209 completely followed) patients had an mRS score of 0-2. Sixteen (7.7% of 209) patients died during the follow-up period. Patients who had successful recanalization with FPE were four times more likely to have an mRS score of 0-2 than those who had successful recanalization without FPE (adjusted odds ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-10.8; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Mechanical thrombectomy using the front-line EmboTrap II is effective and safe. In particular, FPE rates were high. Achieving FPE was important for an mRS score of 0-2, even in patients with successful recanalization.

Thrombectomy Using the EmboTrap Clot-Retrieving Device for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Glimpse of Clinical Evidence

BACKGROUND

The EmboTrap Recanalization Device is a novel stent retriever for thrombectomy in the setting of acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to summarize the safety and efficacy of the EmboTrap Recanalization Device in acute ischemic stroke-large-vessel occlusion through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to April 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

Nine observational studies using the EmboTrap Recanalization Device were selected.

DATA ANALYSIS

We adapted effect size with 95% CIs for dichotomous data. P value <.05 was statistically significant.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The estimated rate of successful recanalization (modified TICI 2b-3) was 90% (95% CI, 86%-95%; I ² = 82.4%); 90-day favorable outcome (mRS 0-2), 53% (95% CI, 42%-63%; I ² = 88.6%); modified first-pass effect, 43% (95% CI, 35%-51%; I ² = 63.7%); and first-pass effect, 36% (95% CI, 29%-46%; I ² = 10.7%). The rate of any intracerebral hemorrhage was 19% (95% CI, 16%-22%; I ² = 0.0%); symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 5% (95% CI, 1%-8%; I ² = 84.6%); and 90-day mortality, 14% (95% CI, 9%-19%; I ² = 79.3%). Subgroup analysis showed higher rates of complete recanalization for EmboTrap II than for the EmboTrap System.

LIMITATIONS

The included studies are single-arm without direct comparison with other stent retrievers. Some of the studies recruited had a small sample size and were limited by the retrospective study design. In addition, the uncertain heterogeneity among studies was high.

CONCLUSIONS

The EmboTrap Recanalization Device is safe and efficient in treating acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion.

Real-world outcomes associated with the use of the EmboTrap revascularization device for ischemic stroke in the United States

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the standard of care for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The EmboTrap revascularization device (CERENOVUS, Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, Irvine, California, USA) has an innovative, dual layer feature designed to facilitate thrombus retrieval.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the real-world clinical and economic outcomes among patients with AIS undergoing MT using the EmboTrap device in the United States (US).

METHODS

Adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent MT for AIS using the EmboTrap device between July 2018 and December 2020 were identified from the Premier Healthcare Database. Patient outcomes included discharge status (including in-hospital mortality), mean length of stay (LOS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), mean hospital costs, and 30-day readmissions (all-cause, cardiovascular (CV)-related, and AIS-related).

RESULTS

A total of 318 patients (mean age 68.5±14.6 years) with AIS treated with the EmboTrap device as the only stent retriever used were identified. Approximately 25% of patients were discharged to home/home health organization, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 10.7%. The rate of ICH was 16.7%. Mean hospital LOS was 9.9±11.3 days, and the mean hospital costs were US$47 367±30 297. The 30-day readmission rate was 9.6% for all-causes, 5.9% for CV-related causes, and 2.6% for AIS-related causes.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study in the US to report real-world outcomes sourced by retrospective database analysis among patients with AIS undergoing MT using the EmboTrap device. Further research is needed to better understand performance of the EmboTrap device in real-world settings.

RECO Flow Restoration Device Versus Solitaire FR With the Intention for Thrombectomy Study (REDIRECT): a prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The RECO flow restoration (FR) device is a new stent retriever designed for rapid flow restoration in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). Here, the authors compared the efficacy and safety of the RECO device with the predicate Solitaire FR stent retriever.

METHODS

The RECO Flow Restoration Device Versus Solitaire FR With the Intention for Thrombectomy Study (REDIRECT) was a multicenter, prospective, open randomized controlled trial. Patients with acute LVO at 7 Chinese stroke centers participated in the study. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) reperfusion grade ≥ 2 within three passes. The primary safety endpoint comprised any serious adverse device effect, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and any serious adverse event (SAE; defined as cerebral palsy or death) within 24 hours after the procedure. The secondary efficacy endpoints consisted of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2), procedure duration, and 90-day all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Between January 2014 and August 2016, 67 patients were randomly allocated to the RECO group and 69 patients to the Solitaire FR group. The primary efficacy endpoint (mTICI grade ≥ 2 within three passes) was similar in the two treatment groups (91% vs 87%, respectively, p = 0.5861), and the rate of reperfusion with an mTICI grade 2b/3 was 87% versus 75% (p = 0.1272). There were no serious adverse device effects in any patient. The rates of sICH (1.5% vs 7.2%, p = 0.1027) and SAEs (6.0% vs 1.4%, p = 0.2050) within 24 hours after the procedure were similar in the two treatment groups. There was no significant difference in the rate of functional independence (63% vs 46%, p = 0.0609) or 90-day all-cause mortality (13% vs 23%, p = 0.1848) or in procedure duration (85.39 ± 47.01 vs 89.94 ± 53.34 minutes, p = 0.5986) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The RECO stent retriever is effective and safe as a mechanical thrombectomy device for AIS due to LVO. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01983644 (clinicaltrials.gov).

First-line contact aspiration vs stent-retriever thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients with large-artery occlusion in the anterior circulation: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In acute ischemic stroke patients with large-artery occlusion, uncertainties remain about whether clinically important outcomes are comparable between first-line contact aspiration and stent-retriever thrombectomy, although two trials have investigated whether one strategy should be preferred over another.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to compare the efficacy and safety of first-line contact aspiration and stent-retriever thrombectomy in stroke patients with anterior circulation large-artery occlusion.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic review of studies of patients treated for large-artery occlusion, with the latest devices of either strategy, within six hours of stroke onset. We determined rates of final complete reperfusion (defined as modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction score = 3), periprocedural complications and 90-day functional independence (defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2), and excellent outcome (defined as mRS score 0-1) after contact aspiration and after stent-retriever thrombectomy using random-effects meta-analyses. Any differential effects in rates between the two strategies were assessed using random-effects meta-regressions.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (1817 patients) were included. There was no difference in rates of final complete reperfusion at the end of all endovascular procedures between contact aspiration and stent retrievers (51.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 39.3-62.9; vs 38.3%, 95% CI 28.6-48.0; p_int = 0.14), 90-day functional independence (45.0%, 40.7-49.2; vs 52.4%, 47.7-57.1; p_int = 0.45) and excellent outcome (32.1%, 25.7-38.5; vs 34.1%, 21.2-46.9; p_int = 0.94). Rates of periprocedural complications did not differ between the two strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data suggest no difference in efficacy and safety between first-line contact aspiration and stent-retriever thrombectomy in stroke patients with large-artery occlusion.