Dwell Time of Stentriever Influences Complete Revascularization and First-Pass TICI 3 Revascularization in Acute Large Vessel Occlusive Stroke

Digital subtraction angiography in cerebrovascular disease: current practice and perspectives on diagnosis, acute treatment and prognosis

Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is the gold-standard imaging modality in acute cerebrovascular diagnosis. The role of DSA has become increasingly prominent since the incorporation of endovascular therapy in standards of care for acute ischemic stroke. It is used in the assessment of cerebral vessel patency; however, the therapeutic role of DSA from a prognostic standpoint merits further investigation. The current paper provides an update on current practice on diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic use of DSA in acute cerebrovascular diseases and various indications and perspectives that may apply, or limit its use, in ongoing surveillance or prognosis. Pre-clinical and clinical studies on the aspects, including but not limited to the morphology of cerebrovasculature in acute ischaemic stroke, are required to delineate and inform its prognostic role.

Association of Stent-Retriever Characteristics in Establishing Successful Reperfusion During Mechanical Thrombectomy : Results from the ESCAPE-NA1 Trial

BACKGROUND

Successful reperfusion determines the treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy. We evaluated stent-retriever characteristics and their relation to reperfusion in the ESCAPE-NA1 trial.

METHODS

Independent re-scoring of reperfusion grade for each attempt was conducted. The following characteristics were evaluated: stent-retriever length and diameter, thrombus position within stent-retriever, bypass effect, deployment in the superior or inferior MCA trunk, use of balloon guide catheter and distal access catheter. Primary outcome was successful reperfusion defined as expanded thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (eTICI) 2b-3 per attempt. The secondary outcome was successful reperfusion eTICI 2b-3 after the first attempt. Separate regression models for each stent-retriever characteristic and an exploratory multivariable modeling to test the impact of all characteristics on successful reperfusion were built.

RESULTS

Of 1105 patients in the trial, 809 with the stent-retriever use (1241 attempts) were included in the primary analysis. The stent-retriever was used as the first-line approach in 751 attempts. A successful attempt was associated with thrombus position within the proximal or middle third of the stent (OR 2.06; 95% CI: 1.24-3.40 and OR 1.92; 95% CI: 1.16-3.15 compared to the distal third respectively) and with bypass effect (OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.07-2.72). Thrombus position within the proximal or middle third (OR 2.80; 95% CI: 1.47-5.35 and OR 2.05; 95% CI: 1.09-3.84, respectively) was associated with first-pass eTICI 2b-3 reperfusion. In the exploratory analysis accounting for all characteristics, bypass effect was the only independent predictor of eTICI 2b-3 reperfusion (OR 1.95; 95% CI: 1.10-3.46).

CONCLUSION

The presence of bypass effect and thrombus positioning within the proximal and middle third of the stent-retriever were strongly associated with successful reperfusion.

First Pass Effect With Neurothrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Analysis of the Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Stroke Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke Registry

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.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of current rates of first pass effect by thrombectomy technique and associations with clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

First pass effect (FPE) in mechanical thrombectomy is thought to be associated with good clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine FPE rates as a function of thrombectomy technique and to compare clinical outcomes between patients with and without FPE.

METHODS

In July 2020, a literature search on FPE (defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2c-3 after a single pass) and modified FPE (mFPE, defined as TICI 2b-3 after a single pass) and mechanical thrombectomy for stroke was performed. Using a random-effects meta-analysis, we evaluated the following outcomes for both FPE and mFPE: overall rates, rates by thrombectomy technique, rates of good neurologic outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 at day 90), mortality, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) rate.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven studies comprising 16 870 patients were included. Overall rates of FPE and mFPE were 28% and 45%, respectively. Thrombectomy techniques shared similar FPE (p=0.17) and mFPE (p=0.20) rates. Higher odds of good neurologic outcome were found when we compared FPE with non-FPE (56% vs 41%, OR=1.78) and mFPE with non-mFPE (57% vs 44%, OR=1.73). FPE had a lower mortality rate (17% vs 25%, OR=0.62) than non-FPE. FPE and mFPE were not associated with lower sICH rate compared with non-FPE and non-mFPE (4% vs 18%, OR=0.41 for FPE; 5% vs 7%, OR=0.98 for mFPE).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that approximately one-third of patients achieve FPE and around half of patients achieve mFPE, with equivalent results throughout thrombectomy techniques. FPE and mFPE are associated with better clinical outcomes.

Benefit of first-pass complete reperfusion in thrombectomy is mediated by limited infarct growth

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The number of clot retrieval attempts required to achieve complete reperfusion by mechanical thrombectomy impacts functional outcome in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Complete reperfusion [expanded Treatment In Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) score = 3] at first pass (FP), is associated with the highest rates of favorable outcome compared to complete reperfusion by multiple passes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between FP complete reperfusion and infarct growth (IG).

METHODS

Anterior AIS patients with baseline and 24-h diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging were included from two prospective registries. IG was measured by voxel-based segmentation of initial and 24-h diffusion-weighted imaging lesions. IG and favorable 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (≤ 2) were compared between patients in whom complete reperfusion (eTICI 3) was achieved with a single pass (FP group) and those for whom multiple passes were required (MP group), after matching for confounding factors. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the association between FP and 3-month mRS score, with IG as mediating variable.

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients were included, of whom 118 (28.9%) had FP complete reperfusion. In case-control analysis, the FP group had lower IG than the MP group [8.7 (5.4-12.9) ml vs. 15.2 (11-22.6) ml, respectively; P = 0.03). Favorable outcome was higher in the FP population compared to a matched MP population (70.9% vs. 53.2%, respectively; P = 0.04). FP compete reperfusion (eTICI 3) was independently associated with favorable outcome in multivariable regression analysis [odds ratio 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-4.39; P = 0.04]. The effect of complete reperfusion at FP on functional outcome was explained by limited IG in mediation analysis [indirect effect: -0.32 (95% CI -0.47 to -0.09)].

CONCLUSION

Complete reperfusion at FP is independently associated with significant decrease in IG compared to complete reperfusion by multiple attempts, explaining better functional outcomes.

First pass effect with contact aspiration and stent retrievers in the Aspiration versus Stent Retriever (ASTER) trial

BACKGROUND

The 'first pass effect' (FPE), which was originally described with stent retrievers, designates a (near-)complete revascularization obtained after a single device pass with no rescue therapy, and is associated with improved clinical outcome and decreased mortality.

OBJECTIVE

We report the rate and benefits of FPE in the Aspiration versus Stent Retriever (ASTER) trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ASTER is a randomized trial comparing angiographic revascularization with the stent retriever (SR) and contact aspiration (CA) thrombectomy techniques, assessed by an external core laboratory using the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scale. Rates of FPE (defined by mTICI 2c/3 after a single pass with no rescue therapy) were compared between patients treated with SR and CA techniques. Outcomes were compared between FPE-SR and FPE-CA patients, and between FPE and non-FPE patients.

RESULTS

FPE was achieved in 97/336 patients (28.9%), with no significant difference between SR and CA (respectively 53/169 patients (31.3%) vs 44/167 patients (26.3%), adjusted RR for CA versus SR 0.84, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.31; p=0.44). After prespecified adjustment for allocated arm and randomization stratification factors, FPE in patients was associated with a significantly improved clinical outcome and a decreased mortality, and a significantly lower rate of hemorrhagic transformation and procedural complications than in non-FPE patients.

CONCLUSION

In the ASTER trial, similar rates of FPE were achieved with SR and CA, and FPE was associated with a significantly improved outcome. New techniques and devices to improve the rate of FPE are warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Unique identifier: NCT02523261.

The ReWiSed CARe Technique : Simultaneous Treatment of Atherosclerotic Tandem Occlusions in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment of acute cerebral large vessel occlusions and concomitant atherosclerotic lesions of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) are a matter of debate. This article reports a multi-center experience using the retriever wire supported carotid artery revascularization (ReWiSed CARe) technique allowing simultaneous treatment of both lesions.

METHODS

The study retrospectively analyzed 23 patients with acute tandem occlusions (TO) who underwent ReWiSed CARe at 3 German centers. Clinical, including demographics and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and procedural, including angiographic evaluation of recanalization, data were evaluated. Favorable clinical outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2 at 90 days.

RESULTS

The median age was 70 years (interquartile range [IQR] 65-80 years) and 70% were male. The median baseline NIHSS was 15 (IQR 11-17). Out of 23 patients, 22 (96%) had an intracranial occlusion of the anterior circulation. Successful stent retriever deployment with subsequent carotid artery treatment was feasible in all cases without displacement of the stent retriever during the procedure. Overall, successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] ≥2b) was achieved in 22/23 (96%) patients with 10/23 (44%) individuals completely reperfused (mTICI 3). The median groin puncture to stent retriever deployment was 29 min (IQR 23-46) and groin puncture to final revascularization was 63 min (IQR 56-78). The median NIHSS at discharge was 5 (IQR 3-12) with favorable clinical outcome at 90 days in 11 out of 20 patients (55%).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment using ReWiSed CARe is safe, fast and efficient in TO patients with underlying atherosclerotic lesion of the extracranial ICA.

Reasons for Reperfusion Failures in Stent-Retriever-Based Thrombectomy: Registry Analysis and Proposal of a Classification System

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In 5%-10% of patients with acute ischemic stroke with an intention to treat with mechanical thrombectomy, no reperfusion can be achieved (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score = 0/1). Purpose of this analysis was a systematic assessment of underlying reasons for reperfusion failures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An intention-to-treat single-center cohort (n = 592) was re-evaluated for all patients in whom no reperfusion could be achieved (n = 63). Baseline characteristics of patients were compared between patients with and without reperfusion failures. After qualitative review of all cases with reperfusion failures, a classification system was proposed and relative frequencies were reported. In a second step, occurrence of delayed recanalization at 24 hours after reperfusion failure and dependency on IV-tPA were evaluated.

RESULTS

In 63/592 patients with an intention to perform stent-retriever thrombectomy, no reperfusion was achieved (TICI 0/1, 10.6%, 95% CI, 8.2%-13.1%). Older patients (adjusted OR per yr = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05) and patients with M2 occlusion (adjusted OR = 3.36; 95% CI, 1.82-6.21) were at higher risk for reperfusion failure. In most cases, no reperfusion was a consequence of technical difficulties (56/63, 88.9%). In one-third of these cases, reperfusion failures were due to the inability to reach the target occlusion (20/63, 31.7%), while "stent-retriever failure" occurred in 39.7% (25/63) of patients. Delayed recanalization was very rare (18.2%), without dependence on IV-tPA pretreatment status.

CONCLUSIONS

Reasons for reperfusion failure in stent-retriever thrombectomy are heterogeneous. The failure to establish intracranial or cervical access is almost as common as stent-retriever failure after establishing intracranial access. Systematic reporting standards of reasons may help to further estimate relative frequencies and thereby guide priorities for technical development and scientific effort.