Increased Success of Single-Pass Large Vessel Recanalization Using a Combined Stentriever and Aspiration Technique: A Single Institution Study

Efficacy and safety of combined stent retriever and contact aspiration vs. stent retriever alone on revascularization in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Whether the efficacy of combined stent retriever and contact aspiration (S + A) is superior to stent retriever (S) alone for revascularisation in patients with large vessel occlusive stroke remains uncertain. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the safety and efficacy of combined stent retriever and contact aspiration for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke with large vessel occlusion by comparing it with stent retriever alone.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases for randomised controlled trials and observational studies (case-control and cohort studies) published before 1 October 2023 comparing the efficacy of combined stent retriever and contact aspiration versus tent retriever alone in patients with large vessel occlusive stroke. The end point of the primary efficacy observed in this meta-analysis study was the rate of first pass nearly complete or complete recanalisation (mTICI 2c-3). Secondary effectiveness nodes were: rate of first pass successful recanalisation (mTICI 2b-3), rate of near-complete or complete recanalisation of the postoperative vessel, rate of successful recanalisation of the postoperative vessel, and MRS 0-2 within 90 days. Safety endpoints were interoperative embolism, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage, and mortality within 90 days.

Results

A total of 16 studies were included in the literature for this meta-analysis, with a total of 7,320 patients (S + C group: 3,406, S group: 3,914). A comprehensive analysis of the included literature showed that combined stent retriever and contact aspiration had a higher rate of near-complete or complete recanalisation of the postoperative vessel [OR = 1.53, 95% CI (1.24, 1.88), p < 0.0001] and rate of successful recanalisation of the postoperative vessel compared to stent retriever alone [OR = 1.83, 95% CI (1.55, 2.17), p < 0.00001]; there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the rate of first pass nearly complete or complete recanalisation [OR = 1.00, 95% CI (0.83, 1.19), p = 0.96], rate of first pass successful recanalisation [OR = 1.02, 95% CI (0.85, 1.24), p = 0.81], interoperative embolism [OR = 0.93, 95% CI (0.72, 1.20), p = 0.56], symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage [OR = 1.14, 95% CI (0.87, 1.48), p = 0.33], MRS 0-2 within 90 days [OR = 0.89, 95% CI (0.76, 1.04), p = 0.14] and mortality within 90 days [OR = 1.11, 95% CI (0.94, 1.31), p = 0.22].

Conclusion

Combined stent retriever and contact aspiration has a higher rate of postprocedural revascularisation (mTICI 2c-3/mTICI 2b-3) compared with stent retriever alone in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke. In addition, it was not superior to stenting alone in terms of the rate of first pass recanalisation (mTICI 2c-3/mTICI 2b-3), interoperative embolisation, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage, good functional prognosis within 90 days and mortality within 90 days.

Comparison of Balloon Guide Catheters and Standard Guide Catheters for Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to update our 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis which reported that balloon guide catheters (BGC) are associated with superior clinical and angiographic outcomes compared to standard guide catheters for treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of 7 electronic databases to identify literature published between January 2010 and September 2023 reporting BGC versus non-BGC approaches. Primary outcomes were final modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) ≥2b, first-pass effect (mTICI ≥2c on first pass), and modified Rankin scale 0-2 at 90 days. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. A separate random effects model was fitted for each outcome. Subgroup analyses by first-line approach were conducted.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies comprising 8583 patients were included (4948 BGC; 3635 non-BGC; 1561 BGC + Stent-retriever; 1297 non-BGC + Stent-retriever). Nine studies had low risk of bias, 3 were moderate risk, and 12 were high risk. Patients treated with BGCs had higher odds of achieving mTICI 2b/3, first-pass effect mTICI 2c/3, and modified Rankin scale 0-2 at 90 days (P < 0.001). The number of patients needed to treat in order to achieve one additional successful recanalization is 17. BGC + Stent-retriever was associated with higher odds of mTICI≥2b, 90-day modified Rankin scale 0-2, and reduced odds of 90-day mortality compared to non-BGC + Stent-retrievers. The main limitation was the absence of randomized trials.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings corroborate our previous results suggesting that MT using BGCs is associated with better safety and effectiveness outcomes for acute ischemic stroke, especially BGC + Stent-retrievers.

Mechanical thrombectomy with combined stent retriever and contact aspiration versus stent retriever alone for acute large vessel occlusion: data from ANGEL-ACT registry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

An analysis of the ASTER 2 trial revealed similar final recanalisation levels and clinical outcomes in acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke between stent retrieval (SR) alone as a first-line mechanical thrombectomy (MT) technique (SR alone first-line) and concomitant use of contact aspiration (CA) plus SR as a first-line MT technique (SR+CA first-line). The purpose of the present study was to compare the safety and efficacy of SR+CA first-line with those of SR alone first-line for patients with LVO in China.

METHODS

We conducted the present study by using the data from the ANGEL-ACT registry. We divided the selected patients into SR+CA first-line and SR alone first-line groups. We performed logistic regression and generalised linear models with adjustments to compare the angiographic and clinical outcomes, including successful/complete recanalisation after the first technique alone and all procedures, first-pass successful/complete recanalisation, number of passes, 90-day modified Rankin Scale, procedure duration, rescue treatment and intracranial haemorrhage within 24 hours.

RESULTS

Of the 1233 enrolled patients, 1069 (86.7%) received SR alone first-line, and 164 (13.3%) received SR+CA first-line. SR+CA first-line was associated with more thrombectomy passes (3 (2-4) vs 2 (1-2); β=1.77, 95% CI=1.55 to 1.99, p<0.001), and longer procedure duration (86 (60-129) min vs 80 (50-122) min; β=10.76, 95% CI=1.08 to 20.43, p=0.029) than SR alone first-line group. Other outcomes were comparable (all p>0.05) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing SR+CA first-line had more thrombectomy passes and longer procedure duration than patients undergoing SR alone first-line. Additionally, we suggested that SR+CA first-line was not superior to SR alone first-line in final recanalisation level, first-pass recanalisation level and 90-day clinical outcomes in the Chinese population.

Double stent retriever technique for rescue recanalization in refractory large vessel occlusions

Acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) involving bifurcation usually have a difficult and high clot burden. By using conventional technique often resulting in a reduction in the possibility of successful recanalization. The double stent retriever technique can be considered for rescue recanalization. We reported a case of refractory terminal left internal carotid occlusion that was treated using double stent retriever technique. Two microcatheter were advanced across the occlusion were one to the superior branch of middle cerebral artery and another was on inferior branch. Both stent retrievers were pulled back together and complete recanalization was achieved. This technique were reported in some case series to be effective and based on our initial experience using this technique it seems the expansion improved after deployment of the second stent retriever and it traps the clot within its stent struts, to facilitate clot retrieval. Therefore, double stent retriever technique can be one of the choices for rescue recanalization in refractory clot occlusion and it may potentially help other clinicians in similar situations.

First Pass Effect and Location of Occlusion in Recanalized MCA M1 Occlusions

Background

The first pass effect has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 occlusions.

Objective

To determine the rates of first pass effect in MCA M1 occlusions and determine if proximal or distal location of occlusion modified clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients with recanalized MCA M1 occlusions who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) were reviewed to determine the effect of first pass effect (FPE) and location of occlusion on clinical outcomes. MCA occlusions were classified as proximal if they included the first two thirds of the MCA and involved the lenticulostriate vessels, or distal if they did not.

Results

We included 261 patients of which 27% achieved FPE. Of the cohort, there were 91 (35%) proximal MCA occlusions and 170 (65%) distal MCA occlusions. Baseline demographics and treatment time metrics were comparable across both groups. There was a trend toward good clinical outcome in patients with or without a FPE (60 vs. 46%; p = 0.06), however a higher rate of excellent clinical outcome was noted in patients with FPE (46 vs. 30%; p = 0.02). When compared by location, patients with distal MCA occlusions had a higher rate of excellent clinical outcome (40 vs. 25%; p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis showed that distal MCA occlusion was the strongest predictor of an excellent clinical outcome and first pass effect.

Conclusion

Patients with MCA M1 occlusions with FPE have a higher rate of excellent clinical outcomes compared to those who did not. Location of MCA occlusion appears to modify rates of first pass effect and excellent clinical outcomes.

A Meta-analysis of Combined Aspiration Catheter and Stent Retriever versus Stent Retriever Alone for Large-Vessel Occlusion Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of combined aspiration catheter and stent retriever compared with stent retriever alone for the treatment of large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke is unclear.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on several metrics of efficacy comparing aspiration catheter and stent retriever with stent retriever alone.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library Databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials and case-control and cohort studies were included.

STUDY SELECTION

Ten comparative studies were included detailing a combined 1495 patients with aspiration catheter and stent retriever and 1864 with stent retrievers alone.

DATA ANALYSIS

Data on first pass effect (TICI 2b/2c/3 after first pass), final successful reperfusion (modified TICI ≥2b), and 90-day functional independence (mRS ≤ 2) were collected. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.

DATA SYNTHESIS

There was a pooled composite first pass effect of 40.8% (611/1495) versus 32.6% (608/1864) for aspiration catheter and stent retriever and stent retriever alone, respectively (P < .0001). Similarly, on a meta-analysis, aspiration catheter and stent retriever were associated with a higher first pass effect compared with stent retriever alone (OR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.20-2.21; P = .002; I² = 72%). There was no significant difference in composite rates of successful reperfusion between aspiration catheter and stent retriever (72.8%, 867/1190) and stent retriever alone (70.8%, 931/1314) (P = .27) or on meta-analysis (OR = 1.31; CI, 0.81-2.12; P = .27; I² = 82%). No difference was found between aspiration catheter and stent retriever and stent retriever alone on 90-day functional independence (OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.77-1.36; P = .88; I² = 40%).

LIMITATIONS

This study is limited by high interstudy heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

On meta-analysis, aspiration catheter and stent retriever are associated with a superior first pass effect compared with stent retriever alone, but they are not associated with statistically different final reperfusion or functional independence.

Efficacy of combined use of a stent retriever and aspiration catheter in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of combined stent retriever (SR) and aspiration catheter (AC; combined technique: CBT) use for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is unclear. We investigated the safety and efficacy of single-unit CBT (SCBT)-retrieving the thrombus as a single unit with SR and AC into the guide catheter-compared with single use of either SR or contact aspiration (CA).

METHODS

We analysed 763 consecutive patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for AIS between January 2013 and January 2020, at six comprehensive stroke centers. Patients were divided into SCBT and single device (SR/CA) groups. The successful recanalization with first pass (SRFP) and other procedural outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 240 SCBT and 301 SR/CA (SR 128, CA 173) patients were analyzed. SRFP (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2c, 43.3% vs 27.9%, p<0.001; mTICI 3, 35.8% vs 25.5%, p=0.009) and final mTICI ≥2b recanalization (89.1% vs 82.0%, p=0.020) rates were significantly higher, puncture-to-reperfusion time was shorter (median (IQR) 43 (31.5-69) vs 55 (38-82.2) min, p<0.001), and the number of passes were fewer (mean±SD 1.72±0.92 vs 1.99±1.01, p<0.001) in the SCBT group. Procedural complications were similar between the groups. In subgroup analysis, SCBT was more effective in women, cardioembolic stroke patients, and internal carotid artery and M2 occlusions.

CONCLUSIONS

SCBT increases the SRFP rate and shortens the puncture-to-reperfusion time without increasing procedural complications.

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.

Comparison of aspiration-first versus stentriever-first techniques in performing mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusions

BACKGROUND

Both stentriever and direct-aspiration thrombectomy effectively treat large-vessel occlusions. However, data are limited comparing clinical outcomes after aspiration-first versus stentriever-assisted aspiration for thrombectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study compared procedure times and radiographic outcomes after two mechanical thrombectomy techniques (aspiration first or stentriever). To minimize bias and variability inherent to multi-operator series, we assessed consecutive patients with cerebrovascular occlusions treated by a single surgeon during a 1 year period at two stroke centers. Expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) grades were assessed by an investigator blinded to treatment.

RESULTS

Data from 93 patients (median age 70 years) were analyzed: 73 patients (78.5%) were treated with a strentriever-first strategy and 20 (21.5%) were treated with aspiration first, with stentriever rescue therapy required in only three of these cases following unsuccessful aspiration. There were no significant differences in patient demographics, sites of occlusion, or rates of tandem occlusions between aspiration-first and stentriever-assisted groups (p≥0.36). The rate of first-pass eTICI ≥2b was 75.0% (15/20) for aspiration-first and 52.1% (38/73) for strentriever-first groups (p=0.07), while the rate of final eTICI ≥2b was 100% (20/20) and 82.2% (60/72), respectively (p=0.04). The aspiration-first technique was associated with procedural times ≤25 min in a multivariable analysis (adjusted OR 4.77, 95% CI 1.15 to 18.39; p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-surgeon series, an aspiration-first technique was associated with a statistically significant improvement in eTICI outcomes and faster procedure times compared with stentriever-assisted aspiration. Further prospective studies are necessary to minimize selection bias inherent in this study design.

Feasibility and Efficacy of a 9-Fr Balloon-Guiding Catheter Sheathless Insertion to Reduce Access Site Complications During Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

A 9-French (Fr) sheath is routinely used during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the use of a large sheath is a risk factor for access site complications (ASCs). Previous studies focused on preventing intracranial complications, and only a few have explored ASCs. We investigated the technical feasibility and efficacy of a sheathless procedure for AIS (SPAIS) that uses a 9-Fr balloon-guiding catheter as a guiding sheath to reduce the sheath size and prevent ASCs during MT.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 133 patients who underwent MT at our center. Patients treated between January 2015 and August 2017 received conventional treatment (C) using a 9-Fr sheath, and SPAIS was attempted in patients treated between September 2017 and October 2019. We first assessed the technical feasibility of SPAIS, and subsequently compared the incidence of ASCs between the SPAIS and C groups. Routine postsurgical ASC assessments using duplex ultrasonography were performed during the post-MT bed-rest period.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of SPAIS was 97.6% (81 of 83 patients). The incidence of ASCs was significantly lower in the SPAIS group (2 of 81, 2.5%) than in the C group (7 of 52, 13.4%) (P < 0.05). Moreover, developed pseudoaneurysms in the SPAIS group showed significantly faster hemostasis than those in the C group (mean 20 minutes vs. 32 minutes; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SPAIS is a feasible technique that effectively reduces MT-associated ASCs; thus, this approach should be adopted to improve patient outcomes.

Hybrid mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke using an intermediate aspiration catheter and Trevo stent simultaneously

PURPOSE

To overcome the limitations of traditional mechanical thrombectomy (MT), including catheter aspiration and stent retrievers, such as thrombus fragmentation or migration, we designed hybrid MT using an intermediate aspiration catheter and a Trevo stent simultaneously. We retrospectively compared hybrid MT with the traditional MT.

METHODS

From January 2017 to January 2019, we performed MT on 91 occlusions, including internal carotid artery bifurcation (n = 17), M1 segment (n = 53) and M2 segment (n = 21), using hybrid MT (n = 42) and traditional MT (n = 49).

RESULTS

Hybrid MT had a shorter procedure time (52.4 ± 22.0 vs. 73.0 ± 36.2 min, p = 0.002) and fewer attempts (1.50 ± 0.86 vs. 1.92 ± 1.10 times, p = 0.049) than traditional MT did. Hybrid MT achieved more good clinical outcome (3-month modified Rankin Scale score, 2 or less) and better successful recanalization (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction grade, 2b or 3) than traditional MT did, but the difference was not significant (61.9% vs. 55.1%, p = 0.531, 92.9% vs. 87.8%, p = 0.498). Hybrid MT showed a higher first pass successful recanalization rate than traditional MT did (69.0% vs. 40.8%, p = 0.011). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that first pass successful recanalization is related to the M1 segment rather than other segments (adjusted odds ratio (OR); 3.277, confidence interval (CI); 1.227-8.749, p = 0.018) and hybrid MT rather than traditional MT (adjusted OR; 4.995, CI; 1.725-14.460, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Hybrid MT can be used as a first-line MT modality, particularly in M1 occlusion, based on our high first pass successful recanalization results.

Current Status of Treatment for Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke in Awaji Island Area after the Introduction of Endovascular Treatment

Objective

We retrospectively analyzed the current status of treatment for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) in island areas with a high population aging rate.

Methods

We investigated 62 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke due to acute anterior circulation LVO between October 1, 2017 and June 30, 2019.

Results

In all, 26 (41.1%) patients underwent endovascular treatment (EVT). The successful recanalization rate of EVT was 88.5% (23/26). There was a significant difference in the age (median, 75.5 years vs. 81 years, respectively, P = 0.0411) and the rate of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy (53.5% vs. 11.1%, respectively, P <0.001) between the EVT group and the non-EVT group. Patients in the EVT group achieved a favorable outcome more frequently than those in the non-EVT group (50% vs. 11.1%, respectively, P = 0.0012). In the analysis based on the place of onset among the three cities comprising Awaji Island and the four groups with in-hospital onset, there was no significant difference in the rate of EVT, and the outcome of the in-hospital onset group was poor. Among the EVT group, there was a significant difference in the pre-treatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (median, 15 vs. 19, respectively, P = 0.0237) and time from onset to recanalization (O2R; median, 240 min vs. 323 min, respectively, P = 0.0128) between the favorable outcome group and the unfavorable outcome group.

Conclusion

Even in an island area, it is possible to complete the treatment of ischemic stroke due to LVO within the regional medical area.