Need for rescue treatment and its implication: stent retriever versus contact aspiration thrombectomy

Aspiration thrombectomy versus stent retriever thrombectomy as a first-line approach for cardiogenic cerebral embolism and cryptogenic stroke in large vessels of the anterior circulation

Subject

This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of aspiration thrombectomy and stent retriever thrombectomy as first-line approaches for anterior circulation large vessel cardiogenic cerebral embolism and cryptogenic stroke.

Method

This retrospective observational study included patients with anterior circulation large vessel cardiogenic cerebral embolism and cryptogenic stroke treated with endovascular therapy. Patients were grouped according to the first-line approach they received: aspiration thrombectomy or stent retriever thrombectomy. The primary outcome measure was the change in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score from preoperative to immediate postoperative and from preoperative to discharge. Secondary indicators included the rate of favorable prognosis at discharge [Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤ 2], successful vessel recanalization rate [modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) score ≥ 2b], time from successful femoral artery puncture to successful vessel recanalization, and perioperative complications.

Result

The study included 127 cases, with 1 case withdrawal after enrollment due to a stroke of another determined cause, with 83 in the aspiration thrombectomy group and 43 cases in the stent retriever thrombectomy group. The change in NIHSS score from preoperative to immediate postoperative was 5 (1, 8) in the aspiration thrombectomy group and 1 (0, 4.5) in the stent retriever thrombectomy group. The change from preoperative to discharge was 8 (5, 12) in the aspiration thrombectomy group and 4 (0, 9) in the stent retriever thrombectomy group. The aspiration thrombectomy group exhibited significantly better prognosis rates and shorter time from successful femoral artery puncture to successful vessel recanalization. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of successful vessel recanalization rates and perioperative complications.

Conclusion

As a first-line approach for anterior circulation large vessel cardiogenic cerebral embolism and cryptogenic stroke, aspiration thrombectomy leads to better improvement in neurological functional deficits and prognosis rates compared to stent retriever thrombectomy.

Frontline thrombectomy strategy and outcome in acute basilar artery occlusion

BACKGROUND

Novel thrombectomy strategies emanate expeditiously day-by-day counting on access system, clot retriever device, proximity to and integration with the thrombus, and microcatheter disengagement. Nonetheless, the relationship between native thrombectomy strategies and revascularization success remains to be evaluated in basilar artery occlusion (BAO).

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and efficacy profile of key frontline thrombectomy strategies in BAO.

METHODS

Retrospective analyses of prospectively maintained stroke registries at two comprehensive stroke centers were performed between January 2015 and December 2019. Patients with BAO selected after MR imaging were categorized into three groups based on the frontline thrombectomy strategy (contact aspiration (CA), stent retriever (SR), or combined (SR+CA)). Patients who experienced failure of clot retrieval followed by an interchanging strategy were categorized as a fourth (switch) group. Clinicoradiological features and procedural variables were compared. The primary outcome measure was the rate of complete revascularization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2c-3). Favorable outcome was defined as a 90 day modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2.

RESULTS

Of 1823 patients, we included 128 (33 underwent CA, 35 SR, 35 SR +CA, and 25 switch techniques). Complete revascularization was achieved in 83/140 (59%) primarily analyzed patients. SR +CA was associated with higher odds of complete revascularization (adjusted OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.077 to 8.593, p=0.04) which was an independent predictor of favorable outcome (adjusted OR 2.73. 95% CI 1.152 to 6.458, p=0.02). No significant differences were observed for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, functional outcome, or mortality rate.

CONCLUSION

Among BAO patients, the combined technique effectively contributed to complete revascularization that showed a 90 day favorable outcome with an equivalent complication rate after thrombectomy.

Should the direct aspiration first pass technique be advocated over the stent-retriever technique for acute ischemic stroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis of 7692 patients

Background:

The present meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence from all published studies with head-to-head data on the outcomes of a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) and the stent-retriever (SR) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to March 2021 for relevant clinical trials and observational studies. Eligible studies were identified, and all relevant outcomes were pooled in the meta-analysis random-effects model of DerSimonian-Laird.

Results:

Thirty studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 7868 patients. Compared with the SR, the ADAPT provides slightly higher rates of successful recanalization (RR 1.06, 95% CI [1.02 to 1.10]) and complete recanalization (RR 1.20, 95% CI [1.01 to 1.43]) but with more need for rescue therapy (RR 1.81, 95% CI [1.29 to 2.54]). There were no significant differences between the two techniques in terms of mortality at discharge, mortality at 90 days, change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, the favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 0-2), time to the groin puncture, or frequency of complications as intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), embolus in a new territory (ENT), hemorrhagic infarction, parenchymal hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or procedural complications (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Current evidence supports the use of the ADAPT technique to achieve successful and complete recanalization while considering the higher need for rescue therapy in some patients.

Aspiration thrombectomy using a novel 088 catheter and specialized delivery catheter

BACKGROUND

We describe the first-in-human experience using the Route 92 Medical Aspiration System to perform thrombectomy in the initial 45 consecutive stroke patients enrolled in the SUMMIT NZ trial. This aspiration system includes a specifically designed delivery catheter which enables delivery of 0.070 inch and 0.088 inch aspiration catheters.

METHODS

The SUMMIT NZ trial is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study with core lab imaging adjudication. Patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion are eligible to enrol. The study has had three phases which transitioned from use of the 0.070 inch to the 0.088 inch catheter.

RESULTS

Vessel occlusions were located in the internal carotid artery (27%), M1 (60%) and M2 (13%). Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 16 (IQR 10). Across the three phases, the first-pass reperfusion rate of modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b was 62% using the Route 92 Medical system; this rate was 29% in phase 1, 56% in phase 2, and 80% in phase 3. The first-pass reperfusion rate of mTICI ≥2c was 42% overall, 29% in phase 1, 33% in phase 2, and 55% in phase 3. A final reperfusion rate of mTICI ≥2b was achieved in 96% of cases, with 36% of cases using adjunctive devices. Patients had an average improvement of 6.7 points in NIHSS from baseline at 24 hours, and at 90 days 48% were functionally independent (modified Rankin Scale 0-2).

CONCLUSIONS

In this early experience, the Route 92 Medical Aspiration System has been effective and safe. The system has design features that improve catheter deliverability and have the potential to increase first-pass reperfusion rates in aspiration thrombectomy.

Familiarization with Contact Aspiration using Non-Penetrating of the Thrombus (CANP) Technique as the Initial Procedure for Acute Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to prove the safety and efficacy of the contact aspiration using non-penetrating of thrombus (CANP) technique for the initial procedure for acute ischemic stroke and to increase operator familiarization with the technical aspects of the CANP technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 103 patients with large-vessel stroke who were treated using thrombectomy alone at our institution between April 2019 and March 2021 were included in this study. CANP technique was performed using a large lumen catheter (inner diameter, ≥0.060 in.) without penetrating a thrombus. Results of the CANP technique, including the procedure time; first-pass effect (FPE); angiographical recanalization; functional independence; thrombus migration; and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) were compared with combined technique.

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients (74.8%) were scheduled to undergo the CANP technique for initial procedure, and 50 (64.9%) attempted the CANP technique. Of 50 patients with CANP technique, 33 (66.0%) achieved angiographically good recanalization using CANP technique alone. FPE was achieved in 31 patients (62.0%) in CANP technique group; the rate of FPE was significantly higher (p = 0.008). Asymptomatic ICH were significantly smaller in the CANP technique group (p = 0.008). The median interval of only the CANP technique was 20 (IQR, 16-29.5) min for groin puncture to final recanalization, and was significantly faster (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CANP technique was safe with low risk of hemorrhagic complication and effective for the initial procedure of acute ischemic stroke.

Comparison of aspiration versus combined technique as first-line approach in terminal internal carotid artery occlusion: a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the most effective endovascular technique to use in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to terminal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. The aim of this study was to compare safety and efficacy of the aspiration technique (AT) and combined technique (CT) as first-line approach in terminal ICA occlusions.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected databases from seven Italian stroke centers. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to the first-line approach: AT group or CT group. We followed the STROBE guidelines for cohort studies. We used Chi-square test, one-way and multivariate ANOVA analysis, together with contrast analysis and post hoc tests, logistic regression and Pearson's bivariate correlation for the statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Between January 2018 and August 2020, 353 patients were treated for a terminal ICA occlusion, with either AT or CT. CT was associated with a higher Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2B-3 after the first pass (51.0% vs 26.9%) and at the end of the procedure (84% vs 73.3%) and with an improved clinical outcome at discharge (modified Rankin Scale (mRs) 0-2 of 47.8% vs 34.0%) and at 3 months' follow-up (mRs 0-2 of 56.5% vs 38.9%) compared with AT.

CONCLUSION

Thrombectomy of terminal ICA occlusions obtained using CT as first-line approach demonstrated better technical and functional outcomes in comparison with AT.

Current status of aspiration thrombectomy for acute stroke patients in China: data from ANGEL-ACT Registry

Background and Aims:

Although noninferior to stent retriever (SR) as first-line approach for endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, little is known about the current status of direct aspiration (DA) as first-line thrombectomy in China. This analysis of a prospective, nationwide registry (ANGEL-ACT) aimed to investigate the prevalence and comparative effectiveness of DA-first thrombectomy in a real-world practice in China.

Methods:

All patients receiving thrombectomy were screened from a prospective cohort of LVO patients undergoing EVT at 111 hospitals in China between November 2017 and March 2019, and divided into two groups based upon which type of thrombectomy was attempted first (“DA-first” and “SR-first”). The following outcome measures were compared using logistic regression models with adjustment: successful recanalization after first-device alone and all procedures, use of rescue treatment, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) within 24 h, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days.

Results:

A total of 1225 patients, 102 (8.3%) in DA-first group and 1123 (91.7%) in SR-first group, were included. Patients receiving DA-first had less often successful recanalization after first-device alone [30.4 versus 66.4%; odds ratio (OR) = 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.15–0.37], more frequent rescue treatment (62.8 versus 27.0%; OR = 4.55, 95% CI = 2.92–7.08) and ICH (35.4 versus 22.1%; OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.12–2.83) than those receiving SR-first; however, no significant difference was found in successful recanalization after all procedures (84.3 versus 90.3%; p = 0.18) and 90-day mRS (median: 3 versus 3 points; p = 0.90) between both groups.

Conclusion:

This real-world registry suggested that DA-first thrombectomy for acute stroke patients lagged behind in China during the study period. Far fewer DA-first than SR-first thrombectomies were performed, and DA-first was associated with lower first-device recanalization, more frequently requiring rescue treatment, and increased ICH risk.

Clinical Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03370939.

Switch Strategy from Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique to Solumbra Improves Technical Outcome in Endovascularly Treated Stroke

BACKGROUND

The major endovascular mechanic thrombectomy (MT) techniques are: Stent-Retriever (SR), aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) and Solumbra (Aspiration + SR), which are interchangeable (defined as switching strategy (SS)). The purpose of this study is to report the added value of switching from ADAPT to Solumbra in unsuccessful revascularization stroke patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, single center, pragmatic, cohort study. From December 2017 to November 2019, 935 consecutive patients were admitted to the Stroke Unit and 176/935 (18.8%) were eligible for MT. In 135/176 (76.7%) patients, ADAPT was used as the first-line strategy. SS was defined as the difference between first technique adopted and the final technique. Revascularization was evaluated with modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) with success defined as mTICI ≥ 2b. Procedural time (PT) and time to reperfusion (TTR) were recorded.

RESULTS

Stroke involved: Anterior circulation in 121/135 (89.6%) patients and posterior circulation in 14/135 (10.4%) patients. ADAPT was the most common first-line technique vs. both SR and Solumbra (135/176 (76.7%) vs. 10/176 (5.7%) vs. 31/176 (17.6%), respectively). In 28/135 (20.7%) patients, the mTICI was ≤ 2a requiring switch to Solumbra. The vessel's diameter positively predicted SS result (odd ratio (OR) 1.12, confidence of interval (CI) 95% 1.03-1.22; p = 0.006). The mean number of passes before SS was 2.0 ± 1.2. ADAPT to Solumbra improved successful revascularization by 13.3% (107/135 (79.3%) vs. 125/135 (92.6%)). PT was superior for SS comparing with ADAPT (71.1 min (CI 95% 53.2-109.0) vs. 40.0 min (CI 95% 35.0-45.2); p = 0.0004), although, TTR was similar (324.1 min (CI 95% 311.4-387.0) vs. 311.4 min (CI 95% 285.5-338.7); p = 0.23).

CONCLUSION

Successful revascularization was improved by 13.3% after switching form ADAPT to Solumbra (final mTICI ≥ 2b was 92.6%). Vessel's diameter positively predicted recourse to SS.

Clinical Result of Mechanical Thrombectomy Using Sofia Plus with Acute Ischemic Stroke Compared with the Stent Retriever

OBJECTIVE

The Sofia catheter is a new large-bore aspiration catheter that allows easy access and good reperfusion. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of the Sofia catheter in comparison with stent retrievers as a contact aspiration thrombectomy (CAT) tool for large vessel occlusion.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular thrombectomy from April 2017 and April 2020 in our hospital. Patients were retrospectively reviewed and divided into the stent retriever group (SR), the Sofia group, and all cases group.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients were treated during the study period, including 27 in the stent retriever group and 15 in the Sofia group. Higher rates of the first-pass effect (FPE) (37% vs. 47%, P = 0.12) and significantly higher modified FPE (44% vs. 67%, P = 0.001) were observed in patients with SR and Sofia, respectively. Functional independence (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) at 30 days after onset was observed in 30% versus 47% (P = 0.47) of SR and Sofia, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The Sofia Plus is a large-bore aspiration catheter with high FPE and good accessibility. Use of this catheter resulted better angiographic outcome compared with the stent retriever, but there was no difference in clinical outcomes in this study. Further studies are needed to compare in new generation aspiration catheters.

A direct aspiration first-pass technique (ADAPT) versus stent retriever for acute ischemic stroke (AIS): a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is an ongoing debate about whether a direct aspiration first-pass technique (ADAPT) or stent retriever should be used as the first-pass mechanical thrombectomy device for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This meta-analysis aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of ADAPT versus stent retriever in patients with AIS.

METHODS

Structured searches on the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted through July 2020. The primary outcomes of this study were: successful and complete recanalization; excellent and favorable outcomes; all-cause mortality at 90 days; and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). The secondary outcomes of this study were: successful recanalization by primary chosen device; additional therapy; occurrence of emboli in a new territory; hemorrhagic complication; hemorrhagic infarction; parenchymatous hematoma; and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the primary and secondary outcomes were calculated using a random-effects model. I² statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity for each outcome among the included studies.

RESULTS

Finally, 20 studies with a total of 6311 patients were included in our meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between the ADAPT group and the stent retriever group of the primary and secondary outcomes except additional therapy. Our pooled results indicated that patients in the ADAPT group needed more additional therapy than those in the stent retriever group (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.41-3.57).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our meta-analysis showed similar clinical outcomes of ADAPT and stent retriever. However, patients in the ADAPT group had higher additional therapy rates than those in the stent retriever group. Due to several inevitable limitations of this meta-analysis, more large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to further investigate this topic.

Direct aspiration stroke thrombectomy: a comprehensive review

Mechanical thrombectomy is now the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions, and can be performed with several devices and techniques. One of these techniques, direct aspiration (DA), consists of navigating a large-bore catheter up to the face of the clot and initiating forceful suction. This comprehensive review has three objectives: (1) to describe the direct aspiration technique; (2) to present the available evidence regarding predictive factors of DA success and performance compared with other techniques; and (3) to discuss the forthcoming improvements in distal aspiration.

"Incidence and Clinico-Radiological Correlations of Early Arterial Reocclusion After Successful Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke"

About half of acute stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) do not show clinical improvement despite successful recanalization. Early arterial reocclusion (EAR) may be one of the causes that explain this phenomenon. We aimed to analyze the incidence and clinico-radiological correlations of EAR after successful MT. A consecutive series of patients treated with MT between 2010 and 2018 at a single-center included in a prospective registry was retrospectively reviewed. Specific inclusion criteria for the analysis were (1) successful recanalization after MT and (2) availability of pretreatment CT perfusion and follow-up MRI. EAR was evaluated in the follow-up MR angiography. Adjusted regression models were used to analyze the association of EAR with pretreatment variables, infarct growth, final infarct volume, and clinical outcome at 90 days (ordinal distribution of the modified Rankin Scale scores). Out of 831 MT performed, 218 (26%) patients fulfilled inclusion criteria, from whom 13 (6%) suffered EAR. In multivariate analysis controlled by confounders, EAR was independently associated with poor clinical outcome (aOR = 3.2, 95%CI = 1.16-9.72, p = 0.039), greater final infarct volume (aOR = 3.8, 95%CI = 1.93-7.49, p < 0.001), and increased infarct growth (aOR = 8.5, CI95% = 2.04-34.70, p = 0.003). According to mediation analyses, the association between EAR and poor clinical outcome was mainly explained through its effects on final infarct volume and infarct growth. Additionally, EAR was associated with non-cardioembolic etiology (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 10.1, 95%CI = 1.25-81.35, p = 0.030) and longer procedural time (aOR = 2.6, 95%CI = 1.31-5.40, p = 0.007). Although uncommon, EAR hampers the benefits of successful recanalization after MT resulting in increased infarct growth and larger final lesions.

Role of Balloon Guide Catheter in Modern Endovascular Thrombectomy

Proximal flow control achieved with a balloon guide catheter (BGC) during endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke is reviewed in this article. In clinical practice, BGCs offer a multi-faceted approach for clot retrieval by creating proximal flow arrest, reducing embolic burden, and shortening procedure time. Evaluation of frontline thrombectomy procedures with BGCs revealed advantages of combined use over the conventional guide catheter (CGC), notably in the significant reduction of distal emboli to both the affected and previously unaffected territories. Recently, new measures of early and complete reperfusion at first thrombectomy pass have been identified as independent predictors of improved outcomes, which were consistently demonstrated with use of BGC as a safe and effective option to minimize number of passes during intervention. Prior randomized controlled trials reported the positive correlation between BGC-treated patients and a lower risk of mortality as well as shortened procedure time. While BGC use is more common in stent retriever-mediated mechanical thrombectomy, preliminary data has shown the potential benefit of device application during contact aspiration thrombectomy to achieve successful recanalization. However, the question of which major endovascular strategy reigns superior as a frontline remains to be answered. Along with clinical case assessments, BGC performance during in-vitro simulation was analyzed to further understand mechanisms for optimization of thrombectomy technique.

Effects of first pass recanalization on outcomes of contact aspiration thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

First pass recanalization (FPR, defined as achieving a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) grade 2c/3 with a single pass of a thrombectomy device) effect has not yet been evaluated in contact aspiration thrombectomy (CAT). We evaluated FPR effect on clinical outcomes and FPR predictors in CAT.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent frontline CAT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion with recanalization (mTICI 2b-3) were identified from registries at six stroke centers. The patients were dichotomized into FPR and non-FPR groups. Clinical features and outcomes were compared between the groups. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether FPR was independently associated with clinical outcomes and to identify predictors of FPR.

RESULTS

Of the 429 patients who underwent frontline CAT, recanalization was successful in 344 patients (80.2%; mean age 68.7±11.0 years; M:F ratio 179:165). The FPR group had a higher rate of good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) than the non-FPR group. Furthermore, the good outcome rate was higher in the FPR group than in patients who achieved mTICI 2c/3 with multiple passes or rescue treatment. FPR (OR 2.587; 95% CI 1.237 to 5.413) remained independently associated with good outcomes, in addition to age, baseline National Institute Health Stroke Scale, and coronary artery disease. The use of a balloon guide catheter (OR 3.071; 95% CI 1.699 to 5.550) was the only predictor of FPR.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in the FPR group had better clinical outcomes than the non-FPR group in CAT. FPR was independently associated with a good outcome. The use of a balloon guide catheter was the only predictor of FPR.