Adjuvant Tirofiban Injection Through Deployed Solitaire Stent As a Rescue Technique After failed Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke

Therapeutic Efficacy of Tirofiban Combined With Thrombus Aspiration and Stent Thrombectomy in the Treatment of Large Vessel Occlusion Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

This research aimed to ascertain the effects of tirofiban combined with thrombus aspiration and stent thrombectomy on large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke (LVO-IS).

METHODS

Sixty patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by LVO were randomized into the control group and the intervention group (n=30). Patients in the control group received thrombus aspiration combined with stent thrombectomy, while those in the intervention group were treated with tirofiban combined with thrombus aspiration and stent thrombectomy. General data, perioperative-related indicators, cerebral blood flow perfusion, coagulation function indicators, and neurological function indicators were collected, and the prognosis was observed after 3-month treatment.

RESULTS

A comparison of symptomatic cerebral hemorrhage rate and hospital mortality rate between the 2 groups displayed no significant difference ( P >0.05). The rate of revascularization in the intervention group (90.00%) was higher versus the control group (66.67%). After treatment, the mean blood flow and cerebral blood volume of the intervention group were higher and the time to peak cerebral blood flow was less versus the control group. The prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and prothrombinogen time of the intervention group were higher, and fibrinogen was lower versus the control group. A lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was observed in the intervention group versus the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Tirofiban combined with thrombus aspiration and stent thrombectomy has good efficacy in LVO-IS patients.

Stent Retriever AssIsted Lysis Technique with Tirofiban: A Potential Bailout Alternative to Angioplasty and Stenting

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Angioplasty and stent placement have been described as a bailout technique in individuals with failed thrombectomy. We aimed to investigate Stent retriever AssIsted Lysis (SAIL) with tirofiban before angioplasty and stent placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients from 2 comprehensive stroke centers were reviewed (2020-2023). We included patients with failed thrombectomy and/or underlying intracranial stenosis who received SAIL with tirofiban before the intended angioplasty and stent placement. SAIL consisted of deploying a stent retriever through the occluding lesion to create a bypass channel and infuse 10 mL of tirofiban for 10 minutes either intra-arterially or IV. The stent retriever was re-sheathed before retrieval. The primary end points were successful reperfusion (expanded TICI 2b-3) and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Additional end points included 90-day mRS 0-2 and mortality.

RESULTS

After a median of 3 (interquartile range, 2-4) passes, 44 patients received the SAIL bridging protocol with tirofiban, and later they were considered potential candidates for angioplasty and stent placement bailout (43.2%, intra-arterial SAIL). Post-SAIL successful reperfusion was obtained in 79.5%. A notable residual stenosis (>50%) after successful SAIL was observed in 45.7%. No significant differences were detected according to post-SAIL: successful reperfusion (intra-arterial SAIL, 80.0% versus IV-SAIL, 78.9%; P = .932), significant stenosis (33.3% versus 55.0%; P = .203), early symptomatic re-occlusion (0% versus 8.0%; P = .207), or symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (5.3% versus 8.0%; P = .721). Rescue angioplasty and stent placement were finally performed in 15 (34.1%) patients (intra-arterial SAIL 21.0% versus IV-SAIL 44%; P = .112). At 90 days, mRS 0-2 (intra-arterial SAIL 50.0% versus IV-SAIL 43.5%; P = .086) and mortality (26.3% versus 12.0%; P = .223) were also similar.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stroke in which angioplasty and stent placement are considered, SAIL with tirofiban, either intra-arterial or IV, seems to safely induce sustained recanalization, offering a potential alternative to definitive angioplasty and stent placement.

Artificial Intelligence and Neurosurgery: Tracking Antiplatelet Response Patterns for Endovascular Intervention

Platelets play a critical role in blood clotting and the development of arterial blockages. Antiplatelet therapy is vital for preventing recurring events in conditions like coronary artery disease and strokes. However, there is a lack of comprehensive guidelines for using antiplatelet agents in elective neurosurgery. Continuing therapy during surgery poses a bleeding risk, while discontinuing it before surgery increases the risk of thrombosis. Discontinuation is recommended in neurosurgical settings but carries an elevated risk of ischemic events. Conversely, maintaining antithrombotic therapy may increase bleeding and the need for transfusions, leading to a poor prognosis. Artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise in making difficult decisions regarding antiplatelet therapy. This paper discusses current clinical guidelines and supported regimens for antiplatelet therapy in neurosurgery. It also explores methodologies like P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) monitoring and thromboelastography (TEG) mapping for monitoring the use of antiplatelet regimens as well as their limitations. The paper explores the potential of AI to overcome such limitations associated with PRU monitoring and TEG mapping. It highlights various studies in the field of cardiovascular and neuroendovascular surgery which use AI prediction models to forecast adverse outcomes such as ischemia and bleeding, offering assistance in decision-making for antiplatelet therapy. In addition, the use of AI to improve patient adherence to antiplatelet regimens is also considered. Overall, this research aims to provide insights into the use of antiplatelet therapy and the role of AI in optimizing treatment plans in neurosurgical settings.

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.

Endovascular Treatment for Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Due to Underlying Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is one of the most common causes of acute ischemic stroke worldwide. Patients with acute large vessel occlusion due to underlying ICAD (ICAD-LVO) often do not achieve successful recanalization when undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) alone, requiring rescue treatment, including intra-arterial thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty, and stenting. Therefore, early detection of ICAD-LVO before the procedure is important to enable physicians to select the optimal treatment strategy for ICAD-LVO to improve clinical outcomes. Early diagnosis of ICAD-LVO is challenging in the absence of consensus diagnostic criteria on noninvasive imaging and early digital subtraction angiography. In this review, we summarize the clinical and diagnostic criteria, prediction of ICAD-LVO prior to the procedure, and EVT strategy of ICAD-LVO and provide recommendations according to the current literature.

First-line Double Stentriever Thrombectomy for M1/TICA Occlusions : Initial Experiences

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion; however, mechanical thrombectomy fails to achieve adequate recanalization in nearly one third of these cases. Rescue therapy using two stentrievers simultaneously yields good results in clots refractory to single stentriever treatment. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of first-line double stentriever thrombectomy for acute occlusion of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery and/or terminal internal carotid artery (TICA).

METHODS

This single-center study prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with a single M1/TICA occlusion to undergo double stentriever thrombectomy between May and October 2020. Outcomes included successful recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction, TICI 2b/3), first-pass effect, procedure times, number of device passes, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) at discharge, 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin scale 0-2), and 90-day mortality.

RESULTS

We analyzed 39 patients median age 79 years (range 42-96 years); 23 (58.9%) female; 19 (48.7%) with TICA occlusions; 5 (12.8%) with mRS 3-5 at admission; mean NIHSS at admission, 17 ± 4.39). Mean time from symptom onset to final angiogram was 238.0 ± 94.6 min; mean intervention duration was 36.0 ± 24.2 min. The mean number of device passes was 1.5 ± 1.07. All patients had final TICI 2b/3, and 27 (69%) had TICI 2c/3 after the first pass. We observed 3 (7.9%) cases of intracerebral symptomatic hemorrhages. At 90 days, 16 (41%) patients were functionally independent and 9 (23%) had died. The percentage of patients with good clinical outcome at 90 days was 55.5% in the first-pass subgroup.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that first-line double stentriever thrombectomy is safe and effective for M1/TICA occlusions.

Successful Reperfusion is Associated with Favorable Functional Outcome despite Vessel Perforation during Thrombectomy: A Case Series and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Arterial perforation is a potentially serious complication during endovascular thrombectomy.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to describe interventional approaches after arterial perforation during endovascular thrombectomy and to determine whether reperfusion remains associated with favorable outcome despite this complication.

DATA SOURCES

Data from consecutive patients with acute stroke undergoing endovascular thrombectomy were retrospectively collected between 2015 to 2020 from a single-center cohort, and a systematic review was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid MEDLINE up to June 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles reporting functional outcome after arterial perforation during endovascular thrombectomy were selected.

DATA ANALYSIS

Functional outcomes of patients achieving successful reperfusion (TICI 2b/3) were compared with outcomes of those with unsuccessful reperfusion in our single-center cohort. We then summarized the literature review to describe interventional approaches and outcomes after arterial perforation during endovascular thrombectomy.

DATA SYNTHESIS

In our single-center cohort, 1419 patients underwent endovascular thrombectomy, among whom 32 (2.3%) had vessel perforation and were included in the analysis. The most common hemostatic strategy was watchful waiting (71% of cases). Patients with successful reperfusion had a higher proportion of favorable 90-day mRS scores (60% versus 12.5%; P = .006) and a lower mortality rate (13.3% versus 56.3%, P = .01) than patients without successful reperfusion. Thirteen articles were included in the systematic review. Successful reperfusion also appeared to be associated with better outcomes.

LIMITATIONS

Given the low number of published reports, we performed only a descriptive analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial perforation during endovascular thrombectomy is rare but is associated with high mortality rates and poor outcome. However, successful reperfusion remains correlated with favorable outcome in these patients.

Safety and efficacy of low-dose and long-course tirofiban in large hemispheric infarction

Background

The clinical efficacy and safety of tirofiban in the treatment of large hemispheric infarction (LHI) remain controversial.

Methods

This study prospectively enrolled patients with acute LHI who were admitted to Putuo Hospital affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2021 to December 2021. The patients were randomly assigned to the tirofiban group [3–4 μg/(kg·h)] or control group (clopidogrel 75 mg/d).

Results

A total of 71 patients with acute LHI were selected: 36 in the tirofiban group and 35 in the control group. The reduction of the NIHSS score in the tirofiban group was 2.92 ± 9.31 at discharge, and that of the control group was −3.23 ± 12.06 (p = 0.021, OR, 0.006; 95% CI, 0.004–0.008). Six patients (16.7%) in tirofiban group and 14 patients (40%) in control group died during hospitalization (p = 0.029, OR, 0.300; 95% CI, 0.099–0.908). There was significant difference in Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 5–6 scores at 90 days between the two groups (p = 0.023, OR, 0.327; 95% CI, 0.124–0.867). However, there was no significant difference in mRS 0–1 (p = 0.321, OR, 0.972; 95% CI, 0.920–1.027), mRS 2 (p = 0.572, OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 0.173–23.109), mRS 3 (p = 0.225, OR, 2.214; 95% CI, 0.601–8.161), or mRS 4(p = 0.284, OR, 1.859; 95% CI, 0.593–5.825) scores between the two groups. There was no difference in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (p = 0.29, OR, 0.305; 95% CI, 0.030–3.081), asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (p = 0.123, OR, 0.284; 95% CI, 0.053–1.518). There was a significant difference in systemic bleeding events during hospitalization (p = 0.044, OR, 0.309; 95% CI, 0.096–1.000).

Conclusions

Low-dose and long-course tirofiban treatment may significantly improve the early neurological function and reduce the in-hospital mortality in LHI patients. Meanwhile, tirofiban does not increase the risk of any type of bleeding events.

Feasibility and safety of the strategy of first stenting without retrieval using Solitaire FR as a treatment for emergent large-vessel occlusion due to underlying intracranial atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The optimal treatment for underlying intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) in patients with emergent large-vessel occlusion (ELVO) remains unclear. Reocclusion during endovascular treatment (EVT) occurs frequently (57.1%-77.3%) after initial recanalization with stent retriever (SR) thrombectomy in ICAS-related ELVO. This study aimed to compare treatment outcomes of the strategy of first stenting without retrieval (FRESH) using the Solitaire FR versus SR thrombectomy in patients with ICAS-related ELVO.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke and intracranial ELVO of the anterior circulation who underwent EVT between January 2017 and December 2019 at Yeungnam University Medical Center. Large-vessel occlusion (LVO) of the anterior circulation was classified by etiology as follows: 1) no significant stenosis after recanalization (embolic group) and 2) remnant stenosis > 70% or lesser degree of stenosis with a tendency toward reocclusion and/or flow impairment during EVT (ICAS group). The ICAS group was divided into the SR thrombectomy group (SR thrombectomy) and the FRESH group.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients (62 men and 43 women; median age 71 years, IQR 62.5-79 years) were included. The embolic, SR thrombectomy, and FRESH groups comprised 66 (62.9%), 26 (24.7%), and 13 (12.4%) patients, respectively. There were no significant differences between the SR thrombectomy and FRESH groups in symptom onset-to-door time, but puncture-to-recanalization time was significantly shorter in the latter group (39 vs 54 minutes, p = 0.032). There were fewer stent retrieval passes but more first-pass recanalizations in the FRESH group (p < 0.001). Favorable functional outcomes were significantly more frequent in the FRESH group (84.6% vs 42.3%, p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

This study's findings suggest that FRESH, rather than rescue stenting, could be a treatment option for ICAS-related ELVO.

Evidence-Based Updates to Thrombectomy: Targets, New Techniques, and Devices

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has been validated in several randomized controlled trials in recent years for its efficacy in the treatment of acute ischemic strokes (AIS) and is now the standard of care according to international guidelines. However, in about 20% of EVT procedures, recanalization is not achieved, and over 50% of patients who undergo EVT still do not have good functional outcome. In this article, we provide an extensive review of the latest evidence and developments in the field of EVT, with particular focus on the factors that improve patient outcomes. These factors include new and adjunctive techniques such as combination of direct aspiration and stent retriever, intra-arterial urokinase or 2b/3a inhibitors, rescue stenting, as well as novel devices including balloon guide catheters and the newer generations of aspiration catheters and stent retrievers. We also examined the latest notion of using first-pass effect (FPE) as the target to achieve during EVT, which has been associated with an improved functional outcome. While the field of EVT has been rapidly evolving, further research is required in specific AIS patient populations such as those with large ischemic core, late presentation beyond 24 h, posterior circulation strokes, and with distal medium vessel occlusion or tandem lesions to better assess its efficacy and safety.

Combination of Rescue Stenting and Antiplatelet Infusion Improved Outcomes for Acute Intracranial Atherosclerosis-Related Large-Vessel Occlusion

Background and Purpose: Intracranial atherosclerosis-related large-vessel occlusion caused by in situ thrombo-occlusion (ICAS-LVO) has been regarded an important reason for refractoriness to mechanical thrombectomy (MT). To achieve better outcomes for ICAS-LVO, different endovascular strategies should be explored. We aimed to investigate an optimal endovascular strategy for ICAS-LVO.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed three prospective registries of acute stroke underwent endovascular treatment. Among them, patients with ICAS-LVO were assigned to four groups based on their endovascular strategy: (1) MT alone, (2) rescue intracranial stenting after MT failure (MT-RS), (3) glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor infusion after MT failure (MT-GPI), and (4) a combination of MT-RS and MT-GPI (MT-RS+GPI). Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared among the groups. To evaluate whether the endovascular strategy resulted in favorable outcome, multivariable analysis was also performed.

Results: A total of 184 patients with ICAS-LVO were included. Twenty-four patients (13.0%) were treated with MT alone, 25 (13.6%) with MT-RS, 84 (45.7%) with MT-GPI, and 51 (27.7%) with MT-RS+GPI. The MT-RS+GPI group showed the highest recanalization efficiency (98.0%). Frequency of patent arteries on follow-up (98.0%, p < 0.001) and favorable outcome (84.3%, p < 0.001) were higher in the MT-RS+GPI group than other groups. The MT-RS+GPI strategy remained an independent factor for favorable outcome (odds ratio, 20.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.97–211.4; p = 0.012).

Conclusion: Endovascular strategy was significantly associated with procedural and clinical outcomes in acute stroke by ICAS-LVO. A combination of RS and GPI infusion might be an optimal rescue modality when frontline MT fails.

Safety and Efficacy of Low-Dose Tirofiban Combined With Intravenous Thrombolysis and Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Matched-Control Analysis From a Nationwide Registry

Purpose: Tirofiban administration to acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy with preceding intravenous thrombolysis remains controversial. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose tirofiban during mechanical thrombectomy in patients with preceding intravenous thrombolysis.

Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy and preceding intravenous thrombolysis were derived from “ANGEL-ACT,” a multicenter, prospective registry study. The patients were dichotomized into tirofiban and non-tirofiban groups based on whether tirofiban was administered. Propensity score matching was used to minimize case bias. The primary safety endpoint was symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), defined as an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) associated with clinical deterioration as determined by the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification. All ICHs and hemorrhage types were recorded. Clinical outcomes included successful recanalization, dramatic clinical improvement, functional independence, and mortality at the 3-month follow-up timepoint. Successful recanalization was defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia score of 2b or 3. Dramatic clinical improvement at 24 h was defined as a reduction in NIH stroke score of ≥10 points compared with admission, or a score ≤1. Functional independence was defined as a Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 3-months.

Results: The study included 201 patients, 81 in the tirofiban group and 120 in the non-tirofiban group, and each group included 68 patients after propensity score matching. Of the 201 patients, 52 (25.9%) suffered ICH, 15 (7.5%) suffered sICH, and 18 (9.0%) died within 3-months. The median mRS was 3 (0–4), 99 (49.3%) achieved functional independence. There were no statistically significant differences in safety outcomes, efficacy outcomes on successful recanalization, dramatic clinical improvement, or 3-month mRS between the tirofiban and non-tirofiban groups (all p > 0.05). Similar results were obtained after propensity score matching.

Conclusion: In acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy and preceding intravenous thrombolysis, low-dose tirofiban was not associated with increased risk of sICH or ICH. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the effects of tirofiban in patients undergoing bridging therapy.

Safety and Efficacy of Tirofiban for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Large Artery Atherosclerosis Stroke Etiology Undergoing Endovascular Therapy

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of tirofiban in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke etiology receiving endovascular therapy (EVT).

Methods: In this multi-center prospective study, patients who were considered to have an indication received a low dose intra-arterial bolus (0.25–1 mg) of tirofiban. The safety and efficacy outcomes at 90-day follow-ups included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), recanalization rate, functional outcome, and mortality.

Results: Among the 649 AIS patients with LAA, those in the tirofiban group (n = 244) showed higher systolic blood pressure (BP) and NIHSS score on admission, puncture-to-recanalization time, lower frequency of intravenous thrombolysis and intra-arterial thrombolysis, higher frequency of antiplatelet, heparinization, mechanical stent retrieval, aspiration, balloon angioplasty, and more retrieval times compared with those in the non-tirofiban group (n = 405) (all P < 0.05). Tirofiban was found to be associated with superior clinical outcomes in anterior circulation stroke and major stroke patients [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.163, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.130–4.140, P = 0.02 and adjusted OR = 2.361, 95% CI = 1.326–4.202, P = 0.004, respectively] and a lower risk of mortality at 90-day follow-ups (adjusted OR = 0.159, 95% CI = 0.042–0.599, P = 0.007 and adjusted OR = 0.252, 95% CI = 0.103–0.621, P = 0.003, respectively). There was no significant difference in sICH between the two groups.

Conclusions: Tirofiban in AIS patients with LAA undergoing EVT is safe and may benefit the functional outcomes in anterior circulation and major stroke patients and showed a trend for reduced mortality.

Efficacy and safety of rescue angioplasty and/or stenting for acute large artery occlusion with underlying intracranial atherosclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Intracranial angioplasty and/or stenting implantation is an important rescue treatment for the management of intracranial atherosclerosis-related occlusion (ICAS-O) after mechanical thrombectomy failure, but its safety and efficacy remain unclear. We investigated the safety and efficacy of rescue intracranial angioplasty and/or stenting for emergent large artery occlusion (LAO) with underlying ICAS.

METHODS

We searched for relevant full-text articles in EMBASE, PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to March 1, 2020. We calculated the odds ratios (ORs) using random-effects models for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), mortality, recanalization rate and favorable clinical outcome at 90 days between ICAS-O group treated by rescue therapy and Non ICAS-O group. RStudio software 1.3.959 was used to perform this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included with a total of 1639 patients, of which 450 (27.5 %) were in the ICAS-O group treated with intracranial angioplasty and/or stenting, and 1189 (72.5 %) were in the Non ICAS-O group. Overall, intracranial angioplasty and/or stenting did not improve the recanalization rate (OR, 0.67 [0.26-1.76]; p = 0.419) or favorable functional outcome (OR, 1.01 [0.64-1.58]; p = 0.97) in patients with underlying ICAS-O, and the risk of sICH (OR, 0.99 [0.59-1.68]; p = 0.983) and mortality (OR, 1.26 [0.87-1.83]; p = 0.225) did not significantly differ between ICAS-O and Non ICAS-O.

CONCLUSIONS

From these observational study results, rescue intracranial angioplasty and/or stenting seems safe in patients with emergent LAO after attempted thrombectomy, but further rigorous studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy.

The Application of Tirofiban in the Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tirofiban during endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies (published before May 1, 2020; no language restrictions) comparing tirofiban administration to blank control during EVT in patients with AIS. Our primary end points were the 3-month functional outcome, recanalization rate, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and 3-month mortality.

RESULTS

The incidence of 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 score of the tirofiban group was higher than that of the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% CI [1.09, 1.48], p = 0.002) with heterogeneity (I2 = 34%, p = 0.11). Data pooled from the 6 studies describing the details of retriever stent in EVT revealed that tirofiban was associated with higher incidence of 3-month mRS 0-2 score (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.11, 1.96], p = 0.007). The recanalization rate was higher in the tirofiban group compared to the control group (OR = 1.66, 95% CI [1.16, 2.39], p = 0.006). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.73, 1.31], p = 0.86) and intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 1.08, 95% CI [0.59, 1.97], p = 0.80) between tirofiban and non-tirofiban group. Besides, the tirofiban administration was associated with lower mortality (OR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.62, 0.91], p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of tirofiban in EVT of AIS may improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality at 3 months. Besides, tirofiban does not seem to increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and intracranial hemorrhage, either in the anterior or posterior circulation stroke.

Acute ischemic stroke endovascular therapy

Endovascular therapy (EVT) has become the standard treatment for large-vessel occlusion (LVO) acute ischemic stroke (AIS). EVT is now indicated in patients up to 24h from their last known well, provided that the patient meets specific clinical and imaging criteria. Improvements in thrombectomy devices, techniques, and operator experience have allowed successful EVT of ICA terminus, M1-MCA occlusions as well as proximal M2-MCA, basilar artery occlusions, and revascularization of tandem lesions. Mechanical thrombectomy failures still occur due to several factors, however, highlighting the need for further device and technical improvements. An ongoing debate exists regarding the need for pre-EVT thrombolytic agents, thrombectomy techniques, distal occlusions, anesthesia methods, the role of advanced neuroimaging, the treatment of patients with larger infarct core, and those presenting with milder stroke symptoms. Many of these questions are the subject of current or upcoming clinical trials. This review aims to provide an outline and discussion about the established recommendations and emerging topics regarding EVT for LVO AIS.

Statistical analysis for efficacy of tirofiban combined with ozagrel in the treatment of progressive cerebral infarction patients out of thrombolytic therapy time window

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the safety and efficacy of combined tirofiban-ozagrel therapy for treating progressive stroke patients out of thrombolytic therapy time window.

METHODS

This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study included 337 patients who had experienced an acute ischemic stroke between November 2017 and December 2018. All patients were randomized into three groups: 1) the tirofiban/ozagrel group (n=113), 2) the tirofiban group (n=110), and 3) the ozagrel group (n=114). The platelet aggregation (PAG), thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and fibrinogen (FIB) levels in the patients from these groups were evaluated before starting treatment and then, at 24h, 7 days, and 14 days after treatment. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were evaluated before treatment and then, 24h, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after treatment. The Barthel Index (BI) score was used to measure safety, and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to evaluate disability following 3 months of treatment. The risk factors affecting clinical outcomes were analyzed using logistic multivariate regression.

RESULTS

The mean NIHSS score for all the patients was 13.17±3.13 before treatment, and no significant difference between the basic clinical parameters of the three patient groups was found. Following treatment, both PAG and FIB were significantly reduced compared with the baseline (p<0.05). The levels of PAG and FIB in the tirofiban/ozagrel group were significantly lower than those in the tirofiban and ozagrel groups at 24h and 7 days after treatment (p<0.05). The NIHSS score decreased significantly in all treatment groups (p<0.05). The tirofiban/ozagrel NIHSS scores were significantly lower than that of the tirofiban and ozagrel groups at 24h, 1 week, and 2 weeks post initiation (p<0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in the BI and mRS scores or the intracranial hemorrhage rates; further, age, sex, Trial of ORG 10172 in acute stroke treatment (TOAST) type, baseline NIHSS and 24-h NIHSS scores, baseline thrombus-related factors, and treatment methods were shown to not be independent risk factors for clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The combination of tirofiban and ozagrel, as well as monotherapy with either tirofiban or ozagrel, transiently improves the neural function of patients and reduces platelet aggregation and fibrinogen formation in the first 4 weeks following a stroke event; additionally, none of these treatments increased the risk for hemorrhage in these progressive stroke patients over a 3-month period.

Jet-Like Appearance in Angiography as a Predictive Image Marker for the Occlusion of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis

Introduction: Identifying intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis-related occlusion (ICAS-O) in acute ischemic stroke has important clinical significance. Correct identification would help operators devise an optimal recanalization strategy. However, it is often hard to make accurate judgments in emergency situations before thrombectomy. Here, we propose a new image marker for ICAS-O based on the appearance of occluded vessels on baseline digital subtraction angiography. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular therapy from August 2017 to February 2020 at our center. ICAS-O was identified by residual focal stenosis at occluded vessels after successful recanalization. The jet-like appearance was defined as appearance of pencil-tip-like or line-linked contrast filling of the occlusion edge. A non-jet-like appearance was defined as appearance of convex, concave, or flat edge contrast filling. The proportion of jet-like appearance in different occlusion etiologies and occluded vessels was determined. The diagnostic value of jet-like appearance for ICAS-O was assessed. Results: A total of 164 patients diagnosed with ICAS-O were enrolled. Jet-like appearance was detected in 34 (20.7%) patients with younger age (68.0 ± 11.9 years vs. 62.7 ± 10.2, p = 0.019), patients with lower baseline NIHSS scores (16.6 ± 7.1 vs. 12.4 ± 6.5, p = 0.002) and patients with more past stroke or transit ischemic events (31.4 vs. 13.2%, p = 0.011). ICAS-O rate was higher in the jet-like appearance group (82.9 vs. 8.5%, p < 0.001), and rescue methods were more frequently used (74.3 vs. 12.4%, p < 0.001). Jet-like appearance was mostly found at the origin of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (44.1%), followed by the first segment trunk of MCA (20.6%) and internal carotid artery (ICA) supraclinoid (11.8%). Logistic regression showed that jet-like appearance was independently associated with ICAS-O [OR 180.813, 95% CI (17.966, 1,819.733), p < 0.001]. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values for predicting ICAS-O was 96, 78, and 83%. Conclusion: The jet-like appearance on the angiogram was an image marker for ICAS-O, with relatively high sensitivity and specificity, which could help operators predict underlying intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in a timely manner and choose the optimal intervention strategy during endovascular therapy.

Role of the Platelets and Nitric Oxide Biotransformation in Ischemic Stroke: A Translative Review from Bench to Bedside

Ischemic stroke remains the fifth cause of death, as reported worldwide annually. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) manifesting with lower nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability leads to increased vascular tone, inflammation, and platelet activation and remains among the major contributors to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Moreover, temporal fluctuations in the NO bioavailability during ischemic stroke point to its key role in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation, and some data suggest that they may be responsible for the maintenance of CBF within the ischemic penumbra in order to reduce infarct size. Several years ago, the inhibitory role of the platelet NO production on a thrombus formation has been discovered, which initiated the era of extensive studies on the platelet-derived nitric oxide (PDNO) as a platelet negative feedback regulator. Very recently, Radziwon-Balicka et al. discovered two subpopulations of human platelets, based on the expression of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS-positive or eNOS-negative platelets, respectively). The e-NOS-negative ones fail to produce NO, which attenuates their cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway and-as result-promotes adhesion and aggregation while the e-NOS-positive ones limit thrombus formation. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a competitive NOS inhibitor, is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, and its expression alongside with the enzymes responsible for its synthesis and degradation was recently shown also in platelets. Overproduction of ADMA in this compartment may increase platelet activation and cause endothelial damage, additionally to that induced by its plasma pool. All the recent discoveries of diverse eNOS expression in platelets and its role in regulation of thrombus formation together with studies on the NOS inhibitors have opened a new chapter in translational medicine investigating the onset of acute cardiovascular events of ischemic origin. This translative review briefly summarizes the role of platelets and NO biotransformation in the pathogenesis and clinical course of ischemic stroke.

Efficacy and safety of tirofiban therapy in patients receiving endovascular treatment after large vessel ischaemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although tirofiban therapy is considered a potentially effective treatment to reduce the incidence of thrombotic complications in patients receiving endovascular treatment (EVT), the safety and efficacy of tirofiban remain controversial. Our objective was to investigate the efficacy and safety of EVT plus tirofiban therapy in patients with emergent large artery occlusion.

METHODS

Relevant articles from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies that compared treatment with tirofiban to treatment without tirofiban in patients undergoing EVT were retrieved from the PubMed and Embase databases. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the safety and efficacy outcomes based on a random effects model.

RESULTS

Twelve studies including 2533 patients were identified for the analysis. Overall, the risk of fatal intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) was higher for the treatment with tirofiban group than for the treatment without tirofiban group in patients with large artery occlusion who underwent EVT (p = 0.002), whereas the risk of any ICH, symptomatic ICH, parenchymal haematoma type 2, in-hospital mortality and 3-month mortality did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). No significant differences in reocclusion rate, recanalization rate or excellent functional outcome were found between the patients treated with or without tirofiban, but significantly favourable functional outcome at 3 months occurred in the tirofiban group (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Tirofiban administration in patients receiving EVT significantly improved 3-month favourable functional outcomes, whereas an increased risk of fatal ICH was also observed. Further rigorous trials are needed to verify the safety of tirofiban.

Safety and Efficacy of Tirofiban During Mechanical Thrombectomy for Stroke Patients with Preceding Intravenous Thrombolysis

Purpose

Whether tirofiban is safe and effective for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with preceding intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) remains unclear. We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tirofiban during MT for patients with preceding IVT.

Patients and Methods

Patients who underwent MT and preceding IVT were derived from the ANGEL registry and were dichotomized into tirofiban and non-tirofiban group according to whether rescue tirofiban was performed. The safety endpoints were sICH, total ICH and distal embolization. The efficacy endpoints were arterial recanalization, three-month functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]: 0–2) and mortality.

Results

We included 207 MT patients with preceding IVT from the entire registry. Among them, there were 55 in tirofiban group and 152 in non-tirofiban group, and 17 (8.2%) patients suffered sICH and 36 (17.4%) suffered ICH within 24 hours post-MT; 11 (5.3%) distal embolization of thrombus; 111 (53.6%) achieved functional independence and 34 (16.4%) died after three-month follow-up. No significant differences in safety outcomes on sICH, ICH and distal embolization of thrombus and efficacy outcomes on recanalization and long-term functional independence were found between tirofiban and non-tirofiban group for the entire cohort (p>0.05 for all groups). Tirofiban was correlated with long-term mortality reduction for patients underwent MT and preceding IVT (adjusted hazard ratio 0.28 [0.08–0.94], adjusted p=0.03).

Conclusion

In AIS patients who underwent MT and preceding IVT, rescue tirofiban was not correlated with increased risk of safety endpoints on sICH, ICH or distal embolization of thrombus, and might be associated with a lower risk of long-term mortality. Further study is needed to confirm the effect of early antiplatelet therapy with tirofiban for patients underwent MT and preceding IVT.

The Safety and Efficiency of Tirofiban in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction

Limited comparative studies have reported the safety and efficacy of tirofiban in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Additionally, the available studies are inconsistent with each other, which makes application of tirofiban unclear in neuro-intervention. Here, we performed a comparative retrospective study to investigate whether tirofiban combined with MT improves short- and long-term prognosis in AIS patients and whether its use is associated with complications.

Method

Retrospective data were collected for AIS patients admitted between January 2013 and January 2019 at three stroke centers. According to whether tirofiban was used during the operation, patients were divided into tirofiban group and control group. Multivariate and COX regression analyses were performed to determine the association of tirofiban treatment with safety and efficiency in subjects treated with MT.

Result

A total of 174 patients were analyzed, of whom 89 (51.1%) were treated with tirofiban. There were no differences in the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (10.2% vs. 10.6%, p=0.918), parenchymal hemorrhage type 2 (18.0% vs. 16.5%, p=0.793), and reocclusion at 24 h (3.4% vs. 10.6%, p=0.060) between the tirofiban group and control group. Multivariate regression showed that tirofiban was not associated with intracerebral hemorrhage, early neurological deterioration, neurological improvement at 7 days, functional independence at 3-month and 9-month follow-up, or death at 9-month follow-up (adjusted p > 0.05 for all). However, AIS patients treated with MT + tirofiban showed a trend towards acquiring faster functional independence, with a median time to acquire functional independence of 4.0 months compared with 6.5 months in the control group (risk ratio = 1.49, 95% confidence interval 0.98–2.27; long rank p=0.066).

Conclusion

Tirofiban may help AIS patients given MT to gain functional independence faster, without increasing the risk of complications.

Safety and Efficacy of Intra-arterial Tirofiban Injection During Mechanical Thrombectomy for Large Artery Occlusion

Objective:

The safety and effect of intra-arterial (IA) tirofiban, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, during the stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was investigated.

Methods:

From January 2015 to May 2019, a total of 327 patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy of large artery occlusions (LAO). Patients were classified into two groups: MT with IA tirofiban (MTT) group and MT only (MTO, without IA tirofiban) group. Clinical outcomes, radiological results, and various complications, such as post thrombectomy hemorrhage, symptomatic hemorrhage, other systemic bleeding, and hemorrhagic transformation of infarct were evaluated by comparing the MTT group and MTO group. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed for patients who underwent MT with prior intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA).

Results:

The MTT group needed a lower mean number of stent passes and showed a re-occlusion rate as compared with the MTO group (P=0.038 and 0.022, respectively). Between the two groups, there were no statistically significant differences in post thrombectomy hemorrhage, symptomatic hemorrhage, other systemic bleeding complications, or hemorrhagic transformation of infarct (P = 0.511, 0.397, 0.429, and 0.355, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, similar findings were observed.

Conclusion:

The use of IA tirofiban during MT seems to be safe and potentially more effective than only MT without IA tirofiban, even in patients who used IV t-PA before MT.

Therapeutic effect of pre-operative tirofiban on patients with acute ischemic stroke with mechanical thrombectomy within 6-24 hours

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate and discuss the therapeutic effect of pre-operative tirofiban on patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) within 6-24 h.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively queried our AIS database from January to November 2018, and selected 99 patients with AIS within 6-24 h and evidence of proximal large vessel occlusion who were suitable for MT. They were divided into two groups, group A (with tirofiban, n = 56) and group B (without tirofiban, n = 43), according to whether they were intravenously infused with tirofiban before MT. The baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients were subjected to statistical analysis, including age, gender and risk factors, occlusion site, the time from onset to door, time of door to puncture, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), pre-operative Alberta stroke programme early CT (ASPECT) score, angioplasty/stenting, modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 at 3 months, symptomatic haemorrhage and mortality, the time of door to recanalization, endovascular procedure time, 7-day (7d) NIHSS score, and a modified treatment in cerebral infarction (m-TICI) grade of 2b or 3. All of the thrombi were analysed by histopathology.

RESULTS

The differences in the time of door to recanalization, endovascular procedure time, 7d NIHSS score and the m-TICI were significantly different between groups (P < 0.05). The other agents were not significantly different between groups (P > 0.05 each). Histopathological analysis showed that all thrombi contained different amounts of platelets, fibrinogen, Haemamoebas and red blood cells.

CONCLUSION

The use of tirofiban before MT can shorten the procedure time and improve the recanalization rate of occluded vessels in AIS patients.

Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibitor Tirofiban in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Tirofiban is a non-peptide selective glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor that reversibly inhibits fibrinogen-dependent platelet aggregation and subsequent formation of thrombi, which contribute to the major atherosclerotic complications in the development, progression, and resolution of ischemic stroke. The adjunctive use of tirofiban has been extensively evaluated in progressive stroke, combined intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), and endovascular treatment (EVT) in both preclinical and clinical studies. A body of evidence has been accumulated on the risks and benefits associated with tirofiban in terms of prevention of stroke progression, stent thrombosis, improvement in functional independence, and mortality, especially among high-risk ischemic stroke patients as a further strategy alongside conventional treatment. In general, tirofiban has a favorable tolerability and efficacy profile in the improvement of vascular recanalization and long-term functional outcome, although the optimum dosage, application setting, and precise target patients are not yet well-established. However, its specific inhibition of ongoing platelet aggregation and thrombus formation rather than absolute thrombolysis suggests that tirofiban, one of the most widely used GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, with high affinity and a short plasma/biologic half-life, may have great potential in the acute treatment of ischemic stroke. Substantial practical progress is likely as our understanding of the mechanism of action and pharmacological actions of tirofiban in atherosclerotic ischemic disease improves. Therefore, we classify and summarize the available findings regarding tirofiban in acute ischemic stroke to stimulate and guide further research and clinical practice.

Intravenous Administration of Standard Dose Tirofiban after Mechanical Arterial Recanalization is Safe and Relatively Effective in Acute Ischemic Stroke

To investigate the safety and efficacy of intravenous administration of a standard dose of glycoprotein-IIb/IIIa inhibitor tirofiban after vessel recanalization by mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. A consecutive series of patients (n=112) undergoing endovascular ischemic stroke intervention therapy were enrolled. 81 patients were eligible for intravenous (IV) tirofiban treatment for 24 hours after mechanical thrombectomy. The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), death, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) were assessed. In the 81 patients receiving tirofiban, 52 patients (64.2%) were treated with IV rt-PA before mechanical thrombectomy. sICH was found in 2 (2.5%) patients with no fatal ICH. Four patients died during 3 months after stroke onset. Successful recanalization with thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score ≥2b was achieved in 75 of 81 patients (92.6%) after mechanical thrombectomy. The average number of passes with Solitaire stent retriever was 1.3. At 3 months, 55 of 81 patients (67.9%) had favorable outcomes (mRS<=2). The intravenous application of a standard dose of tirofiban post-Solitaire stent retriever thrombectomy and intravenous thrombolysis appears to be safe and relatively effective in acute ischemic stroke.

Baseline Occlusion Angiographic Appearance on Mechanical Thrombectomy Suggests Underlying Etiology and Outcome

Background: Etiology of a large vessel occlusion is relevant in the management of acute ischemic stroke patients and often difficult to determine in the acute phase.

Aims: We aim to investigate whether the angiographic appearance of the occlusion is related to its etiology and outcome.

Materials and Methods: Patients without cervical carotid occlusions who underwent mechanical thrombectomy in our center from April 2015 to September 2018 were studied. Demographics, clinical and radiological variables and outcome measures, including etiological classification of stroke, were collected. Underlying intracranial atherosclerosis was estimated according to the presence of stenosis after recanalization. Patients were assigned to groups based on the appearance of the occlusion observed in the first angiogram as “tapered” or “non-tapered.” Differences were searched amongst them.

Results: 131 patients met inclusion criteria. 31 (23.6%) were “tapered” and 100 (76.3%) non-tapered. Tapered presented lower mean baseline NIHSS (10.3 ± 6.2 vs. 16.1 ± 7.2; p < 0.001), smaller acute infarct cores as CTP CBV ASPECTS (8.6 ± 1.6 vs. 7.2 ± 2.4; p = 0.003), higher proportion of instant re-occlusions (26.7 vs. 8.2%; p = 0.025), fewer complete recanalization (45.2 vs. 71.0%; p = 0.028), and more persistent occlusions (37.5 vs. 10.6%; p = 0.011) on follow up MRA. There were no differences in reperfusion rates (83.9 vs. 84.0%; p = 0.986) nor in good long term functional outcome (50.0 vs. 51.1%; p = 0.921). Intracranial atherosclerosis etiology was more common in tapered than in non-tapered occlusions (54.8 vs. 18.0%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The angiographic appearance of an occlusion in mechanical thrombectomy patients may determine its etiology, predict likelihood of successful recanalization, and risk of reocclusion.

Solitaire Stent Permanent Implantation as an Effective Rescue Treatment for Emergency Large Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND

In this study, we present our experiences on the feasibility of rescue permanent Solitaire stent placement for failed mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and our protocol to avoid ineffective stent placement.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the data for consecutive patients admitted into the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University and 2 collaboration hospitals from August 2014 to May 2018 for emergency large artery occlusion. The baseline clinical characteristics and radiologic assessment, interventional data, clinical outcome, and angiographic follow-up data were assessed. Notably, we introduced our protocol for antegrade flow assessment before Solitaire stent detachment to ensure an effective stent implantation.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients (mean age, 68.1 years, mean preprocedural National Institute of Health Scale Score, 22.1) were included, in which 34 patients had anterior circulation large artery occlusion and 5 patients had posterior circulation large artery occlusion. The MT attempts ranged from 1-5 (3.6 on average). The mean onset-to-puncture time was 4.8 hours (ranging from 2.1-7.8 hours) and the mean procedure time was 87.4 minutes (ranging from 32-124 minutes). Modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3 reperfusions were noted in all cases. The immediate, average postprocedure stenosis rate was 25.3%, and the average stenosis rate at the 3-month angiographic follow-up was 34.7% (data from 15 patients). Three patients died. Nineteen (48.7%) patients had good outcome (modified Rankin Scale, mRS ≤2) at the 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Permanent Solitaire stent placement might be a feasible therapy for patients with MT-failed emergency large artery occlusion. For a successful revascularization, careful antegrade flow assessment before stent detachment is critical.

Crossing Y-Solitaire thrombectomy as a rescue treatment for refractory acute occlusions of the middle cerebral artery

Background

Mechanical thrombectomy using a stent retriever has become the standard of care for acute large-vessel occlusions in the anterior circulation. Clots that are refractory to single stent retriever thrombectomy remain a challenge for neurointerventionalists.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of double stent retriever (crossing Y-Solitaire) thrombectomy as a rescue treatment for acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions that are refractory to single stent retriever thrombectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the databases of our hospitals to identify patients who presented with an acute MCA occlusion and were treated with crossing Y-Solitaire thrombectomy. The angiographic (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale) and clinical outcomes (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores) and complications were assessed.

Results

Ten patients were included in the study. The median initial NIHSS score and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) were 19.0 and 9.6, respectively. Crossing Y-Solitaire thrombectomy was performed as a rescue technique after unsuccessful single Solitaire thrombectomy passes in all cases. Successful recanalization (TICI 2b/3) was achieved in 8 (80%) patients. We observed asymptomatic reperfusion hemorrhages in 2 (20%) patients. No procedural related complications were seen other than reversible vasospasms in 5 (50%) patients. Sixty percent of the patients had a mRS score of between 2 and 0 at 90 days after the procedure. There was no mortality.

Conclusion

Crossing Y-Solitaire thrombectomy seems to be an effective and safe alternative rescue technique to treat refractory MCA bifurcation occlusions that are refractory to standard thrombectomy procedures.

Rescue Stenting for Failed Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Multicenter Experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Effective rescue treatment has not yet been suggested in patients with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) failure. This study aimed to test whether rescue stenting (RS) improved clinical outcomes in MT-failed patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of the cohorts of the 16 comprehensive stroke centers between September 2010 and December 2015. We identified the patients who underwent MT but failed to recanalize intracranial internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery M1 occlusion. Patients were dichotomized into 2 groups: patients with RS and without RS after MT failure. Clinical and laboratory findings and outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. It was tested whether RS is associated with functional outcome.

RESULTS

MT failed in 148 (25.0%) of the 591 patients with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery M1 occlusion. Of these 148 patients, 48 received RS (RS group) and 100 were left without further treatment (no stenting group). Recanalization was successful in 64.6% (31 of 48 patients) of RS group. Compared with no stenting group, RS group showed a significantly higher rate of good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2; 39.6% versus 22.0%; P=0.031) without increasing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (16.7% versus 20.0%; P=0.823) or mortality (12.5% versus 19.0%; P=0.360). Of the RS group, patients who had recanalization success had 54.8% of good outcome, which is comparable to that (55.4%) of recanalization success group with MT. RS remained independently associated with good outcome after adjustment of other factors (odds ratio, 3.393; 95% confidence interval, 1.192-9.655; P=0.022). Follow-up vascular imaging was available in the 23 (74.2%) of 31 patients with recanalization success with RS. The stent was patent in 20 (87.0%) of the 23 patients. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was significantly associated with stent patency but not with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

RS was independently associated with good outcomes without increasing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or mortality. RS seemed considered in MT-failed internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery M1 occlusion.

Feasibility of Permanent Stenting with Solitaire FR as a Rescue Treatment for the Reperfusion of Acute Intracranial Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Solitaire FR can be used not only as a tool for mechanical thrombectomy but also as a detachable permanent stent. Our aim was to assess the feasibility and safety of permanent stent placement with the Solitaire FR compared with other self-expanding stents for intracranial artery recanalization for acute ischemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2011 through January 2016, we retrospectively selected 2979 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Among them, 27 patients who underwent permanent stent placement (13 patients with the Solitaire FR [Solitaire group] and 14 patients with other self-expanding stents [other stent group]) were enrolled. The postprocedural modified TICI grade and angiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed. The safety and efficacy of permanent stent placement of the Solitaire FR for acute large-artery occlusion were evaluated.

RESULTS

Stent placement was successful in all cases. Modified TICI 2b-3 reperfusion was noted in 84.6% of the Solitaire group and in 78.6% of the other stent group. Procedural time was significantly shorter in the Solitaire group than in the other stent group (P = .022). Shorter procedural time was correlated with favorable outcome (ρ = 0.46, P = .035). No significant differences were found in the modified TICI grade, NIHSS score, mRS, and hemorrhagic transformation rate between the 2 groups. The acute in-stent thrombosis rate at discharge was significantly lower when a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was injected during the procedure (P = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

Permanent stent placement with the Solitaire FR compared with other self-expanding stents appears to be feasible and safe as a rescue tool for refractory intra-arterial therapy.

Predictive Value of Computed Tomography Angiography-Determined Occlusion Type in Stent Retriever Thrombectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We investigated whether occlusion type identified with computed tomography angiography (CTA-determined occlusion type) could predict endovascular treatment success using stent retriever (SR) thrombectomy.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with stroke who underwent CTA and then endovascular treatment for intracranial large artery occlusion were retrospectively reviewed. CTA-determined occlusion type was classified into truncal-type occlusion or branching-site occlusion and compared with digital subtraction angiography-determined occlusion type during endovascular treatment. Three rapidly- and readily-assessable pre-procedural findings (CTA-determined occlusion type, atrial fibrillation, and hyperdense artery sign), which may infer occlusion pathomechanism (embolic versus nonembolic) before endovascular treatment, were evaluated for association with SR success along with stroke risk factors and laboratory results. In addition, the predictive power of the 3 pre-procedural findings for SR success was compared with receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 238 patients (mean age, 70.0 years; male patients, 52.9%) were included in this study. CTA-determined occlusion type corresponded adequately with digital subtraction angiography-determined occlusion type (P=0.453). Atrial fibrillation (odds ratio, 2.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-5.66) and CTA-determined branching-site occlusion (odds ratio, 8.20; confidence interval, 3.45-19.5) were independent predictors for SR success. For predicting SR success, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value for CTA-determined branching-site occlusion (0.695) was significantly greater than atrial fibrillation (0.594; P=0.038) and hyperdense artery sign (0.603; P=0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

CTA-determined branching-site occlusion was significantly associated with SR success. Furthermore, among the 3 rapidly- and readily-assessable pre-procedural findings, CTA-determined branching-site occlusion had the greatest predictive power for SR success.

Recanalisation therapy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke caused by large artery occlusion: choice of therapeutic strategy according to underlying aetiological mechanism?

Various mechanisms underlie causative large artery occlusion (LAO) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Cardioembolic and atherosclerotic occlusions are the two most common types. The pathophysiological changes and responses to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and antithrombotic treatments including thrombolysis, antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy may vary among patients with different aetiological mechanisms of occlusion. Atherosclerotic occlusion is inclined to have relatively abundant collaterals and larger area of penumbra, hence a relatively wider time window for reperfusion therapy, while poor response to medical thrombolysis and MT. Severe residual stenosis and reocclusion occurred frequently after MT in atherosclerotic LAO. Angioplasty and stenting as rescue or the first-line therapy and more intensified antiplatelet therapy beyond related recommendations in the current guidelines are sometimes used in managing acute causative LAO because of poor recanalisation after recommended standard thrombolysis or MT therapy, which are usually based on individual experience. Standard protocol to establish emergent aetiological diagnosis of causative LAO and individualised aetiology-specific treatment strategy is needed.

Tirofiban facilitates the reperfusion process during endovascular thrombectomy in ICAS

The aim of the present study was to assess the use of tirofiban injections for rescue therapy following artery reocclusion due to intra-luminal thrombosis during endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A total of seven cases of patients treated with adjunctive tirofiban injections following failed endovascular thrombectomy due to instant intra-luminal thrombosis were retrospectively assessed. A Solitaire stent was used as the primary thrombectomy device in all patients. Tirofiban was injected intra-arterially via a temporarily deployed Solitaire stent with continuous intravenous infusion for the subsequent 24 h; half of the conventionally recommended dose was employed. Outcome measures included angiographic reperfusion (mTICI), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, mortality and functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2). Six patients had occlusions in the middle cerebral artery and one patient had occlusions in the basilar artery. Of the seven patients, five exhibited successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) and achieved functional independence following 90 days. Reperfusion failed in the remaining two patients, who succumbed within 90 days of therapy. No intracranial or extracranial hemorrhage cases were identified. The results of the present study suggest that tirofiban facilitates reperfusion and ameliorates long-term prognosis in patients with AIS undergoing endovascular thrombectomy, and may be safe for those receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator therapy.

[Safety of tirofiban in patients with acute cerebral infarct receiving endovascular therapy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of tirofiban on hemorrhagic transformation and neurological outcome in patients with acute cerebral infarct treated with endovascular therapy.

METHODS

One hundred and fifteen patients with acute cerebral infarct who received endovascular stent mechanical thrombectomy in the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine during October 2013 and April 2017 were included in the study. Among 115 patients, 30 received tirofiban treatment. Hemorrhagic transformation and neurological outcomes were assessed using the ECASS Ⅱ criteria and modified Rankin scale (mRS), respectively. Unfavorable outcome was defined as mRS>2. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent predictors of hemorrhagic transformation and neurological outcome.

RESULTS

Binary logistic regression analysis showed that tirofiban treatment did not increase the risk of hemorrhagic transformation (OR=0.437, 95% CI:0.168-1.132, P>0.05); baseline NIHSS (OR=1.136, 95% CI:1.014-1.273, P<0.05), recanalization (OR=0.060, 95% CI:0.010-0.365, P<0.01), hypertension (OR=4.233, 95% CI:1.320-13.570, P<0.05) and onset to treatment time(OR=1.006, 95% CI:1.001-1.011, P<0.05) were independently associated with unfavorable outcome, while such association was not observed in tirofiban treatment (OR=1.923, 95% CI:0.536-6.568, P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Tirofiban appears to be safe for patients with acute cerebral infarct receiving endovascular therapy.

Causes and Solutions of Endovascular Treatment Failure

In a meta-analysis of individual patient data from 5 randomized controlled trials, endovascular treatment (EVT) mainly using a stent retriever achieved successful recanalization in 71.1% of patients suffering from acute stroke due to anterior circulation large artery occlusion (LAO). However, EVT still failed in 28.9% of LAO cases in those 5 successful trials. Stent retriever failure may occur due to anatomical challenges (e.g., a tortuous arterial tree from the aortic arch to a target occlusion site), a large quantity of clots, tandem occlusion, clot characteristics (fresh versus organized clots), different pathomechanisms (embolic versus non-embolic occlusion), etc. Given that recanalization success is the most important factor in the neurological outcome of acute stroke patients, it is important to seek solutions for such difficult cases. In this review, the basic technique of EVT is briefly summarized and then various difficult cases with diverse conditions are discussed along with suggested solutions.