Correlation of Call Burden and Sleep Deprivation with Physician Burnout, Driving Crashes, and Medical Errors among US Neurointerventionalists

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

High call frequency can lead to inadequate sleep, fatigue, and burnout, resulting in detrimental effects on physicians and patients. We aimed to assess the correlation between the frequency and burden of neurointerventional surgery calls and sleep deprivation with physician burnout, physical and driving safety, and fatigue-related medical errors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We sent an online questionnaire to the members of the 2 neurointerventional surgery societies comprising 50 questions and spanning 3 main topics: 1) overnight/weekend call burden, 2) sleeping patterns, and 3) Copenhagen Burnout Inventory.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-four surveys were completed. Most (54%) neurointerventional surgeons reported burnout. Call burden of ≥1 every 3 days and being in practice >10 years were independent predictors of burnout. Thirty-nine percent reported falling asleep at the wheel, 23% reported a motor vehicle crash/near-crash, and 34% reported medical errors they considered related to call/work fatigue. On multivariate logistic regression, high call burden (called-in >3 times/week) was an independent predictor of sleeping at the wheel and motor vehicle crashes. Reporting <4 hours of uninterrupted sleep was an independent predictor of motor vehicle crashes and medical errors. Most neurointerventional surgeons recommended a maximum call frequency of once every 3 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Call frequency and burden, number of years in practice, and sleep deprivation are associated with burnout of neurointerventional surgeons, sleeping at the wheel, motor vehicle crashes, and fatigue-related medical errors. These findings contribute to the increasing literature on physician burnout and may guide future societal recommendations related to call burden in neurointerventional surgery.

Early Postmarket Results with EmboTrap II Stent Retriever for Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Multicenter Experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

EmboTrap II is a novel stent retriever with a dual-layer design and distal mesh designed for acute ischemic stroke emergent large-vessel occlusions. We present the first postmarket prospective multicenter experience with the EmboTrap II stent retriever.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective registry of patients treated with EmboTrap II at 7 centers following FDA approval was maintained with baseline patient characteristics, treatment details, and clinical/radiographic follow-up.

RESULTS

Seventy patients were treated with EmboTrap II (mean age, 69.9 years; 48.6% women). Intravenous thrombolysis was given in 34.3%, and emergent large-vessel occlusions were located in the ICA (n = 18), M1 (n = 38), M2 or M3 (n = 13), and basilar artery (n = 1). The 5 × 33 mm device was used in 88% of cases. TICI ≥ 2b recanalization was achieved in 95.7% (82.3% in EmboTrap II-only cases), and first-pass efficacy was achieved in 35.7%. The NIHSS score improved from a preoperative average of 16.3 to 12.1 postprocedure and to 10.5 at discharge. An average of 2.5 [SD, 1.8] passes was recorded per treatment, including non-EmboTrap attempts. Definitive treatment was performed with an alternative device (aspiration or stent retriever) in 9 cases (12.9%). Some hemorrhagic conversion was noted in 22.9% of cases, of which 4.3% were symptomatic. There were no device-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial postmarket results with the EmboTrap II stent retriever are favorable and comparable with those of other commercially available stent retrievers. Compared with EmboTrap II, the first-generation EmboTrap may have a higher first-pass efficacy; however, data are limited by retrospective case analysis, incomplete clinical follow-up, and small sample size, necessitating future trials.

Preserving Access: A Review of Stroke Thrombectomy during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Thrombectomy for large-vessel-occlusion stroke is a highly impactful treatment. The spread of coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) across the United States and the globe impacts access to this crucial intervention through widespread societal and institutional changes. In this document, we review the implications of COVID-19 on the emergency care of large-vessel occlusion stroke, reviewing specific infection-control recommendations, available literature, existing resources, and expert consensus. As a population, patients with large-vessel occlusion stroke face unique challenges during pandemics. These are broad in scope. Responses to these challenges through adaptation of stroke systems of care and with imaging, thrombectomy, and postprocedural care are detailed. Preservation of access to thrombectomy must be prioritized for its public health impact. While the extent of required changes will vary by region, tiered planning for both escalation and de-escalation of measures must be a part of each practice. In addition, preparations described serve as templates in the event of future pandemics.

Axium MicroFX coil for the completing endovascular aneurysm surgery study (ACCESS). A prospective evaluation of the safety and durability of Axium MicroFX PGLA coils

Recanalization of previously coiled aneurysms remains a major drawback of endovascular aneurysm therapy. We performed a prospective single arm trial to provide early initial data regarding the safety and angiographic durability of a new coil technology, the Axium MicroFX Polyglycolic/polylactic acid (PGLA) coil, which was designed to lower recanalization rates. Fifteen patients (16 aneurysms) were prospectively enrolled. Demographic and peri-procedural data were collected. Angiographic images of the initial coil embolization and three to six month follow-up angiographic images underwent blinded evaluation. Seven (47%) SAH and eight (53%) elective patients were enrolled. Blinded evaluation of the initial embolization demonstrated that 5/16 (31%) aneurysms achieved Raymond grade 1, 5/16 (31%) grade 2 and 6/16 (38%) grade 3. Three to six month angiography was obtained in 12/15 patients (80%); two patients expired (1 SAH, 1 elective) and one was lost to follow-up (SAH). All patients who underwent follow-up angiography had a mRS ≤1. Blinded evaluation of embolization demonstrated 7/13 aneurysms (54%) improved in Raymond grading, five (38%) were stable and one aneurysm (8%) worsened. One patient developed an asymptomatic peri-aneurysmal parent vessel stenosis. Axium MicroFX coils appear to be safe, though the small number of patients in this series obviates comparative analysis with other series. Further studies are needed with more patients to compare the angiographic durability of Axium MicroFX coils to other coils.

Interventional neurovascular disease: avoidance and management of complications and review of the current literature

There has been a substantial increase in the number of neuroendovascular procedures performed over the last 15 years. Although rare, complications of cerebral angiography and neuroendovascular procedures have the potential to be devastating. Fortunately, dedication to careful patient selection, meticulous attention to technical detail, and standardization of endovascular treatment protocols results in an acceptably low complication rate. Factors that may predispose one to complications with cerebral angiography include age, smoking, functional stats, medical comorbidities, and duration of the procedure. The most common complication of angiography is vascular access site complication, with a rate of up to 5%. The overall neurologic complication rate for diagnostic angiography is 1.3-2.6%, with a permanent neurologic deficit rate of 0.14-0.50%. Neuroendovascular interventions are more invasive, take longer to perform, and have higher rates of complication. Procedure specific complications include aneurysm rupture, arterial dissection, stroke, hemorrhage, thromboembolism, and microembolism, and rates of neurologic deficit are higher than those for diagnostic angiography. With knowledge of the common complications, strategies to minimize them, and a meticulous attention to the technical detail of the procedure, complications of neuroendovascular interventions can be minimized.