Background The Monopoint reperfusion system (Monopoint; Route 92 Medical, San Mateo, California, USA) is a large bore (0.088 or 0.070 inch inner diameter) aspiration thrombectomy platform designed to minimize ledge effect and improve neurovascular navigation and embolectomy. We aimed to describe a multicenter, real world experience of the safety and performance of the Monopoint system in first line aspiration thrombectomy for large vessel occlusions (LVOs), outside of the recently completed SUMMIT MAX (A Randomized, Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of the Route 92 Medical Reperfusion System) clinical trial.Methods Adults with acute anterior circulation LVO stroke between January 2019 and December 2024 consecutively treated with first line aspiration thrombectomy using the Monopoint at 10 centers were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was first pass effect (FPE, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2C/3 on first pass) and modified FPE (mFPE, mTICI 2B/2C/3 on first pass). The primary safety outcome was the rate of intraprocedural complications attributed to the Monopoint system.Results In 193 included patients, median age was 67 years (IQR 67-78), and 46.6% (90/193) were women. Successful delivery of the aspiration catheter to the clot site occurred in 96.2% (185/193) of patients. FPE was achieved in 57.5% (111/193) and mFPE was achieved in 68.4% (132/193) of patients. Of 10 (5.2%) total complications, most were vasospasm treated with intra-arterial verapamil (8/193, 4.1%); major complications included one dissection (1/193, 0.5%) and one perforation (1/193, 0.5%).Conclusion This multicenter study of the Monopoint reperfusion system for LVO thrombectomy outside of the SUMMIT MAX trial demonstrated a high FPE rate and a low rate of major complications.

Background and Purpose: Intra-arterial thrombolysis as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy is increasingly being considered to enhance reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke patients. Intra-arterial thrombolysis may increase the risk of post-thrombectomy intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in certain patient subgroups. Methods: We analyzed acute ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy in a multicenter registry. The occurrence of any (asymptomatic and symptomatic) post-thrombectomy ICH was ascertained using standard definition requiring serial neurological examinations and computed tomographic scans. We determined the risk of ICH in subgroups defined by clinical characteristics, and use of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis. Results: A total of 146 (7.5%) patients received intra-thrombolysis among 1953 acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The proportion of patients who developed any ICH was 26 (17.8%) and 510 (28.2%) among patients who were and were not treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis (p=0.006). Among patients who received IV thrombolysis (n=1042), the proportion of patients who developed ICH was 9 (16.7%) and 294 (30.7%) among patients who were and were not treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis (p=0.028). The risk was not different in strata defined by age, gender, location of occlusion, pre-procedure National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, time interval between symptom onset and thrombectomy, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score, systolic blood pressure, and serum glucose concentrations. Conclusions: In patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy, the risk of any ICH and sICH was not increased with intra-arterial thrombolysis, including in those who had already received IV thrombolytics.

BackgroundMedium vessel occlusions (MeVOs) account for 25–40% of acute ischemic stroke. The Tenzing 5 (Route 92 Medical, San Mateo, California, USA) and FreeClimb 54 (Route 92 Medical, San Mateo, California, USA) catheter is a novel delivery–aspiration catheter combination designed to facilitate aspiration thrombectomy (AT) of MeVOs. We report our clinical experience using the Tenzing assisted delivery of aspiration (TADA) technique with FreeClimb 54 for first-line AT of MeVO.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent MeVO first-line AT using TADA with FreeClimb 54 at nine institutions in the USA and one in New Zealand.Results94 MeVOs (65 primary, 29 secondary) were treated in 92 patients: median age 71 (IQR 58–81) years; 49/92 (53%) women. FreeClimb 54 was successfully delivered by Tenzing 5 to all 94/94 MeVOs: 26 proximal M2; 44 distal M2; 5 M3; 6 A2; 4 A3; and 8 P2. Median target vessel diameter on DSA was 1.7 (IQR 1.4–1.8) mm. A leading microwire was used to advance Tenzing in 84% of cases. A stent retriever was used for additional thrombectomy passes in 6/94 (6%) patients. For a primary MeVO, final modified expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (meTICI) 2B–3 reperfusion was achieved in 63/65 (97%) patients, after a median of 1 (IQR 1–2) pass, with a first pass effect (FPE, meTICI 2C–3) in 43/65 (66%). Secondary MeVO FPE (eTICI 2C–3) was achieved in 20/29 (69%) patients. Tenzing 5–FreeClimb 54 related complications occurred in 2/94 (2%) patients: one perforation with asymptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and one embolus to new territory.ConclusionsMeVO first-line AT using the TADA technique with Tenzing 5 and FreeClimb 54 had a high FPE with a low complication rate.

Importance In several randomized clinical trials, endovascular thrombectomy led to better functional outcomes than conventional treatment at 90 days poststroke in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion. However, the long-term clinical outcomes of these patients have not been well delineated. Objective To evaluate 1-year clinical outcomes in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion following endovascular thrombectomy vs control. Design, Setting, and Participants This study is an extension of the ATTENTION trial, a multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Patients were included between February 2021 and January 2022, with 1-year follow-up through April 2023. This multicenter, population-based study was conducted at 36 comprehensive stroke sites. Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion within 12 hours of estimated symptom onset were included. Of the 342 patients randomized in the ATTENTION trial, 330 (96.5%) had 1-year follow-up information available. Exposures Endovascular thrombectomy (thrombectomy group) vs best medical treatment (control group). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was defined as a score of 0 to 3 on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 1 year. Secondary outcomes were functional independence (mRS score 0-2), excellent outcome (mRS score 0-1), level of disability (distribution of all 7 mRS scores), mortality, and health-related quality of life at 1 year. Results Among 330 patients who had 1-year follow-up data, 227 (68.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 67.0 (10.7) years. An mRS score 0 to 3 at 1 year was achieved by 99 of 222 patients (44.6%) in the thrombectomy group and 21 of 108 (19.4%) in the control group (adjusted rate ratio, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.51-3.29). Mortality at 1 year compared with 90 days was more frequent in both the thrombectomy group (101 of 222 [45.5%] vs 83 of 226 [36.7%]) and the control group (69 of 108 [63.9%] vs 63 of 114 [55.3%]). Excellent outcome (mRS score 0-1) at 1 year compared with 90 days increased in the thrombectomy group (62 of 222 [27.9%] vs 45 of 226 [19.9%]) but not in the control group (9 of 108 [8.3%] vs 9 of 114 [7.9%]) resulting in a magnified treatment benefit. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with basilar artery occlusion within 12 hours of onset, the benefits of endovascular thrombectomy at 1 year compared with 90 days were sustained for favorable (mRS score 0-3) outcome and enhanced for excellent (mRS score 0-1) outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Intraarterial thrombolysis as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy is increasingly being considered to enhance reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke patients. Intraarterial thrombolysis may increase the risk of post-thrombectomy intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in certain patient subgroups. METHODS:We analyzed acute ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy in a multicenter registry. The occurrence of any (asymptomatic and symptomatic) post-thrombectomy ICH was ascertained using standard definition requiring serial neurological examinations and computed tomographic scans acquired within 48 hours of the thrombectomy. We determined the risk of ICH in subgroups defined by clinical characteristics and the use of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis. RESULTS:A total of 146 (7.5%) patients received intraarterial thrombolysis among 1953 acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The proportion of patients who developed any ICH was 26 (17.8%) and 510 (28.2%) among patients who were and were not treated with intraarterial thrombolysis, respectively (p = .006). The proportion of patients who developed symptomatic ICH was 4 (2.7%) and 30 (1.7%) among patients who were and were not treated with intraarterial thrombolysis, respectively (p = .34). Among patients who received IV thrombolysis (n = 1042), the proportion of patients who developed any ICH was 9 (16.7%) and 294 (30.7%) among patients who were and were not treated with intraarterial thrombolysis, respectively (p = .028). The risk was not different in strata defined by age, gender, location of occlusion, preprocedure National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, time interval between symptom onset and thrombectomy, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, systolic blood pressure, and serum glucose concentrations. CONCLUSIONS:In patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy, the risk of any ICH and symptomatic ICH was not increased with intraarterial thrombolysis, including in those who had already received IV thrombolytics.

Background and PurposeIn cases of acute ischemic stroke that are caused by intracranial large vessel occlusion, rescue intracranial stenting has recently become a treatment option to achieve recanalization in patients when mechanical thrombectomy fails. However, there have been few studies to date that support this beneficial treatment. Our goal is to analyze whether the use of rescue intracranial stenting would improve "non-poor" prognosis in patients 3 months posttreatment.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with rescue stenting at our hospital. Inclusion criteria for the study consisted of evidence of intracranial large vessel occlusion, absence of intracranial hemorrhage, and severe stenosis or reocclusion after mechanical thrombectomy. Tandem occlusions, failure to follow up after discharge, and a severe combined illness concomitant with acute ischemic stroke were excluded. The primary outcome was the "non-poor" outcome rate at 3 months and postprocedural symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.ResultsThe posttreatment outcomes of 85 eligible patients who received rescue intracranial stenting between August 2019 and May 2021 are reported. In total, 82 of these patients (96.5%) had successful recanalization and 4 (4.7%) experienced symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. In total, 47 (55.3%) patients had "non-poor" and 35 (41.2%) good outcomes at 3 months after treatment with rescue intracranial stenting. The use of dual antiplatelet therapy was associated with new infarcts (relative risk = 0.1; 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.7) and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (relative risk = 0.1; 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.9).ConclusionOur study suggests that despite the occurrence of postprocedural symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage in a low proportion of cases, rescue intracranial stenting could be an important alternative treatment after mechanical thrombectomy failure.

Background: The authors compare the effectiveness and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) versus best medical management (BMM) in strokes attributable to acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Methods: The present analysis was based on the ongoing, prospective, multicenter ATTENTION (Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion) trial registry in China. Our analytic sample comprised 2134 patients recruited at 48 sites between 2017 and 2021 and included 462 patients who received BMM and 1672 patients who received EVT. We performed an inversed probability of treatment weighting analysis. Qualifying patients had to present within 24 hours of estimated BAO. The primary clinical outcome was favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–3) at 90 days. We also performed a sensitivity analysis with the propensity score matching–based and the instrumental variable–based analysis. Results: In our primary analysis using the inversed probability of treatment weighting–based analysis, there was a significantly higher rate of favorable outcome at 90 days among EVT patients compared with BMM-treated patients (adjusted relative risk, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.19–1.65]; absolute risk difference, 11.8% [95% CI, 6.9–16.7]). The mortality was significantly lower (adjusted relative risk, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.69–0.88]; absolute risk difference, −10.3% [95% CI, −15.8 to −4.9]) in patients undergoing EVT. Results were generally consistent across the secondary end points. Similar associations were seen in the propensity score matching–based and instrumental variable–based analysis. Conclusions: In this real-world study, EVT was associated with significantly better functional outcomes and survival at 90 days. Well-designed randomized studies comparing EVT with BMM in the acute BAO are needed. Registration: URL: www.chictr.org.cn ; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2000041117.

Background Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a common cause of posterior circulation acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to compare baseline characteristics, recanalization rates, and clinical outcomes in patients with acute basilar occlusion due to underlying ICAD to patients with other causes of occlusion. Methods The Trevo Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02040259) was a prospective open‐label mechanical thrombectomy registry that included 2008 patients from 76 sites across 12 countries. For a secondary analysis, we selected patients with isolated acute basilar occlusion. We then classified patients into 2 groups: patients with acute basilar artery occlusion due to ICAD (ICAD group) and patients with acute basilar occlusion due to another cause (non‐ICAD group). Results We identified 90 subjects with acute basilar occlusion. According to stroke mechanism, there were 9 (10.0%) patients in the ICAD group and 81 (90.0%) in the non‐ICAD group. There was a significant difference ( P =0.001) in the lesion location between the 2 groups, with 60.5% of non‐ICAD occlusions located in the distal region and no ICAD occlusions there. The 2 groups showed a significant difference ( P =0.003) for rescue therapy with balloon angioplasty, with 33.3% in the ICAD group and 1.2% in the non‐ICAD group, respectively. In a multivariable model adjusted for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and intravenous tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA), the odds of 90‐day death (odds ratio=4.6; P =0.10) were higher for atherosclerotic subjects. Conclusion Acute basilar occlusions related to ICAD showed a similar good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–2) and a tendency for a higher rate of 90‐day mortality compared with non‐ICAD occlusions.

Background Chronological heterogeneity in neurological improvement after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is commonly observed in clinical practice. Understanding the temporal progression of functional independence after EVT, especially delayed functional independence in patients who do not improve early, is essential for prognostication and rehabilitation. We aim to determine the incidence of early functional independence (EFI) and delayed functional independence (DFI), identify associated predictors after EVT, and develop the Delayed Functional Independence After Neurothrombectomy (DEFIANT) score. Methods Demographic, clinical, radiological, treatment, and procedural information were analyzed from the Trevo Registry (patients undergoing EVT due to anterior LVO using the Trevo stent retriever). Incidence and predictors of EFI (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2 at discharge) and DFI (mRS score 0–2 at 90 days in non-EFI patients) were analyzed. Results A total of 1623 patients met study criteria. EFI was observed in 45% (730) of patients. Among surviving non-EFI patients (884), DFI was observed in 35% (308). Younger age (p=0.003), lower discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (p<0.0001), and absence of any hemorrhage (p=0.021) were independent predictors of DFI. After age 60, the probability of DFI declines significantly with 5 year age increments (approximately 7% decline for every 5 years; p(DFI)= 1.3559–0.0699, p for slope=0.001). The DEFIANT score is available online (https://bit.ly/3KZRVq5). Conclusion Approximately 45% of patients experience EFI. About one-third of non-early improvers experience DFI. Younger age, lower discharge NIHSS score, and absence of any hemorrhage were independent predictors of DFI among non-early improvers.

Background and hypothesis: Recently, two multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCT) failed to show a significantly beneficial effect of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). However, both trials suffered from equipoise issues which may have hindered the validity of the trial results. Therefore, additional RCT studies are needed to explore the potential benefit of EVT in patients presenting with BAO. Study design: ATTENTION is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with open-label treatment and blinded outcome assessment (PROBE) of EVT versus best medical management (BMM). The primary effect parameter is a modified Rankin Score of 0–3 at day 90. Discussion: ATTENTION will provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of EVT in stroke patients within 12 h after BAO. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04751708

Background Systems of care surrounding endovascular therapy for stroke have garnered much attention in recent years. In‐hospital metrics, such as “door‐to‐puncture” and procedure times have been areas for quality improvement. The temporal trend and clinical significance of prehospital “onset‐to‐door” time, however, remains unknown. Methods We performed a systematic review of time metric data from all published randomized controlled and investigational device exemption trials involving endovascular therapy for stroke between 2005 and 2019 (n=26). Second, we conducted a record‐level observational analysis on a total of 3512 patients from 3 real‐world registries (Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia [MERCI], Thrombectomy REvascularization of Large Vessel Occlusions in Acute Ischemic Stroke [TREVO], and TREVO Stent‐Retriever Acute Stroke [TRACK]), together with 4 prospective trials (MERCI trial, Multi‐MERCI, TREVO‐EU, and TREVO‐2). Only patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy within 9 hours from onset‐to‐puncture time were included. Predictors of good outcome were identified using generalized linear mixed modeling. Results Door‐to‐puncture times (slope=−5.83 min/y; R 2 =0.25; P =0.046), procedure times (slope=−3.78 min/y; R 2 =0.54; P <0.001), and onset‐to‐reperfusion times (slope=−11.82 min/y; R 2 =0.57; P <0.001) improved over the years among previously published randomized controlled trials/investigational device exemption trials from 2005 to 2019. The prehospital metric of onset‐to‐door time, however, remained statistically unchanged (slope=1.03 min/y; R 2 <0.01; P =0.806). Pooled analysis from record‐level data demonstrated a similar temporal trend where door‐to‐puncture, procedure, and onset‐to‐reperfusion times declined by an average of 12 minutes (R 2 =0.45; P <0.0001), 6 minutes (R 2 =0.27; P <0.0001), and 8 minutes per year (R 2 =0.18; P <0.0001), respectively, over a similar time period. Time from onset to door, however, did not improve (3.6 min/y; R 2 =0.34; P =0.005). In a backward‐selection regression model, onset‐to‐door time was found to be a significant predictor of patient outcomes, where every hour delay in hospital arrival correlated with a 14% reduction in the odds of a good outcome. Conclusions “Door‐to‐puncture” and procedure times have seen significant improvements over the past decade. The prehospital component of “onset‐to‐door” time, however, has remained stagnant. This presents an unrealized opportunity to enhance patient outcomes through improved systems of care in the prehospital setting.

OBJECTIVE:In cases of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by intracranial large vessel occlusion, rescue intracranial stenting (RIS) has recently emerged as a treatment option for achieving recanalization when mechanical thrombectomy (MT) fails. However, few studies to date have reported on the beneficial outcomes of RIS. Our goal was to analyze whether RIS use can improve prognosis in patients 3 months post-treatment.PATIENTS AND METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed on a prospective cohort of patients with AIS treated with RIS at Can Tho S.I.S General Hospital. The study inclusion criteria were evidence of intracranial large vessel occlusion, absence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and severe stenosis or reocclusion after MT. Patients with tandem occlusions, failure to follow up after discharge, or severe or fatal illness concomitant with AIS were excluded from the study. The primary outcome was the "non-poor" prognosis status rate at 3 months after RIS and post-procedural symptomatic ICH (sICH).RESULTS:The post-treatment outcomes of 85 eligible patients who received RIS between August 2019 and May 2021 were assessed. Of the 85 included patients, 82 (96.5%) achieved successful recanalization, and 4 (4.7%) experienced sICH. At 3-months post-treatment, 47 (55.3%) patients had "non-poor" outcomes, whereas 35 (41.2%) had good outcomes. The use of dual antiplatelet therapy was associated with new infarcts (relative risk [RR]: 0.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.7) and sICH occurrence (RR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.01-0.9).CONCLUSIONS:Our study suggests that despite the occurrence of post-procedural sICH in a small proportion of cases, RIS could serve as a useful alternative or additional treatment in the event of MT failure.

Background Clot density (Hounsfield units, HU) and perviousness (post-contrast increase in the HU of clot) are thought to be associated with clot composition. We evaluate whether these imaging characteristics were associated with angiographic outcomes of aspiration and stent retriever thrombectomy in COMPASS: a trial of aspiration thrombectomy versus stent retriever thrombectomy as first-line approach for large vessel occlusion. Methods Clot density and perviousness were measured by two independent operators who were blind to all the final angiographic and clinical outcomes. The association of clot density and perviousness with the Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale after first pass was assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Among all patients enrolled in COMPASS, 165 were eligible for the post-hoc analysis (81 patients in the aspiration first and 84 in the stent retriever first groups). Overall mean perviousness of clot was significantly higher in patient with mTICI 2b-3 after first pass (28.6±22.9 vs 20.3±19.2, p=0.017). Mean perviousness among patients who achieved TICI 2c/3 versus TICI 2b versus TICI 0-2a in the aspiration first group varied significantly (32.6±26.1, 35.3±24.4, and 17.7±13.1, p=0.013). The association of perviousness with first pass success was not significant in the stent retriever group. Using multivariate analysis, high perviousness (defined as cut-off >27.6) was an independent predictor of TICI 2b-3 (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.10 to 13.19; p=0.034). Conclusions Clot perviousness is associated with first pass angiographic success in patients treated with the aspiration first approach for thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Advanced imaging has been increasingly used for patient selection in endovascular stroke therapy. The impact of imaging selection modality on endovascular stroke therapy clinical outcomes in extended time window remains to be defined. We aimed to study this relationship and compare it to that noted in early-treated patients. METHODS Patients from a prospective multicentric registry (n=2008) with occlusions involving the intracranial internal carotid or the M1- or M2-segments of the middle cerebral arteries, premorbid modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2 and time to treatment 0 to 24 hours were categorized according to treatment times within the early (0-6 hour) or extended (6-24 hour) window as well as imaging modality with noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT)±CT angiography (CTA) or NCCT±CTA and CT perfusion (CTP). The association between imaging modality and 90-day modified Rankin Scale, analyzed in ordinal (modified Rankin Scale shift) and dichotomized (functional independence, modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) manner, was evaluated and compared within and across the extended and early windows. RESULTS In the early window, 332 patients were selected with NCCT±CTA alone while 373 also underwent CTP. After adjusting for identifiable confounders, there were no significant differences in terms of 90-day functional disability (ordinal shift: adjusted odd ratio [aOR], 0.936 [95% CI, 0.709-1.238], P=0.644) or independence (aOR, 1.178 [95% CI, 0.833-1.666], P=0.355) across the CTP and NCCT±CTA groups. In the extended window, 67 patients were selected with NCCT±CTA alone while 180 also underwent CTP. No significant differences in 90-day functional disability (aOR, 0.983 [95% CI, 0.81-1.662], P=0.949) or independence (aOR, 0.640 [95% CI, 0.318-1.289], P=0.212) were seen across the CTP and NCCT±CTA groups. There was no interaction between the treatment time window (0-6 versus 6-24 hours) and CT selection modality (CTP versus NCCT±CTA) in terms of functional disability at 90 days (P=0.45). CONCLUSIONS CTP acquisition was not associated with better outcomes in patients treated in the early or extended time windows. While confirmatory data is needed, our data suggests that extended window endovascular stroke therapy may remain beneficial even in the absence of advanced imaging.

BACKGROUND:There is conflicting evidence on the utility of intravenous (IV) alteplase in patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS:This was a post hoc analysis of the COMPASS: a trial of aspiration thrombectomy versus stent retriever thrombectomy as first-line approach for large vessel occlusion. We compared clinical, procedural and angiographic outcomes of patients with and without prior IV alteplase administration. RESULTS:In the COMPASS trial, 235 patients had presented to the hospital within the first 4 hours of stroke symptom onset and were eligible for analysis. On univariate analysis, administration of IV alteplase prior to MT was found to be significantly associated with favorable outcomes (modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-2 at 3 months; 55.6% vs 40.0% in the MT-only group, P=0.037). However, on multivariate analysis, only baseline (pre-stroke) mRS, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and age were identified as independent predictors of favorable outcomes at 3 months. We found higher final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b/3 rates in patients without the use of alteplase prior to the aspiration first approach (100.0% vs 87.9% in IV altepase +aspiration first MT, P=0.03). In the stent retriever first group, final TICI 2b/3 rates were identical in patients with and without IV alteplase administration (87.5% and 87.5%, P=1.0). CONCLUSIONS:Prior administration of IV alteplase may adversely affect the efficacy of aspiration, but does not seem to influence the stent retriever first approach to MT in patients with anterior circulation ELVO.

This meeting abstract was removed due to the OA licensing requirements of this journal. The full abstract is listed here : https://www.svin.org/files/SVIN_2021_Abstracts_for_Web.pdf

BACKGROUND:The effect of time from stroke onset to thrombectomy in the extended time window remains poorly characterized. AIM:We aimed to analyze the relationship between time to treatment and clinical outcomes in the early versus extended time windows. METHODS:Proximal anterior circulation occlusion patients from a multicentric prospective registry were categorized into early (≤6 h) or extended (>6-24 h) treatment window. Patients with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥ 10 and intracranial internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery-M1-segment occlusion and pre-morbid modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-1 ("DAWN-like" cohort) served as the population for the primary analysis. The relationship between time to treatment and 90-day mRS, analyzed in ordinal (mRS shift) and dichotomized (good outcome, mRS 0-2) fashion, was compared within and across the extended and early windows. RESULTS:A total of 1603 out of 2008 patients qualified. Despite longer time to treatment (9[7-13.9] vs. 3.4[2.5-4.3] h, p < 0.001), extended-window patients (n = 257) had similar rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH; 0.8% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.293) and 90-day-mortality (10.5% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.714) with only slightly lower rates of 90-day good outcomes (50.4% vs. 57.6%, p = 0.047) versus early-window patients (n = 709). Time to treatment was associated with 90-day disability in both ordinal (adjusted odd ratio (aOR), ≥ 1-point mRS shift: 0.75; 95%CI [0.66-0.86], p < 0.001) and dichotomized (aOR, mRS 0-2: 0.73; 95%CI [0.62-0.86], p < 0.001) analyses in the early- but not in the extended-window (aOR, mRS shift: 0.96; 95%CI [0.90-1.02], p = 0.15; aOR, mRS0-2: 0.97; 95%CI [0.90-1.04], p = 0.41). Early-window patients had significantly lower 90-day functional disability (aOR, mRS shift: 1.533; 95%CI [1.138-2.065], p = 0.005) and a trend towards higher rates of good outcomes (aOR, mRS 0-2: 1.391; 95%CI [0.972-1.990], p = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS:The impact of time to thrombectomy on outcomes appears to be time dependent with a steep influence in the early followed by a less significant plateau in the extended window. However, every effort should be made to shorten treatment times regardless of ischemia duration.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Fast infarct progression in acute ischemic stroke has a severe impact on patient prognosis and benefit of endovascular thrombectomy. In this post hoc analysis of the ESCAPE trial (Endovascular Treatment for Small Core and Proximal Occlusion Ischemic Stroke), we identified acute ischemic stroke patients with rapid infarct growth and investigated their baseline clinical and imaging characteristics. METHODS:Control arm patients were included if they had follow-up imaging at 2-8 hours without substantial recanalization, and if their baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was ≥9. Fast infarct progression was defined as Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score decay ≥3 points from baseline to 2- to 8-hour follow-up imaging. Clinical and imaging baseline characteristics were compared between fast progressors and other patients, and occlusion site and collateral flow patterns were assessed in detail. RESULTS:Fast infarct progression occurred in 15 of 43 included patients (34.9%). Fast progressors had worse collaterals (poor in 3/15 [20%] versus 0/28 patients, P=0.021) and more carotid-T or -L occlusions (8/15 [53.4%] versus 3/28[10.7%], P=0.021). In 8 out of 15 (53.3%), occlusion site and circle of Willis configuration prevented collateral flow via the anterior or posterior cerebral artery. CONCLUSIONS:Most patients with fast infarct progression had terminal carotid occlusions and impaired collateral flow via the anterior or posterior cerebral artery, indicating that occlusion location and intracranial vascular anatomy are relevant for infarct progression.

BACKGROUND:The PerfusiOn imaging Selection of Ischemic sTroke patIents for endoVascular thErapy (POSITIVE) trial was designed to evaluate functional outcome in patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) presenting within 0-12 hours with pre-specified bifurcated arms of early and late window presentation, who were selected for endovascular thrombectomy with non-vendor specific commercially available perfusion imaging software. Recent trials demonstrating the benefit of thrombectomy up to 16-24 hours following ELVO removed equipoise to randomize late window ELVO patients and therefore the trial was halted. METHODS:Up to 200 patients were to be enrolled in this FDA-cleared, prospective, randomized, multicenter international trial to compare thrombectomy and best medical management in patients with ELVO ineligible for or refractory to treatment with IV tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) selected with perfusion imaging and presenting within 0-12 hours of last seen normal. The primary outcome was 90-day clinical outcome as measured by the raw modified Rankin Scale (mRS) with scores 5 and 6 collapsed (mRS shift analysis). RESULTS:The POSITIVE trial suspended enrollment with the release of results from the DAWN trial and was stopped after the release of the DEFUSE 3 trial results. Thirty-three patients were enrolled (21 for medical management and 12 for thrombectomy). Twelve of the 33 patients were enrolled in the 6-12 hour cohort. Despite the early cessation, the primary outcome demonstrated statistically significant superior clinical outcomes for patients treated with thrombectomy (P=0.0060). The overall proportion of patients achieving an mRS score of 0-2 was 75% in the thrombectomy cohort and 43% in the medical management cohort (OR 4.00, 95% CI 0.84 to 19.2). CONCLUSION:POSITIVE supports the already established practice of delayed thrombectomy for appropriately selected patients presenting within 0-12 hours selected by perfusion imaging from any vendor. The results of the POSITIVE trial are consistent with other thrombectomy trials. The statistically significant effect on functional improvement, despite the small number of patients, reinforces the robust benefits of thrombectomy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:NCT01852201.