A decrease in blood pressure is associated with unfavorable outcome in patients undergoing thrombectomy under general anesthesia

Arterial hypotension "magnitude" and neurological outcome during mechanical thrombectomy under general anesthesia

INTRODUCTION

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO), but unfavorable outcomes remain common. Procedural arterial hypotension is associated with poor patient outcome. This study aimed to assess the impact of arterial hypotension "magnitude" (a combination of the depth, defined as the percentage relative to baseline arterial blood pressure, and the duration of hypotensive episodes)" during MT on neurological outcome.

METHODS

This is a monocentric retrospective study. Charts were reviewed between January 2018 and June 2021. "Patients were eligible if they were 18 years or older, anterior LVO was diagnosed on cerebral imaging" and MT performed under general anesthesia. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded every 5 minutes throughout the procedure, and the arterial hypotension "magnitude" was estimated by the area under the curve (AUC) for different thresholds of MAP drops.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days.

MAIN RESULTS

Among the 117 patients analyzed, 46% had poor neurological outcome. Our study showed correlations between poor outcome and a greater procedural AUC of arterial hypotension for the different thresholds: 5% (k 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.30; P = 0.007), 10% (k 0.18; 95% CI 0.05-0.30; P = 0.008), 15% (k 0.18; 95% CI 0.04-0.30; P = 0.011), 20% (k 0.18; 95% CI 0.05-0.30; P = 0.010) and 30% (k 0.19; 95% CI 0.05-0.31; P = 0.010). This association persisted after controlling for age, baseline NIHSS score, and ASPECT score.

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of hypotension during MT under general anesthesia for AIS is an independent factor of poor outcome at 90 days. These associations have been observed in patients with mild and severe hypotensive episodes.

Association between Transient-Continuous Hypotension during Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke and Final Infarct Volume in Patients with Proximal Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion

Background/Objectives: Periprocedural blood pressure changes in stroke patients with a large vessel occlusion are a known modifiable risk factor of unfavorable treatment outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the association between pre-revascularization hypotension and the final infarct volume. Methods: In our retrospective analysis, we included 214 consecutive stroke patients with an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion that underwent mechanical thrombectomy under general anesthesia. Noninvasively obtained blood pressure values prior to symptomatic vessel recanalization were analyzed as a predictor of post-treatment infarct size. Linear logistic regression models adjusted for predefined factors were used to investigate the association between blood pressure parameters and the final infarct volume. Results: In our cohort, higher baseline systolic blood pressure (aβ = 8.32, 95% CI 0.93-15.7, p = 0.027), its maximal absolute drop (aβ = 6.98, 95% CI 0.42-13.55, p = 0.037), and >40% mean arterial pressure decrease (aβ = 41.77, CI 95% 1.93-81.61, p = 0.040) were independently associated with higher infarct volumes. Similarly, continuous hypotension measured as intraprocedural cumulative time spent below either 100 mmHg (aβ = 3.50 per 5 min, 95% CI 1.49-5.50, p = 0.001) or 90 mmHg mean arterial pressure (aβ = 2.91 per 5 min, 95% CI 0.74-5.10, p = 0.010) was independently associated with a larger ischemia size. In the subgroup analysis of 151 patients with an M1 middle cerebral artery occlusion, two additional factors were independently associated with a larger ischemia size: systolic blood pressure maximal relative drop and >40% drop from pretreatment value (aβ = 1.36 per 1% lower than baseline, 95% CI 0.04-2.67, p = 0.043, and aβ = 43.01, 95% CI 2.89-83.1, p = 0.036, respectively). No associations between hemodynamic parameters and post-treatment infarct size were observed in the cohort of intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion. Conclusions: In patients with ischemic stroke due to a proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion, higher pre-thrombectomy treatment systolic blood pressure is associated with a larger final infarct size. In patients treated under general anesthesia, hypotension prior to the M1 portion of middle cerebral artery recanalization is independently correlated with the post-treatment infarct volume. In this group, every 5 min spent below the mean arterial pressure threshold of 100 mmHg is associated with a 4 mL increase in ischemia volume on a post-treatment NCCT. No associations between blood pressure and final infarct volume were present in the subgroup of patients with an intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion.

Intraoperative intensive blood pressure management strategy and the outcome of patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment under general anaesthesia: study protocol for a prospective randomised controlled trial

BackgroundEndovascular thrombectomy is the recommended treatment for acute ischaemic stroke, but the optimal blood pressure management strategy during the procedure under general anaesthesia remains controversial. In this study protocol, we propose an intraoperative intensive blood pressure range (110-140 mm Hg systolic blood pressure) based on a retrospective analysis and extensive literature review. By comparing the outcomes of patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy under general anaesthesia with standard blood pressure management (140-180 mm Hg systolic blood pressure) versus intensive blood pressure management, we aim to determine the impact of intraoperative intensive blood pressure management strategy on patient prognosis.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study is a double-blinded, randomised, controlled study, with patients randomised into either the standard blood pressure management group or the intensive blood pressure management group. The primary endpoint of the study will be the sequential analysis of modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days after mechanical thrombectomy.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the ethics committee of Shanghai Changhai Hospital with an approval number CHEC2023-015. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed international journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2300070764.

The effect of anesthesia on hemodynamics and outcome of patients undergoing thrombectomy after acute ischemic stroke: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Anesthesia during thrombectomy remains a matter of debate. We retrospectively investigated the influence of intraprocedural blood pressure and type of anaesthetic agent on 3-month functional outcome and mortality in stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy under general anesthesia in a single center study.

METHODS

All patients suffering from stroke who presented between January 2019 and July 2021 at Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg Genk, Belgium and who received thrombectomy were included. Patient's characteristics and outcome data had been collected for benchmarking. Detailed perioperative data were exported from the electronic anesthesia records and clinically validated. Patients were stratified by peri-operative presence of hypotension (MAP < 65 mmHg at any time point) versus no-hypotension (MAP ≥ 65 mmHg).

RESULTS

All 98 patients received mechanical thrombectomy under general anesthesia. Thirty-six percent (n = 35) was hypotensive peri-operatively at any time point. Proportion of sevoflurane use was higher in non-hypotensive patients compared to hypotensive patients (73% (n = 45) vs. 51% (n = 18), p = 0.04). Peri-operative use of vasopressors was higher in the hypotensive group compared to non-hypotensive (88% (n = 30) vs. 63% (n = 39), p = 0.008). Proportion of patients with good functional outcome at 3 months (mRS 0-2) was higher in non-hypotensive patients compared to hypotensive patients 44% (n = 27) vs. 24% (n = 8), p < 0.05. 90-day mortality was lower in non-hypotensive patients compared to hypotensive patients 21% (n = 13) vs. 43% (n = 15), (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Patients who are hypotensive at any given time during thrombectomy under general anesthesia may have worse neurological outcome compared to non-hypotensive patients. The best anaesthetic management for mechanical thrombectomy needs to be clarified prospectively in large multicenter studies.

Traumatic carotid artery injury caused by a metal sipping straw in a pediatric patient: Anesthetic management and considerations

CNS injury following a traumatic intraoral injury is a rare but potentially catastrophic occurrence in pediatrics. For example, intraoral trauma resulting in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to carotid artery dissection has only been described by a limited number of case reports [1]. We report the case of a 4-year-old boy who suffered a penetrating right internal carotid injury after a fall resulting in a metal straw perforating the neck and oropharynx. The patient presented in hemorrhagic shock with altered consciousness. CT Angiography revealed a right internal carotid traumatic rupture with flow occlusion and right cerebral hemispheric hypoperfusion. The patient underwent emergent neuroradiologic intervention under general anesthesia with successful reconstruction of the right carotid artery through the use of five flow diverting pipeline stents. The patient was extubated one week later with the only neurologic sequala being slight left upper extremity weakness. Anesthetic management played a vital part in this outstanding outcome. Thoughtful management is required to ensure both survival and the best possible neurologic recovery. Despite the rarity of these events, there is sufficient evidence from similar interventions and neurophysiology to guide sound management. This case report highlights these principles and areas for further investigation. Our experience may be instructive in the support of safe care under similarly rare but challenging circumstances.

Association between intraprocedural drops in blood pressure and infarct growth rate patterns after acute large-vessel occlusions

BACKGROUND

Infarct growth rate (IGR) differs among patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO-AIS), and this variability has critical clinical repercussions. We explored IGR patterns and their association with blood pressure during endovascular therapy (EVT).

METHODS

This is a two-center cohort observational study that included consecutive anterior circulation LVO-AIS patients who underwent EVT and achieved modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2 c-3. Initial and final infarct volumes (FIV) were defined using admission computed tomography perfusion (CTP) defined as relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) <30%, and diffusion-weighted imaging-magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) at 24 hours post-EVT. We categorized IGR patterns as exponential (ExpIGR) and Non-exponential (NonExp) based on their growth curves. We then dichotomized ExpIGR clinical significance based on the association of infarct growth with 90-day Modified Rankin Score (mRS) as ExpIGR-A (>13 mL) and ExpIGR-B (<13 mL). Intraprocedural blood pressure (BP) drops were calculated as the difference between median arterial pressure (MAP) at admission and the lowest intraprocedural MAP reading before recanalization, and the area between admission MAP threshold and all lower measurements of intraprocedural MAP. Logistic and linear regression were used to investigate associations between variables of interest.

RESULTS

Of 159 modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2 c-3 patients, we found that 36% demonstrated ExpIGR-A, 31% ExpIGR-B, and 32.7% NonExp patterns. The Exp-A and Exp-B groups differed significantly in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), glucose, and FIV. The Exp-A and NonExp groups differed in rCBF <30% vol, and time of stroke onset (SO) to admission CTP; and the Exp-B and NonExp groups in NIHSS, rCBF <30%, Tmax <6 s volume, collateral flow measured by hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR), and FIV. Hypotensive MAP area (HMA) was independently associated with an ExpIGR-A pattern. Infarct volume increased by 1 mL per 100 units of hypotensive area and 4.2 mL per 0.1 units of HIR, with a significant interaction between both variables.

CONCLUSION

After an LVO-AIS, the IGR can be differentiated into two distinct exponential and non-exponential patterns. A subgroup of patients with the exponential pattern experienced clinically meaningful infarct growth rates between CTP acquisition and reperfusion and seem to be highly vulnerable to episodes of sustained intraprocedural BP drops during EVT.

Early Intubation in Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Post Hoc Analysis of the BASICS Trial

BACKGROUND

The optimal anesthetic management for endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with posterior circulation stroke remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate the impact of early intubation in patients enrolled in the BASICS trial (Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study).

METHODS

BASICS was a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial that compared the efficacy of EVT compared with the best medical care alone in patients with basilar artery occlusion. In this post hoc analysis, early intubation within the first 24 hours of the estimated time of basilar artery occlusion was examined as an additional covariate using regression modeling. We estimated the adjusted relative risks (RRs) for favorable outcomes, defined as modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 3 at 90 days. An adjusted common odds ratio was estimated for a shift in the distribution of modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days.

RESULTS

Of 300 patients in BASICS, 289 patients were eligible for analysis (151 in the EVT group and 138 in the best medical care group). compared with medical care alone, EVT was related to a higher risk of early intubation (RR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.09-1.53]; P<0.01), and early intubation was negatively associated with favorable outcome (RR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.45-0.84]; P=0.002). Whereas there was no overall treatment effect of EVT on favorable outcome (RR, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.95-1.55]; P=0.121), EVT was associated with favorable outcome (RR, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.05-1.71]; P=0.018) and a shift toward lower modified Rankin Scale scores (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.04-2.57]; P=0.033) if adjusted for early intubation.

CONCLUSIONS

In this post hoc analysis of the neutral BASICS trial, early intubation was linked to unfavorable outcomes, which might mitigate a potential benefit from EVT by indirect effects due to an increased risk of early intubation. This relationship may be considered when assessing the efficacy of EVT in patients with basilar artery occlusion in future trials.

Effect of Individualized Versus Standardized Blood Pressure Management During Endovascular Stroke Treatment on Clinical Outcome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Optimal blood pressure (BP) management during endovascular stroke treatment is not well established. We studied whether an individualized approach for managing BP during endovascular stroke treatment gives a better clinical outcome than an approach with standardized systolic BP targets.

METHODS

The INDIVIDUATE study (Individualized Blood Pressure Management During Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke Under Procedural Sedation) is a randomized clinical trial with a prospective randomized open blinded end point (PROBE) design. Patients were recruited between October 1, 2020 and July 7, 2022 at a single center at a tertiary care university hospital. Patients were eligible, when they were suffering from acute ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation with occlusions of the internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery and a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of ≥8 receiving endovascular stroke treatment in procedural sedation. The intervention consists of an individualized BP management strategy, where preinterventional baseline systolic BP (SBP) values are used as intraprocedural BP targets. As a control, the standard treatment aims to maintain the intraprocedural SBP between 140 and 180 mm Hg. The main prespecified outcome is the proportion of favorable functional outcomes 90 days after stroke, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty patients were enrolled and included in the analysis, mean (SD) age was 77 (12) years, 142 (57%) patients were women, and mean (SD) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 17 (5.2). In all, 123 (49%) patients were treated with individualized and 127 (51%) with standard BP management. Mean (SD) intraprocedural SBP was similar in the individualized versus standard BP management group (157 [19] versus 154 [18] mm Hg; P=0.16). The rate of favorable functional outcome after 3 months was not significantly different between the individualized versus the standard BP management group (25% versus 24%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.41-1.61]; P=0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients treated with endovascular stroke treatment due to an acute ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation, no significant difference was seen between the individualized BP management strategy, where intraprocedural SBP was targeted to baseline values, and the standardized regimen of targeting SBP between 140 and 180 mm Hg.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT04578288.

Conscious sedation by sedation-trained interventionalists versus anesthesia providers in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular thrombectomy: A propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

The appropriate choice of perioperative sedation during endovascular thrombectomy for ischemic stroke is unknown. Few studies have evaluated the role of nursing-administered conscious sedation supervised by a trained interventionalist.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy for ischemic stroke performed with nursing-administered conscious sedation supervised by a trained interventionalist with monitored anesthesia care supervised by an anesthesiologist.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected stroke registry was performed. The primary outcome was functional independence at 90 days, defined as a modified Rankin score of 0-2. Propensity score matching was performed to control for known confounders including patient comorbidities, access type, and direct-to-suite transfers.

RESULTS

A total of 355 patients underwent endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion between 2018 and 2022. Thirty five patients were excluded as they arrived at the endovascular suite intubated. Three hundred and twenty patients were included in our study, 155 who underwent endovascular thrombectomy with nursing-administered conscious sedation and 165 who underwent endovascular thrombectomy with monitored anesthesia care. After propensity score matching, there were 111 patients in each group. There was no difference in modified Rankin score 0-2 at 90 days (26.1% vs 35.1%, p = 0.190). Patients undergoing monitored anesthesia care received significantly more vasoactive medications (23.4% vs 49.5%, p < 0.001) and had a lower intraoperative minimum systolic blood pressure (134 vs 123 mmHg, p < 0.046). There was no difference in procedural efficacy, safety, intubation rates, and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative sedation with nursing-administered conscious sedation may be safe and effective in patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for ischemic stroke.

Blood pressure variability and short-term outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVES

There is limited data evaluating effects of post-mechanical thrombectomy (MT) blood pressure (BP) control on short-term clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). We aim to investigate the association of BP variations, after MT, with stroke early outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on AIS patients with LVO undergoing MT at a tertiary center over 3.5 years. Hourly BP data was recorded within the first 24- and 48-hours post-MT. BP variability was expressed as the interquartile range (IQR) of BP distribution. Short-term favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-3, discharge to home or inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF).

RESULTS

Of the 95 enrolled subjects, 37(38.9%) had favorable outcomes at discharge and 8 (8.4%) died. After adjustment for confounders, an increase in IQR of systolic blood pressure (SBP) within the first 24 hours after MT revealed a significant inverse association with favorable outcomes (OR 0.43, 95% CI [0.19, 0.96], p = 0.039). Increased median MAP within the first 24 hours after MT correlated with favorable outcomes (OR 1.75, 95% CI [1.09, 2.83], p = 0.021). Subgroup analysis redemonstrated significant inverse association between increased SBP IQR and favorable outcomes (OR 0.48, 95% CI [0.21, 0.97], p = 0.042) among patients with successful revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-MT high SBP variability was associated with worse short-term outcomes in AIS patients with LVO regardless of recanalization status. MAP values may be used as indicators for functional prognosis.

Combined Arterial Hypertension and Ischemic Stroke Exaggerate Anesthesia-Related Hypotension and Cerebral Oxygenation Deficits: A Preclinical Study

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative arterial hypotension (IOH) is a common side effect of general anesthesia (GA), associated with poor outcomes in ischemic stroke. While IOH is more prevalent with hypertension, it is unknown whether IOH may differ when GA is induced during ischemic stroke, versus other clinical settings. This is important given that many stroke patients receive GA for endovascular thrombectomy.

METHODS

We evaluate the cardiovascular responses to volatile GA (isoflurane in 100% o2 ) before and during middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke in rats instrumented to record blood pressure (BP) and cerebral tissue oxygenation (p o2 ) in the projected penumbra, in clinically relevant cohorts of normotensive (Wistar rat, n = 10), treated hypertensive (spontaneously hypertensive [SH] + enalapril, n = 12), and untreated hypertensive (SH rat, n = 12).

RESULTS

During baseline induction of GA, IOH was similar in normotensive, treated hypertensive, and untreated hypertensive rats during the induction phase (first 10 minutes) (-24 ± 15 vs -28 ± 22 vs -48 ± 24 mm Hg; P > .05) and across the procedure (-24 ± 13 vs -30 ± 35 vs -39 ± 27 mm Hg; P > .05). Despite the BP reduction, cerebral p o2 increased by ~50% in all groups during the procedure. When inducing GA after 2 hours, all stroke groups showed a greater magnitude IOH compared to baseline GA induction, with larger falls in treated (-79 ± 24 mm Hg; P = .0202) and untreated(-105 ± 43 mm Hg; P < .001) hypertensive rats versus normotensives (-49 ± 21 mm Hg). This was accompanied by smaller increases in cerebral p o2 in normotensive rats (19% ± 32%; P = .0144 versus no-stroke); but a decrease in cerebral p o2 in treated (-11% ± 19%; P = .0048) and untreated (-12% ± 15%; P = .0003) hypertensive rats. Sham animals (normotensive and hypertensive) showed similar magnitude and pattern of IOH when induced with GA before and after sham procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings are the first demonstration that ischemic stroke per se increases the severity of IOH, particularly when combined with a prior history of hypertension; this combination appears to compromise penumbral perfusion.

Impact of anesthesia modalities on functional outcome of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a subgroup analysis of DIRECT-MT trial

BACKGROUND

This subgroup analysis of Direct Intraarterial Thrombectomy in Order to Revascularize Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion Efficiently in Chinese Tertiary Hospitals Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial (DIRECT-MT) aimed to investigate the influence of anesthesia modalities on the outcomes of endovascular treatment.

METHODS

Patients were divided into two groups by receiving general anesthesia (GA) or non-general anesthesia (non-GA). The primary outcome was assessed by the between-group difference in the distribution of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days, estimated using the adjusted common odds ratio (acOR) by multivariable ordinal regression. Differences in workflow efficiency, procedural complication, and safety outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Totally 636 patients were enrolled (207 for GA and 429 for non-GA groups). There was no significant shift in the mRS distribution at 90 days between the two groups (acOR, 1.093). The median time from randomization to reperfusion was significantly longer in GA group (116 vs. 93 min, P < 0.0001). Patients in non-GA group were associated with a significantly lower NIHSS score at early stages (24 h, 11 vs 15; 5-7 days or discharge, 6.5 vs 10). The rate of severe manipulation-related complication did not differ significantly between GA and non-GA groups (0.97% vs 3.26%; P = 0.08). There are no differences in the rate of mortality and intracranial hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

In the subgroup analysis of DIRECT-MT, we found no significant difference in the functional outcome at 90 days between general anesthesia and non-general anesthesia, despite the workflow time being significantly delayed for patients with general anesthesia. Clinical trail registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03469206.

The influence of pre-reperfusion blood pressure on outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion

BACKGROUND

We evaluated how systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) parameters between presentation and reperfusion influence functional status and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

All patients who underwent MT for LVO at a single institution were reviewed. Independent variables included SBP and MAP measurements obtained on presentation, between presentation and reperfusion (pre-reperfusion), and between groin puncture and reperfusion (thrombectomy). Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard deviations (SD) for SBP and MAP were calculated. Outcomes included 90-day favorable functional status, radiographic ICH (rICH), and symptomatic ICH (sICH).

RESULTS

305 patients were included. Higher pre-reperfusion SBP_max was associated with rICH (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08-1.85) and sICH (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.26-2.72). Higher SBP_SD was also associated with rICH (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.06-1.81) and sICH (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.12-2.26). Greater SBP_max (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.86), MAP_max (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.52-0.97), SBP_SD (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46-0.86), and MAP_SD (0.63, 95% CI 0.45-0.84) during thrombectomy were associated with lower odds of 90-day favorable functional status. In a subgroup analysis, these associations were primarily limited to patients with intact collateral circulation. Optimal SBP_max cutoffs for predicting rICH were 171 (pre-reperfusion) and 179 mmHg (thrombectomy). Cutoffs for predicting sICH were 178 (pre-reperfusion) and 174 mmHg (thrombectomy).

CONCLUSION

Greater maximum BP and variability in BP during the pre-reperfusion period are associated with unfavorable functional status and ICH after MT for anterior circulation LVO.

Blood pressure management in ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy

The relationship between presenting blood pressure in acute ischemic stroke patients and outcome is complex. Several studies have demonstrated a U-shaped curve with worse outcomes when blood pressure is high or low. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines recommend values of blood pressure < 185/110 mmHg in patients treated with intravenous t-PA and "permissive hypertension" up to 220/120 mmHg in those not treated with intravenous t-PA. The optimal blood pressure target is less clear in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Before thrombectomy, the guidelines recommend a blood pressure < 185/110 mmHg though patients with even lower systolic blood pressures may have better outcomes. During and after thrombectomy, the guidelines recommend a blood pressure < 180/105 mmHg. However, several studies have suggested that during thrombectomy the primary goal should be to prevent significant low blood pressure (e.g., target systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg or MAP > 70 mmHg). After thrombectomy, the primary goal should be to prevent high blood pressure (e.g., target systolic blood pressure < 160 mmHg or MAP < 90 mmHg). To make more specific recommendations, large, randomized-control studies are needed that address factors such as the baseline blood pressure, timing and degree of revascularization, status of collaterals, and estimated risk of reperfusion injury.

Increased blood pressure variability during general anaesthesia is associated with worse outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy: a prospective observational cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Optimal periprocedural blood pressure (BP) management during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischaemic stroke is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between intraprocedural BP variability (BPV) and outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) following MT with general anaesthesia.

DESIGN

A prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

This study was conducted in a single tertiary hospital of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 141 patients with LVO treated with MT were finally included between January 2018 and September 2020.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraprocedural BP was recorded every 5 min throughout the procedure. BPV was measured as SD, coefficient of variation (CV), max-min (RANGE) and successive variation. Haemorrhagic transformation was assessed on 24-hour CT images according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III trial. Poor functional outcome was defined as 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 3-6. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of BPV parameters with the incidence of parenchymal haemorrhage (PH) and poor functional outcome.

RESULTS

After controlling for age, female, history of smoking, hypertension and atrial fibrillation, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, baseline systolic BP (SBP), baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, bridging thrombolysis and times of retrieval attempts, the results demonstrated that intraprocedural SBP_RANGE (OR 1.029; 95% CI 1.003 to 1.055; p=0.027), SBP_SD (OR 1.135; 95% CI 1.023 to 1.259; p=0.017) and SBP_CV (OR 1.189; 95% CI 1.053 to 1.342; p=0.005) were independently associated with poor functional outcome. However, the independent association between intraprocedural BPV and PH at 24 hours has not been established in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased intraprocedural BPV was more likely to have poor functional outcome in patients with LVO following MT with general anaesthesia. This finding indicates that special precautions should be taken to minimise BP fluctuation during procedure.

End the confusion: general anaesthesia improves patient outcomes in endovascular thrombectomy

Expert physiological and pharmacological care by anaesthetists is required in all stroke endovascular thrombectomy cases. RCTs show clinical benefits in recanalisation rates and functional recovery after endovascular thrombectomy with general anaesthesia compared with sedation. Many stroke centres will require wholesale reorganisation of stroke pathways to ensure anaesthesia services are available for all cases. Anaesthetists have an integral role in improving clinical outcomes in large vessel occlusion stroke.

Sedative effect of remimazolam combined with alfentanil in colonoscopic polypectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial

Background

Remimazolam is a newer benzodiazepine with properties of rapid onset, short duration of action, and fast recovery. Our study was to evaluate the effects of different doses of remimazolam combined with alfentanil in colonoscopic polypectomy.

Methods

One hundred twenty patients were randomly divided into four groups: alfentanil and propofol (AP) group, alfentanil and remimazolam 0.1 mg/kg (AR1 group), 0.15 mg/kg (AR2 group), or 0.2 mg/kg (AR3 group). Patients in the four groups received alfentanil 10 μg/kg, followed by propofol 2 mg/kg and three dosages of remimazolam. Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation (MOAA/S) scale, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), respiratory rate (RR), bispectral index (BIS) values and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were collected at intervals of 5 min and analyzed at different time points: before anesthesia (T0), 5 min (T1), 10 min (T2), 15 min after anesthesia (T3) and at the end of surgery (T4). The average MAP was calculated utilizing the average of all MAP values. The primary outcome was the success rate of sedation. Secondary outcomes included time to full alert and adverse events.

Results

The success rate of sedation was 100% among the four groups. The incidence of hypotension was significantly decreased (all P < 0.05) and the average MAP was higher in AR1-AR3 groups than AP group (all P < 0.001). None of the patients developed bradycardia or hypertension during surgery in all study groups. BIS values were higher (all P < 0.001) and the time to full alert was statistically shorter in AR1-AR3 groups (all P < 0.05) compared with the AP group. The MOAA/S score in AR1 was higher than AR2 (P < 0.05) and the AR3 group (P < 0.05) at T1 and BIS values in the AR1 group were significantly higher than AR3 group (P < 0.05) at T4.

Conclusions

Remimazolam combined with alfentanil have a non-inferior sedative effect than propofol during the colonoscopic polypectomy. Moreover, this combination of two short-acting drugs might be a safer alternative.

Trial registration

The clinical trial was registered on (16/05/2021, ChiCTR2100046492).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-022-01805-3.

Anesthetic considerations for endovascular treatment in stroke therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The introduction of clot removement by endovascular treatment (EVT) in 2015 has improved the clinical outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to a large vessel occlusion (LVO). Anesthetic strategies during EVT vary widely between hospitals, with some departments employing local anesthesia (LA), others performing conscious sedation (CS) or general anesthesia (GA). The optimal anesthetic strategy remains debated. This review will describe the effects of anesthetic strategy on clinical and radiological outcomes and hemodynamic parameters in patients with AIS undergoing EVT.

RECENT FINDINGS

Small single-center randomized controlled trails (RCTs) found either no difference or favored GA, while large observational cohort studies favored CS or LA. RCTs using LA as separate comparator arm are still lacking and a meta-analysis of observational studies failed to show differences in functional outcome between LA vs. other anesthetic strategies. Advantages of LA were shorter door-to-groin time in patients and less intraprocedural hypotension, which are both variables that are known to impact functional outcome.

SUMMARY

The optimal anesthetic approach in patients undergoing EVT for stroke therapy is still unclear, but based on logistics and peri-procedural hemodynamics, LA may be the optimal choice. Multicenter RCTs are warranted comparing LA, CS and GS with strict blood pressure targets and use of the same anesthetic agents to minimize confounding variables.

Stroke thrombectomy perioperative anesthetic and hemodynamic management

There is an ongoing debate about the optimal anesthetic and hemodynamic management of acute stoke patients with large vessel occlusion undergoing endovascular mechanical thrombectomy. Several prospective and retrospective analyses, and randomized controlled trials, attempted to address the challenges of using different anesthetic modalities in acute stroke patients requiring mechanical thrombectomy. We review the advantages and disadvantages of monitored anesthesia care, local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia, along with the relevance of hemodynamic management and perioperative oxygenation status in these complex patients.

Local Anesthesia versus Conscious Sedation among Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation-A Propensity Score Analysis

BACKGROUND

Conscious sedation (CS) has been used successfully to treat patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and as such is considered the standard anesthesia method. The local anesthesia (LA) only approach may be feasible and safe thanks to improvements in operators' experience.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate differences between LA only versus CS approaches on short- and long-term outcomes among patients undergoing TAVI.

METHODS

We performed a propensity score analysis on 1096 patients undergoing TAVI for severe AS. Two hundred and seventy-four patients in the LA group were matched in a ratio of 1:3 with 822 patients in the CS group. The primary outcome was a 1-year mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included procedural and peri-procedural complication rates and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Patients in the CS group had significantly higher rates of grade 2-3 acute kidney injury and were more likely to have had new left bundle branch block and high-degree atrioventricular block. Patients who underwent TAVI under CS had significantly higher in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates compared to LA (1.6% vs. 0.0% p-value = 0.036 and 8.5% vs. 3.3% p-value = 0.004, respectively). Kaplan-Meier's survival analysis showed that the cumulative probability of 1-year mortality was significantly higher among subjects undergoing CS compared to patients LA (p-value log-rank = 0.024). Regression analysis indicated that patients undergoing CS were twice more likely to die of at 1-year when compared to patients under LA (HR 2.18, 95%CI 1.09-4.36, p-value = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

As compared to CS, the LA-only approach is associated with lower rates of peri-procedural complications and 1-year mortality rates.

General Anesthesia-Related Drop in Diastolic Blood Pressure May Impact the Long-Term Outcome in Stroke Patients Undergoing Thrombectomy

Background: Several factors affect the efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT); however, the anesthesia-related factors have not been fully explored. We aimed to identify independent predictors of outcome by analyzing procedural factors based on a multicentric stroke registry. Methods: Data of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were extracted from the prospective STAY ALIVE stroke registry. Demographic, clinical, and periprocedural factors including hemodynamic values were analyzed in patients undergoing thrombectomy with either general anesthesia (GA) or conscious sedation (CS). Independent predictors of outcome both at 30 and 90 days based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS: 0−2 as favorable outcome) were also explored. Results: A total of 199 patients (GA: 76 (38%) vs. CS: 117 (59%); in addition, six patients were converted from CS to GA) were included. The minimum value of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in the GA compared to the CS group, and GA was associated with a longer onset to EVT time and a higher drop in all hemodynamic variables (all, p < 0.001). A higher drop in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was even independently associated with a poor 90-day outcome (p = 0.024). Conclusion: A GA-related drop in DBP may independently predict a poor long-term outcome in stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy.

Blood Pressure Management for Ischemic Stroke in the First 24 Hours

High blood pressure (BP) is common after ischemic stroke and associated with a poor functional outcome and increased mortality. The conundrum then arises on whether to lower BP to improve outcome or whether this will worsen cerebral perfusion due to aberrant cerebral autoregulation. A number of large trials of BP lowering have failed to change outcome whether treatment was started prehospital in the community or hospital. Hence, nuances on how to manage high BP are likely, including whether different interventions are needed for different causes, the type and timing of the drug, how quickly BP is lowered, and the collateral effects of the drug, including on cerebral perfusion and platelets. Specific scenarios are also important, including when to lower BP before, during, and after intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy/thrombectomy, when it may be necessary to raise BP, and when antihypertensive drugs taken before stroke should be restarted. This narrative review addresses these and other questions. Although further large trials are ongoing, it is increasingly likely that there is no simple answer. Different subgroups of patients may need to have their BP lowered (eg, before or after thrombolysis), left alone, or elevated.

Pressor therapy in acute ischaemic stroke: an updated systematic review

Background

Low blood pressure (BP) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is associated with poor functional outcome, death, or severe disability. Increasing BP might benefit patients with post-stroke hypotension including those with potentially salvageable ischaemic penumbra. This updated systematic review considers the present evidence regarding the use of vasopressors in AIS.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE and trial databases using a structured search strategy. We examined reference lists of relevant publications for additional studies examining BP elevation in AIS.

Results

We included 27 studies involving 1886 patients. Nine studies assessed increasing BP during acute reperfusion therapy (intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, intra-arterial thrombolysis or combined). Eighteen studies tested BP elevation alone. Phenylephrine was the most commonly used agent to increase BP (n = 16 studies), followed by norepinephrine (n = 6), epinephrine (n = 3) and dopamine (n = 2). Because of small patient numbers and study heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not possible. Overall, BP elevation was feasible in patients with fluctuating or worsening neurological symptoms, large vessel occlusion with labile BP, sustained post-stroke hypotension and ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis or after acute reperfusion therapy. The effects on functional outcomes were largely unknown and close monitoring is advised if such intervention is undertaken.

Conclusion

Although theoretical arguments support increasing BP to improve cerebral blood flow and sustain the ischaemic penumbra in selected AIS patients, the data are limited and results largely inconclusive. Large, randomised controlled trials are needed to identify the optimal BP target, agent, duration of treatment and effects on clinical outcomes.

Hemodynamic Status During Endovascular Stroke Treatment: Association of Blood Pressure with Functional Outcome

BACKGROUND

Optimal blood pressure (BP) management during endovascular stroke treatment in patients with large-vessel occlusion is not well established. We aimed to investigate associations of BP during different phases of endovascular therapy with reperfusion and functional outcome.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of a single-center prospective study that evaluated a new simplified procedural sedation standard during endovascular therapy (Keep Evaluating Protocol Simplification in Managing Periinterventional Light Sedation for Endovascular Stroke Treatment). BP during endovascular therapy in patients was managed according to protocol. Data from four different phases (baseline, pre-recanalization, post recanalization, and post intervention) were obtained, and mean BP values, as well as changes in BP between different phases and reductions in systolic BP (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) from baseline to pre-recanalization, were used as exposure variables. The main outcome was a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 three months after admission. Secondary outcomes were successful reperfusion and change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score after 24 h. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Functional outcomes were analyzed in 139 patients with successful reperfusion (defined as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2b-3). The mean (standard deviation) age was 76 (10.9) years, the mean (standard deviation) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 14.3 (7.5), and 70 (43.5%) patients had a left-sided vessel occlusion. Favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) was less likely with every 10-mm Hg increase in baseline (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, P = 0.04) and pre-recanalization (OR 0.65, P = 0.011) SBP. This was also found for baseline (OR 0.76, P = 0.05) and pre-recanalization MAP (OR 0.66, P = 0.03). The maximum Youden index in a receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed an SBP of 163 mm Hg and MAP of 117 mm Hg as discriminatory thresholds during the pre-recanalization phase to predict functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In our protocol-based setting, intraprocedural pre-recanalization BP reductions during endovascular therapy were not associated with functional outcome. However, higher intraprocedural pre-recanalization SBP and MAP were associated with worse functional outcome. Prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to determine whether BP is a feasible treatment target for the modification of outcomes.

Protocol for the MAnagement of Systolic blood pressure during Thrombectomy by Endovascular Route for acute ischemic STROKE randomized clinical trial: The MASTERSTROKE trial

REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12619001274167p.

RATIONALE

Cerebral blood flow is blood pressure-dependent when cerebral autoregulation is impaired. Cerebral ischemia and anesthetic drugs impair cerebral autoregulation. In ischemic stroke patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy, induced hypertension is a plausible intervention to increase blood flow in the ischemic penumbra until reperfusion is achieved. This could potentially reduce final infarct size and improve functional recovery.

AIM

To test if patients with large vessel occlusion stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy will benefit from induced hypertension.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, parallel group, open label, multicenter clinical trial with blinded assessment of outcomes.

PROCEDURES

Patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy with general anesthesia within 6 h of symptom onset, and patients with 'wake up' stroke or presenting within 6 to 24 h with potentially salvageable tissue on computed tomography perfusion scanning, are included. Participants are randomized to a systolic blood pressure target of 140 mmHg or 170 mmHg from procedure initiation until recanalization. Methods to maintain the blood pressure are at the discretion of the procedural anesthesiologist.

STUDY OUTCOMES

The primary efficacy outcome is improvement in disability measured by modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days. The primary safety outcome is all-cause mortality at 90 days.

ANALYSIS

The Mann-Whitney U test will be used to test the ordinal shift in the seven-category modified Rankin Scale score. All-cause mortality will be estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using a log-rank test.

Periprocedural Management During Stroke Thrombectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion is a powerful and evidence-based tool to achieve reperfusion and results in improved neurologic outcome. Focus has now shifted toward optimizing the procedure. We reviewed the relevant current literature on periprocedural stroke care such as pretreatment with IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), choice of anesthesia, ventilation strategy, and blood pressure management.

RECENT FINDINGS

IV tPA should not be withheld in a patients with stroke eligible for EVT. A meta-analysis of randomized trials on general anesthesia (GA) vs procedural sedation has shown better neurologic outcomes with protocol-based GA in centers with dedicated neuroanesthesia teams. There are no data from randomized trials on blood pressure control, but according to available evidence, systolic blood pressure should probably be held at >140 mm Hg during the procedure and <160 mm Hg after reperfusion. In ventilated patients, extreme deviations from normoxemia and normocapnia should be avoided.

SUMMARY

Periprocedural care influences the outcome after EVT for large vessel ischemic stroke. More evidence from prospective ongoing and future studies is urgently needed to identify its optimization.

Infarct Progression in the Early and Late Phases of Acute Ischemic Stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To explore factors associated with infarct progression in the early and late phase of acute ischemic stroke in patients undergoing endovascular therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Following ischemic stroke, brain injury can progress at a variable rate, at the expense of "penumbral tissue," which is the ischemic tissue at risk of infarction. Despite dramatic advances in endovascular stroke therapies with early revascularization in more than 80% of cases, nearly half of patients do not achieve functional independence despite successful recanalization. This is largely attributed to the irreversible damage that is already extensive at the time of revascularization.

SUMMARY

The underlying pathophysiology and determinants of the core infarct progression are complex and multifactorial, depending on a balance between brain energy consumption and collateral perfusion supply. It is crucial to develop creative and individualized theranostics to predict infarct progression and to "freeze" the tissue at risk prior to recanalization.

Blood pressure behavior during mechanical thrombectomy and drugs used for conscious sedation or general anesthesia

BACKGROUND

The optimal blood pressure (BP) during mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke is currently unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate BP behavior during mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke and its relationship with drugs used for sedation or general anesthesia. Additionally, we investigated the association between BP oscillation during mechanical thrombectomy and recanalization status, and with functional outcome at discharge.

METHODS

Consecutive patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke were evaluated in a tertiary hospital from December/2009 to December/2015. Maximum, minimum, and mean systolic and diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressures were collected during the procedure. Sedative drugs were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients with a mean age of 71.9 years (60.4% men) were treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The mean reduction in systolic BP and mean arterial pressure from hospital admission to mechanical thrombectomy were respectively 42 and 36 mmHg. During the procedure, oscillations were 50.4 mmHg for systolic, and 33.2 mmHg for diastolic BP. Patients treated with neuromuscular blocking drugs had more oscillation in systolic BP from hospital admission to procedure (51.1 versus 26.2 mmHg, P=0.06). The use of cisatracurium (43.9 versus 29.6 mmHg, P=0.02) and succinylcholine (44.7 versus 29.3 mmHg, P=0.01) were associated with a significant drop in BP during the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant BP oscillation occurs during mechanical thrombectomy. Drugs used for conscious sedation or general anesthesia, specifically neuromuscular blocking agents, might have an influence upon BP levels.

Is General Anesthesia for Endovascular Thrombectomy Helpful or Harmful?

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has significantly improved outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. However, despite advances, more than half of patients remain functionally dependent 3 months after their initial stroke. Anesthetic strategy may influence both the technical success of the procedure and overall outcomes. Conventionally, general anesthesia (GA) has been widely used for neuroendovascular procedures, particularly for the distal intracranial circulation, because the complete absence of movement has been considered imperative for procedural success and to minimize complications. In contrast, in patients with acute stroke undergoing EVT, the optimal anesthetic strategy is controversial. Nonrandomized studies suggest GA negatively affects outcomes while the more recent anesthesia-specific RCTs report improved or unchanged outcomes in patients managed with versus without GA, although these findings cannot be generalized to other EVT capable centers due to a number of limitations. Potential explanations for these contrasting results will be addressed in this review including the effect of different anesthetic strategies on cerebral and systemic hemodynamics, revascularization times, and periprocedural complications.

Individualized blood pressure management during endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke under procedural sedation (INDIVIDUATE) - An explorative randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Optimal blood pressure is not well established during endovascular therapy of acute ischemic stroke. Applying standardized blood pressure target values for every stroke patient might be a suboptimal approach.

AIM

To assess whether an individualized intraprocedural blood pressure management with individualized blood pressure target ranges might pose a better strategy for the outcome of the patients than standardized blood pressure targets.Sample size: Randomization of 250 patients 1:1 to receive either standard or individualized blood pressure management approach.

METHODS AND DESIGN

We conduct an explorative single-center randomized controlled trial with a PROBE (parallel-group, open-label randomized controlled trial with blinded endpoint evaluation) design. In the control group, intraprocedural systolic blood pressure target range is 140-180 mmHg. The intervention group is the individualized approach, which is maintaining the intraprocedural systolic blood pressure at the level on presentation (±10 mmHg).Study outcomes: The primary endpoint is the modified Rankin scale assessed 90 days +/- 2 weeks after stroke onset, dichotomized by 0-2 (favorable outcome) to 3-6 (unfavorable outcome). Secondary endpoints include early neurological improvement, infarction size, and systemic physiology monitor parameters.

DISCUSSION

An individualized approach for blood pressure management during thrombectomy could lead to a better outcome for stroke patients. The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as 'Individualized Blood Pressure Management During Endovascular Stroke Treatment (INDIVIDUATE)' under NCT04578288.

Hemodynamics of Leptomeningeal Collaterals after Large Vessel Occlusion and Blood Pressure Management with Endovascular Treatment

Endovascular therapy (EVT) is an effective treatment for ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Unlike intravenous thrombolysis, EVT enables visualization of the restoration of blood flow, also known as successful reperfusion in real time. However, until successful reperfusion is achieved, the survival of the ischemic brain is mainly dependent on blood flow from the leptomeningeal collaterals (LMC). It plays a critical role in maintaining tissue perfusion after LVO via pre-existing channels between the arborizing pial small arteries or arterioles overlying the cerebral hemispheres. In the ischemic territory where the physiologic cerebral autoregulation is impaired and the pial arteries are maximally dilated within their capacity, the direction and amount of LMC perfusion rely on the systemic perfusion, which can be estimated by measuring blood pressure (BP). After the EVT procedure, treatment focuses on mitigating the risk of hemorrhagic transformation, potentially via BP reduction. Thus, BP management may be a key component of acute care for patients with LVO stroke. However, the guidelines on BP management during and after EVT are limited, mostly due to the scarcity of high-level evidence on this issue. In this review, we aim to summarize the anatomical and physiological characteristics of LMC to maintain cerebral perfusion after acute LVO, along with a landscape summary of the literature on BP management in endovascular treatment. The objective of this review is to describe the mechanistic association between systemic BP and collateral perfusion after LVO and thus provide clinical and research perspectives on this topic.

Value of Perfusion CT in the Prediction of Intracerebral Hemorrhage after Endovascular Treatment

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious complication of endovascular treatment (EVT) in stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Aims

Identification of radiological predictors is highly relevant. We investigated the predictive power of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) parameters concerning ICH in patients receiving EVT.

Methods

392 patients with anterior circulation LVO with multimodal CT imaging who underwent EVT were analyzed. CTP parameters were visually evaluated for modified ASPECTS regions and compared between patients without ICH, those with hemorrhagic infarction (HI), and those with parenchymal hematoma (PH) according to the ECASS criteria at follow-up imaging and broken down by ASPECTS regions.

Results

168 received intravenous thrombolysis (IV-rtPA), and 115 developed subsequent ICH (29.3%), of which 74 were classified as HI and 41 as PH. Patients with HI and PH had lower ASPECTS than patients without ICH and worse functional outcome after 90 days (p < 0.05). In 102 of the 115 patients with ICH, the deep middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory was affected with differences between patients without ICH, those with HI, and those with PH regarding cerebral blood volume (CBV) and blood-brain barrier permeability measured as flow extraction product (FED) relative to the contralateral hemisphere (p < 0.05). Patients with PH showed larger perfusion CT infarct core than patients without ICH (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

None of the examined CTP parameters was found to be a strong predictor of subsequent ICH. ASPECTS and initial CTP core volume were more reliable and may be useful and even so more practicable to assess the risk of subsequent ICH after EVT.

Hypotension during endovascular treatment under general anesthesia for acute ischemic stroke

Objective

The effect of anesthetic management (general anesthesia [GA], conscious sedation, or local anesthesia) on functional outcome and the role of blood pressure management during endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke is under debate. We aimed to determine whether hypotension during EVT under GA is associated with functional outcome at 90 days.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from patients with a proximal intracranial occlusion of the anterior circulation treated with EVT under GA. The primary outcome was the distribution on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. Hypotension was defined using two thresholds: a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 70 mm Hg and a MAP 30% below baseline MAP. To quantify the extent and duration of hypotension, the area under the threshold (AUT) was calculated using both thresholds.

Results

Of the 366 patients included, procedural hypotension was observed in approximately half of them. The occurrence of hypotension was associated with poor functional outcome (MAP <70 mm Hg: adjusted common odds ratio [acOR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35–0.94; MAP decrease ≥30%: acOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.48–1.21). In addition, an association was found between the number of hypotensive periods and poor functional outcome (MAP <70 mm Hg: acOR, 0.85 per period increase; 95% CI, 0.73–0.99; MAP decrease ≥30%: acOR, 0.90 per period; 95% CI, 0.78–1.04). No association existed between AUT and functional outcome (MAP <70 mm Hg: acOR, 1.000 per 10 mm Hg*min increase; 95% CI, 0.998–1.001; MAP decrease ≥30%: acOR, 1.000 per 10 mm Hg*min; 95% CI, 0.999–1.000).

Conclusions

Occurrence of procedural hypotension and an increase in number of procedural hypotensive periods were associated with poor functional outcome, whereas the extent and duration of hypotension were not. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm our hypothesis that hypotension during EVT under GA has detrimental effects.

Emergency intubation during thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in patients under primary procedural sedation

Background

Emergency intubation is an inherent risk of procedural sedation regimens for endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to characterize the subgroup of patients, who had to be emergently intubated, to identify predictors of the need for intubation and assess their outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of the single-center study KEEP SIMPLEST, which evaluated a new in-house SOP for EVT under primary procedural sedation. We used descriptive statistics and regression models to examine predictors and functional outcome of emergently intubated patients.

Results

Twenty of 160 (12.5%) patients were emergently intubated. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission, premorbid modified Rankin scale (mRS), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, age and side of occlusion were not associated with need for emergency intubation. Emergency intubation was associated with a lower rate of successful reperfusion (OR, 0.174; 95%-CI, 0.045 to 0.663; p = 0.01). Emergently intubated patients had higher in-house mortality (30% vs 6.4%; p = 0.001) and a lower rate of mRS 0–2 at 3 months was observed in those patients (10.5% vs 37%, p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Emergency intubation during a primary procedural sedation regimen for EVT was associated with lower rate of successful reperfusion. Less favorable outcome was observed in the subgroup of emergently intubated patients. More research is required to find practical predictors of intubation need and to determine, whether emergency intubation is safe under strict primary procedural sedation regimens for EVT.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42466-021-00125-0.

A nephroprotective iodinated contrast agent with cardioprotective properties: A pilot study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Evaluation and treatment of acute ischemic syndromes, in the heart and brain, require vessel visualization by iodinated X-ray contrast agents. However, these contrast agents can induce injury, in both the kidneys and target organs themselves. Sulfobutylether beta cyclodextrin (SBECD) added to iohexol (SBECD-iohexol) (Captisol Enabled-iohexol, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc, San Diego, CA) is currently in clinical trials in cardiovascular procedures, to determine its relative renal safety in high-risk patients. Preclinical studies showed that SBECD-iohexol reduced contrast-induced acute kidney injury in rodent models by blocking apoptosis. The current study was undertaken to determine whether SBECD-iohexol is also cardioprotective, in the male rat ischemia-reperfusion model, compared to iohexol alone.

METHODS

After anesthesia, the left coronary artery was ligated for 30 min and the ligation released and reperfusion followed for 2 h prior to sacrifice. Groups 1-4 were injected in the tail vein 10 min prior to ischemia with: (1) vehicle; (2) iohexol; (3) SBECD; and (4) SBECD-iohexol. Infarct size, hemodynamics, and serum markers were measured.

RESULTS

An eight-fold increase in serum creatine kinase in the iohexol-alone group was observed, compared with no increase in the SBECD-iohexol group. The mean arterial pressure and rate pressure product were depressed in the iohexol-alone group, but not in the SBECD-iohexol group, or controls. No difference in infarct size or serum creatinine among the groups was observed.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that SBECD-iohexol is superior to iohexol alone, for both the preservation of cardiomyocyte integrity and preservation of myocardial function in myocardial ischemia.

Prolonged Duration of Blood Pressure Drops During General Anesthesia Is Associated With Worse Outcomes After Mechanical Thrombectomy

Background and Purpose: Optimal periprocedural management of blood pressure during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the duration of blood pressure drops during general anesthesia and the outcomes in large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients treated with MT.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively collected data for LVO patients treated with MT between January 2018 and July 2020. Intraprocedural mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded every 5 min throughout the procedure. Baseline MAP minus each MAP value recorded during general anesthesia was defined ΔMAP. Cumulated time (in min) and longest continuous episode (in min) with ΔMAP more than 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mmHg were calculated, respectively. Poor outcome was defined as 90-day modified Rankin score (mRS) 3–6. Associations between cumulated time of different ΔMAP thresholds and poor outcome were determined using binary logistic regression models.

Results: A total of 131 patients were finally included in the study. After controlling for age, atrial fibrillation, baseline NIHSS, baseline ASPECTS, procedure duration of MT, and times of retrieval attempts, the results indicated that cumulated time of MAP drop more than 10 mmHg (OR 1.013; 95% CI 1.004–1.023; P = 0.007) and 15 mmHg (OR 1.011; 95% CI 1.002–1.020; P = 0.017) were independently associated with poor outcomes.

Conclusion: Prolonged episodes of intraprocedural MAP lowering were more likely to have poor outcomes in LVO patients following MT with general anesthesia, which might be helpful in guiding intraprocedural hemodynamic management of patients under general anesthesia.

Spontaneous systolic blood pressure drop early after mechanical thrombectomy predicts dramatic neurological recovery in ischaemic stroke patients

Introduction

Spontaneous blood pressure drop within the first 24 h has been reported following arterial recanalisation in ischaemic stroke patients. We aimed to assess if spontaneous blood pressure drop within the first hour after mechanical thrombectomy is a marker of early neurological recovery.

Patients and methods

Retrospective observational single-centre study including ischaemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Blood pressure parameters from admission, mechanical thrombectomy start, mechanical thrombectomy end and hourly within 24 h after mechanical thrombectomy were reviewed. Primary outcome was early dramatic neurological recovery (8-point-reduction in NIHSS or NIHSS ≤ 2 at 24 h). Secondary outcome was functional independence at 90 days (mRankin 0-2).

Results

We included 458 patients in our analysis. Two-hundred (43.7%) patients achieved dramatic neurological recovery following mechanical thrombectomy. One hour after mechanical thrombectomy end, median systolic blood pressure was significantly different between outcome groups (129 vs. 138 mmHg, p = 0.005) and a higher drop in median systolic blood pressure was seen in the dramatic neurological recovery group (15 vs. 9 mmHg). Optimal cut-off for predicting dramatic neurological recovery was a systolic blood pressure drop of 10.5 mmHg (sensitivity 0.54, specificity 0.55, AUC 0.55). On multivariate analysis, spontaneous systolic blood pressure drop was associated with higher odds of achieving dramatic neurological recovery (OR for 10 mmHg blood pressure drop 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.29, p = 0.04). No significative association between any blood pressure parameter drop and functional independence at 90 days was found.

Discussion

We hypothesised that spontaneous systolic blood pressure drop is a marker of successful reperfusion and, therefore, a marker of improvement of cerebral autoregulation due to the reduced final ischaemic core.

Conclusion

Spontaneous systolic blood pressure drop after mechanical thrombectomy is an early predictor of dramatic neurological recovery.

Blood Pressure Thresholds and Neurologic Outcomes After Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Analysis of Individual Patient Data From 3 Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance

The optimal blood pressure targets during endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are unknown.

Objective

To study whether procedural blood pressure parameters, including specific blood pressure thresholds, are associated with neurologic outcomes after EVT.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included adults with anterior-circulation AIS who were enrolled in randomized clinical trials assessing anesthetic strategy for EVT between February 2014 and February 2017. The trials had comparable blood pressure protocols, and patients were followed up for 90 days. A total of 3630 patients were initially approached, and 3265 patients were excluded.

Exposure

Endovascular therapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary efficacy variable was functional outcome as defined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. Associations of blood pressure parameters and time less than and greater than mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) thresholds with outcome were analyzed.

Results

Of the 365 patients included in the analysis, the mean (SD) age was 71.4 (13.0) years, 163 were women (44.6%), and the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17 (interquartile range [IQR], 14-21). For the entire cohort, 182 (49.9%) received general anesthesia and 183 (50.1%) received procedural sedation. A cumulated period of minimum 10 minutes with less than 70 mm Hg MABP (adjusted OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.02-2.22) and a continuous episode of minimum 20 minutes with less than 70 mm Hg MABP (adjusted OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.11-4.75) were associated with a shift toward higher 90-day mRS scores, corresponding to a number needed to harm of 10 and 4, respectively. A cumulated period of minimum 45 minutes with greater than 90 mm Hg MABP (adjusted OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.11-2.02) and a continuous episode of minimum 115 minutes with greater than 90 mm Hg MABP (adjusted OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.01-3.54) were associated with a shift toward higher 90-day mRS scores, corresponding to a number needed to harm of 10 and 6, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

Critical MABP thresholds and durations for poor outcome were found to be MABP less than 70 mm Hg for more than 10 minutes and MABP greater than 90 mm Hg for more than 45 minutes, both durations with a number needed to harm of 10 patients. Mean arterial blood pressure may be a modifiable therapeutic target to prevent or reduce poor functional outcome after EVT.

Management of Elevated Blood Pressure After Stroke Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation

Thrombectomy is superior to intravenous thrombolysis for patients with large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke, but nearly half of the patients still experience poor functional outcomes. Elevated blood pressure (BP) is widely observed in acute ischemic stroke, and BP may be one of the modifiable parameters that can potentially influence the outcomes; however, only observational studies exist to support current guidelines, and the recommended range for BP after thrombectomy is too wide to meet the clinical requirement. Randomized controlled trials are therefore needed to better understand the relationship between BP and outcomes after thrombectomy. In this review, we introduce the current management of BP after thrombectomy and several aspects of postthrombectomy BP management that should be resolved in future clinical trials.

Blood Pressure Management Before, During, and After Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

There is an absence of specific evidence or guideline recommendations on blood pressure management for large vessel occlusion stroke patients. Until randomized data are available, the periprocedural blood pressure management of patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy can be viewed in two phases relative to the achievement of recanalization. In the hyperacute phase, prior to recanalization, hypotension should be avoided to maintain adequate penumbral perfusion. The American Heart Association guidelines should be followed for the upper end of prethrombectomy blood pressure: ≤185/110 mm Hg, unless post-tissue plasminogen activator administration when the goal is <180/105 mm Hg. After successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction [TICI]: 2b-3), we recommend a target of a maximum systolic blood pressure of < 160 mm Hg, while the persistently occluded patients (TICI < 2b) may require more permissive goals up to <180/105 mm Hg. Future research should focus on generating randomized data on optimal blood pressure management both before and after endovascular thrombectomy, to optimize patient outcomes for these divergent clinical scenarios.

Acute ischemic stroke & emergency mechanical thrombectomy: The effect of type of anesthesia on early outcome

BACKGROUND

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by proximal large vessel occlusions. There is conflicting evidence on outcome of patients undergoing EMT under procedural sedation (PS) or general anesthesia (GA). In this retrospective study we analyze the effect of GA and PS on the functional outcome of patients undergoing EMT.

METHODS

Patients who have been admitted at our institute AIS and were treated with EMT under GA or PS between January 2015 and September 2018 were included in the study. Primary end point was the proportion of patients with good functional outcome as defined by a modified Rankin score (mRS) 0-2 at discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 155 patients were analyzed in this study including 45 (29.03 %) patients who received 97 GA, 110 (70.9 %) PS and 31 of these received Dexmedetomidine/Remifentanil. The median (IQR) 98 mRS at discharge was 4.0 (1.0-4.0) in the GA group Vs 3.00, (1.00-4.00) in the PS group. Among the secondary outcomes the lowest MAP recorded was significantly less in GA group (64.56 100 ± 18.70) compared to PS group (70.86 ± 16.30); p = 0.03. The PS group had a lower odd of mRS 3-5 (after adjustment), however, this finding was statistically not significant (OR 0.52 [0.07-3.5] 102 p = 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Our retrospective analysis did not find any influence of GA compared to PS whenever this was delivered by target controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol or by remifentanil/dexmedetomidine (REX) on early functional outcome.

Blood Pressure Management in Acute Ischemic Stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Abrupt blood pressure (BP) rise is the most common clinical symptom of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, BP alterations during AIS reflect many diverse mechanisms, both stroke-related and nonspecific epiphenomena, which change over time and across patients. While extremes of BP as well as high BP variability have been related with worse outcomes in observational studies, optimal BP management after AIS remains challenging.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review discusses the complexity of the factors linking BP changes to the clinical outcomes of patients with AIS, depending on the treatment strategy and local vessel status and, in particular, the degree of reperfusion achieved. The evidence for possible additional clinical markers, including the presence of arterial hypertension, and comorbid organ dysfunction in individuals with AIS, as informative and helpful factors in therapeutic decision-making concerning BP will be reviewed, as well as recent data on neurovascular monitoring targeting person-specific local cerebral perfusion and metabolic demand, instead of the global traditional parameters (BP among others) alone. The individualization of BP management protocols based on a complex evaluation of the homeostatic response to focal cerebral ischemia, including but not limited to BP changes, may be a valuable novel goal proposed in AIS, but further trials are warranted.

Biomechanics and hemodynamics of stent-retrievers

In 2015, multiple randomized clinical trials showed an unparalleled treatment benefit of stent-retriever thrombectomy as compared to standard medical therapy for the treatment of a large artery occlusion causing acute ischemic stroke. A short time later, the HERMES collaborators presented the patient-level pooled analysis of five randomized clinical trials, establishing class 1, level of evidence A for stent-retriever thrombectomy, in combination with intravenous thrombolysis when indicated to treat ischemic stroke. In the years following, evidence continues to mount for expanded use of this therapy for a broader category of patients. The enabling technology that changed the tide to support endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke is the stent-retriever. This review summarizes the history of intra-arterial treatment of stroke, introduces the biomechanics of embolus extraction with stent-retrievers, describes technical aspects of the intervention, provides a description of hemodynamic implications of stent-retriever embolectomy, and proposes future directions for a more comprehensive, multi-modal endovascular approach for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Acute ischemic stroke management: concepts and controversies.A narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Amongst the 25.7 million survivors and 6.5 million deaths from stroke between 1990 and 2013, ischemic strokes accounted for approximately 70% and 50% of the cases, respectively. With patients still suffering from complications and stroke recurrence, more questions have been raised as to how we can better improve patient management.

AREAS COVERED

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were adopted to ensure a comprehensive inclusion of quality literature from various sources. PubMed and Embase were searched for evidence on thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, artificial intelligence (AI), antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation and hypertension management.

EXPERT OPINION

The directions of future research in these areas are dependent on the current level of validation. Endovascular therapy and applications of AI are relatively new compared to the other areas discussed in this review. As such, future studies need to focus on validating their efficacy. As for thrombolysis, antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy, their efficacy has been well-established and future research efforts should be directed toward adjusting its use according to patient-specific factors, starting with factors with the most clinical relevance and prevalence.

Profound Hypotension before Aortic Clamping Can Exacerbate Spinal Cord Ischemic Injury after Aortic Surgery in Rats

Spinal cord ischemia is one of the most serious complications of aortic repair in patients with acute aortic syndrome. However, the effect of hypotension before aortic clamping on spinal cord injury has not been documented. A total of 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: the sham group; control group (mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 90% of baseline value before aortic clamping); mild hypotension group (MAP < 80%); and profound hypotension group (MAP < 60%). Spinal cord ischemia was induced using a balloon-tipped catheter placed in the descending thoracic aorta. Neurological function of the hind limbs was evaluated for seven days after reperfusion and recorded using a motor deficit index (MDI). The spinal cord was then harvested for histopathological examination and evaluation of oxidative stress and inflammation. The profound hypotension group demonstrated a significantly higher MDI 48 h post-reperfusion and lower number of normal motor neurons than the other groups (p < 0.001). The levels of tissue malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were also significantly increased in the profound hypotension group compared with other groups. Profound hypotension before aortic clamping can aggravate neurologic outcomes after aortic surgery by exacerbating neurologic injury and reducing the number of normal motor neurons.

Blood Pressure and Hospital Discharge Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Reperfusion Therapy

INTRODUCTION

Acute management of blood pressure in ischemic stroke treated with reperfusion therapy remains uncertain. We evaluated blood pressures during the first 24-hours after reperfusion therapy in relation to in-hospital outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center retrospective study of blood pressure in the first 24 hours among ischemic stroke patients who underwent reperfusion therapy with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or mechanical thrombectomy (MT) at a tertiary referral center. Blood pressure variability was expressed as the range between the highest and the lowest pressures. Outcomes of interest were discharge disposition and in-hospital mortality. Favorable outcome was defined as a discharge destination to home or inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed with adjustment for age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and patients receiving reperfusion therapy.

RESULTS

Among the 140 ischemic stroke patients (117 IVT, 84 MT and 61 both), 95 (67.8%) had favorable discharge disposition and 24 (17.1%) died. Higher 24-hour peak systolic blood pressures (SBPs) and peak mean arterial pressures (MAPs) were independently associated with a lower likelihood of favorable discharge disposition, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.868, 95 % CI 0.760 - 0.990 per 10 mm Hg for SBP and aOR 0.710, 95% CI 0.515 - 0.980 for MAP, and with increased odds of death aOR 1.244, 95% CI 1.056-1.467 and aOR 1.760, 95% CI 1.119 - 2.769 respectively. Greater variability of SBP and MAP was also associated with odds of death aOR 1.327, 95% CI 1.104 - 1.595 and aOR 1.577, 95% CI 1.060- 2.345 respectively, without a significant effect on discharge disposition.

CONCLUSION

In the first 24 hours after reperfusion therapy, higher peak and variable blood pressures are associated with unfavorable discharge outcomes and increased in-hospital mortality. Further studies in stroke patients undergoing reperfusion therapy might target blood pressure reduction and variability to improve patient outcomes.

Anaesthesia and haemodynamic management of acute ischaemic stroke patients before, during and after endovascular therapy

Endovascular therapy (EVT) is now standard of care for eligible patients with acute ischaemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation. EVT can be performed with general anaesthesia (GA) or with monitored anaesthesia care, involving local anaesthesia with or without conscious sedation (LA/CS). Controversies remain regarding the optimal choice of anaesthetic strategy and observational studies suggested poorer functional outcome and higher mortality in patients treated under GA, essentially because of its haemodynamic consequences and the delay to put patients under GA. However, these studies are limited by selection bias, the most severe patients being more likely to receive GA and recent randomised trials and meta-analysis showed that protocol-based GA compared with LA/CS is significantly associated with less disability at 3 months. Unlike for intravenous thrombolysis, few data exist to guide management of blood pressure (BP) before and during EVT, but arterial hypotension should be avoided as long as the occlusion persists. BP targets following EVT should probably be adapted to the degree of recanalisation and the extent of ischaemia. Lower BP levels may be warranted to prevent reperfusion injuries even if prospective haemodynamic management evaluations after EVT are lacking.

Blood Pressure During Endovascular Treatment Under Conscious Sedation or Local Anesthesia

Objective

To evaluate the role of blood pressure (BP) as mediator of the effect of conscious sedation (CS) compared to local anesthesia (LA) on functional outcome after endovascular treatment (EVT).

Methods

Patients treated in the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) Registry centers with CS or LA as preferred anesthetic approach during EVT for ischemic stroke were analyzed. First, we evaluated the effect of CS on area under the threshold (AUT), relative difference between baseline and lowest procedural mean arterial pressure (∆LMAP), and procedural BP trend, compared to LA. Second, we assessed the association between BP and functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) with multivariable regression. Lastly, we evaluated whether BP explained the effect of CS on mRS.

Results

In 440 patients with available BP data, patients treated under CS (n = 262) had larger AUTs (median 228 vs 23 mm Hg*min), larger ∆LMAP (median 16% vs 6%), and a more negative BP trend (−0.22 vs −0.08 mm Hg/min) compared to LA (n = 178). Larger ∆LMAP and AUTs were associated with worse mRS (adjusted common odds ratio [acOR] per 10% drop 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–0.97, and acOR per 300 mm Hg*min 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.97). Patients treated under CS had worse mRS compared to LA (acOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40–0.87) and this association remained when adjusting for ∆LMAP and AUT (acOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42–0.92).

Conclusions

Large BP drops are associated with worse functional outcome. However, BP drops do not explain the worse outcomes in the CS group.