Access to Endovascular Treatment in Remote Areas

Disparities in Access to Reperfusion Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (DARTS): A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, and Geographical Factors

BACKGROUND

Reperfusion therapies, such as intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, access to these treatments can vary significantly due to ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and geographical location, impacting patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The Disparities in Access to Reperfusion Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (DARTS) study aims to systematically assess disparities in access to IVT and EVT on the basis of ethnicity, SES, and geographical location.

METHODS

A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, incorporating data from 38 studies involving 5,256,531 patients with AIS. The analysis evaluated IVT and EVT utilization rates across ethnic groups, SES levels, and geographical locations.

RESULTS

The findings reveal substantial disparities in access to reperfusion therapies. IVT and EVT utilization rates varied significantly by ethnicity (9% ethnic, 11% non-ethnic for IVT; 7% ethnic, 6% non-ethnic for EVT), SES (13% low SES, 16% high SES for IVT; 7% low SES, 10% high SES for EVT), and geography (9% rural, 12% urban for IVT; 1% rural, 4% urban for EVT). Black patients had significantly lower odds of receiving IVT (OR 0.69, p = 0.001) and EVT (OR 0.87, p = 0.005) compared with white patients. Similarly, patients with low SES and those from rural areas faced reduced odds of receiving IVT (OR 0.74, p < 0.001; OR 0.72, p = 0.002) and EVT (OR 0.74, p < 0.001; OR 0.39, p < 0.001). Rural patients also had significantly lower odds of timely hospital arrival (p < 0.001), posing a barrier to accessing reperfusion therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

The DARTS study (and this meta-analysis) reveals significant access disparities in AIS treatment related to ethnicity, geography, and SES, particularly affecting Black communities, low SES individuals, and rural populations. Despite advances in reperfusion therapies, suboptimal implementation rates persist. To address these issues, we recommend the EQUITY framework: Educate, Ensure Quality, provide Universal Access, Implement Inclusive Policy Reforms, Enhance Timely Data Collection, and Yield Culturally Sensitive Care Practices. Adopting these recommendations will improve access, reduce disparities, and enhance stroke management and outcomes globally. Equitable access is essential for all eligible patients to fully benefit from reperfusion treatments.

Predictive Value of the Prehospital RACE Scale for Large Vessel Occlusion in Acute Stroke Patients

INTRODUCTION

Prehospital stroke scales have been developed to identify anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients for direct transport to thrombectomy-capable hospitals. However, its performance in a Vietnamese population remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation (RACE) scale for LVO detection in patients with ischemic stroke presenting within 24 h in Vietnam.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of patients with AIS admitted at People's 115 Hospital between May 2022 and October 2022. All patients were assessed with the RACE scale with five items: facial palsy (scored 0-2), arm motor function (0-2), leg motor function (0-2), gaze (0-1), and aphasia or agnosia (0-2). LVO was diagnosed by CTA or MRA. Receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the RACE scale were analyzed to evaluate its predictive value for LVO.

RESULTS

There were 318 patients included. LVO was detected in 121/318 patients (37.6%). The higher the RACE score, the higher the proportion of patients with LVO (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed capacity to predict LVO of the RACE scale with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.767. The optimal RACE cutoff was ≥5 with sensitivity = 0.68, specificity = 0.79, positive predictive value = 0.67, negative predictive value = 0.80, and overall accuracy = 0.75. RACE ≥5 had higher sensitivity and same specificity for detecting LVO in AIS patients within 6-h versus 6-24-h window (AUC = 0.79 vs. 0.75, sensitivity = 0.74 vs. 0.65, specificity = 0.79 vs. 0.80, accuracy = 0.77 vs. 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

The RACE scale is a simple tool that can accurately identify AIS patients with LVO. This tool may be useful for early detection of LVO patients and should be validated in the prehospital setting in Vietnam.

Modeling Robotic-Assisted Mechanical Thrombectomy Procedures with the CorPath GRX Robot: The Core-Flow Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular robotic devices may enable experienced neurointerventionalists to remotely perform endovascular thrombectomy. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of robot-assisted endovascular thrombectomy compared with manual procedures by operators with varying levels of experience, using a 3D printed neurovascular model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

M1 MCA occlusions were simulated in a 3D printed neurovascular model, linked to a CorPath GRX robot in a biplane angiography suite. Four interventionalists performed manual endovascular thrombectomy (n = 45) and robot-assisted endovascular thrombectomy (n = 37) procedures. The outcomes included first-pass recanalization (TICI 2c-3), the number and size of generated distal emboli, and procedural length.

RESULTS

A total of 82 experimental endovascular thrombectomies were conducted. A nonsignificant trend favoring the robot-assisted endovascular thrombectomy was observed in terms of final recanalization (89.2% versus manual endovascular thrombectomy, 71.1%; P = .083). There were no differences in total mean emboli count (16.54 [SD, 15.15] versus 15.16 [SD, 16.43]; P = .303). However, a higher mean count of emboli of > 1 mm was observed in the robot-assisted endovascular thrombectomy group (1.08 [SD, 1.00] versus 0.49 [SD, 0.84]; P = .001) compared with manual endovascular thrombectomy. The mean procedural length was longer in robot-assisted endovascular thrombectomy (6.43 [SD, 1.71] minutes versus 3.98 [SD, 1.84] minutes; P < .001). Among established neurointerventionalists, previous experience with robotic procedures did not influence recanalization (95.8% were considered experienced; 76.9% were considered novices; P = .225).

CONCLUSIONS

In a 3D printed neurovascular model, robot-assisted endovascular thrombectomy has the potential to achieve recanalization rates comparable with those of manual endovascular thrombectomy within competitive procedural times. Optimization of the procedural setup is still required before implementation in clinical practice.

Outcome of stroke patients eligible to mechanical thrombectomy managed by spoke center, primary stroke center or comprehensive stroke center in the East of France

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with suspected stroke are referred to the nearest hospital and are managed either in a spoke center (SC), a primary stroke center (PSC), or a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) in order to benefit from early intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). In case of large vessel occlusion (LVO), mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is only performed in the CSC, whereas the effectiveness of MT is highly time-dependent. There is a debate about the best management model of patients with suspected LVO. Therefore, we aimed to compare functional and safety outcomes of LVO patients eligible for MT managed through our regional telestroke system.

METHOD

We performed a retrospective analysis of our observational prospective clinical registry in all consecutive subjects with LVO within six hours of onset who were admitted to the SC, PSC, or CSC in the east of France between October 2017 and November 2022. The primary endpoint was the functional independence defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) score 0 to 2 at 90 days. Secondary endpoints were functional outcome, early neurological improvement, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality.

RESULTS

Among the 794 included patients with LVO who underwent MT, 122 (15.4%) were managed by a SC, 403 (50.8%) were first admitted to a PSC, and 269 (33.9%) were first admitted to the CSC. The overall median NIHSS and ASPECTS score were 16 and 8, respectively. Multivariate analysis did not find any significant difference for the primary endpoint between patients managed by PSC versus CSC (OR 1.06 [95% CI 0.64;1.76], P=0.82) and between patient managed by SC versus CSC (OR 0.69 [0.34;1.40], P=0.30). No difference between the three groups was found except for the parenchymal hematoma rate between PSC and CSC (15.7 versus 7.4%, OR 2.25 [1.07;4.74], P=0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with a first admission to a CSC, the clinical outcomes of stroke patients with LVO eligible for MT first admitted to a SC or a PSC are similar.

Cost-effectiveness of endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke with large infarct in China

BACKGROUND

Endovascular therapy administered within 24 hours has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke with large infarction, but the data on its cost-effectiveness are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke with large infarction in China, the largest low- and middle-income country.

METHODS

A short-term decision tree model and a long-term Markov model were used to analyze the cost-effectiveness of endovascular therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke with large infarction. Outcomes, transition probability, and cost data were obtained from a recent clinical trial and published literature. The benefit of endovascular therapy was assessed by the cost per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained in the short and long term. Deterministic one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

Compared with medical management alone, endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke with large infarction was found to be cost-effective from the fourth year onward and during a lifetime. In the long term, endovascular therapy yielded a lifetime gain of 1.33 QALYs at an additional cost of ¥73 900 (US$ 11 400), resulting in an incremental cost of ¥55 500 (US$ 8530) per QALY gained. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that endovascular therapy was cost-effective in 99.5% of the simulation runs at a willingness-to-pay threshold of ¥243 000 (3 × gross domestic product per capita of China in 2021) per QALY gained.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke with large infarction could be cost-effective in China.

Network analysis of stroke systems of care in Korea

Background

The landscape of stroke care has shifted from stand-alone hospitals to cooperative networks among hospitals. Despite the importance of these networks, limited information exists on their characteristics and functional attributes.

Methods

We extracted patient-level data on acute stroke care and hospital connectivity by integrating national stroke audit data with reimbursement claims data. We then used this information to transform interhospital transfers into a network framework, where hospitals were designated as nodes and transfers as edges. Using the Louvain algorithm, we grouped densely connected hospitals into distinct stroke care communities. The quality and characteristics in given stroke communities were analysed, and their distinct types were derived using network parameters. The clinical implications of this network model were also explored.

Results

Over 6 months, 19 113 patients with acute ischaemic stroke initially presented to 1009 hospitals, with 3114 (16.3%) transferred to 246 stroke care hospitals. These connected hospitals formed 93 communities, with a median of 9 hospitals treating a median of 201 patients. Derived communities demonstrated a modularity of 0.904 , indicating a strong community structure, highly centralised around one or two hubs. Three distinct types of structures were identified: single-hub (n=60), double-hub (n=22) and hubless systems (n=11). The endovascular treatment rate was highest in double-hub systems, followed by single-hub systems, and was almost zero in hubless systems. The hubless communities were characterised by lower patient volumes, fewer hospitals, no hub hospital and no stroke unit.

Conclusions

This network analysis could quantify the national stroke care system and point out areas where the organisation and functionality of acute stroke care could be improved.

Influence of geography, stroke timing, and weather conditions on transport and workflow times: Results from a longitudinal 5-year Canadian provincial registry

BACKGROUND

In areas with high population spread such as Saskatchewan, it can be challenging to provide timely endovascular stroke treatment (EVT) to patients living far away from comprehensive stroke centres (CSC). We assessed the association of geography, stroke timing and weather conditions on EVT workflow times and clinical outcomes in Saskatchewan.

METHODS

We included patients who underwent EVT between January 2017 and December 2022 in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Univariable and multivariable associations of time from last known well-to-CSC arrival, CSC arrival-to-reperfusion, and 90-day modified Rankin Score (mRS) with driving distance from patient home to CSC, transport mode, outdoor temperature and stroke timing (day & time) were assessed using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression.

RESULTS

Three-hundred-three patients in the province of Saskatchewan underwent EVT between January 2017 and December 2022. Distance from patient home to CSC (beta-coefficient per 10 km increase = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01-0.03) and direct to CSC transport (beta-coefficient = -0.76, 95% CI = -1.01-[-0.51]) were associated with last known well to CSC arrival time. In-hospital stroke (beta-coefficient = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16-0.58), direct-to-CSC transfer (beta-coefficient = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.41) and daytime stroke onset (beta-coefficient = -0.15, 95% CI: -0.28-[-0.04]) were associated with time from CSC arrival to reperfusion. No association with 90-day mRS was seen.

CONCLUSION

Geographic factors and stroke timing were associated with EVT workflow times. However, no association with clinical outcomes was seen, suggesting that EVT patients living remote areas of Saskatchewan have similar benefit from EVT compared to urban areas. Every effort should be made to offer timely EVT to patients from remote areas.

Evolving Stroke Systems of Care: Stroke Diagnosis and Treatment in the Post-Thrombectomy Era

Thrombectomy became the gold-standard treatment of acute ischemic stroke caused by large-vessel occlusions (LVO) in 2015 after five clinical trials published that year demonstrated significantly improved patient outcomes. In subsequent years, advances in stroke systems of care have centered around improving access to and expanding patient eligibility for thrombectomy. The prehospital and acute stroke treatment settings have had the greatest emphasis. Numerous prehospital stroke scales now provide emergency medical services with focused physical exams to identify LVOs, and many devices to non-invasively detect LVO are undergoing clinical testing. Mobile stroke units deployed throughout Western Europe and the USA also show promising results by bringing elements of acute stroke care directly to the patient. Numerous clinical trials since 2015 have aimed to increase candidates for thrombectomy by expanding indications and the eligibility time window. Further optimizations of thrombectomy treatment have focused on the role of thrombolytics and other adjunctive therapies that may promote neuroprotection and neurorecovery. While many of these approaches require further clinical investigation, the next decade shows significant potential for further advances in stroke care.

Evolution of quality indicators in acute stroke during the RACECAT Trial: Impact in the general population

BACKGROUND

Acute ischemic stroke patients not referred directly to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) have reduced access to endovascular treatment (EVT). The RACECAT trial is a population-based cluster-randomized trial, designed to compare mothership and drip-and-ship strategies in acute ischemic stroke patients outside the catchment area of a CSC.

AIMS

To analyze the evolution of performance indicators in the regions that participated in RACECAT.

METHODS

This retrospective longitudinal observational study included all stroke alerts evaluated by emergency medical services in Catalonia between February 2016 and February 2020. Cases were classified geographically according to the nearest SC: local SC (Local-SC) and CSC catchment areas. We analyzed the evolution of EVT rates and relevant workflow times in Local-SC versus CSC catchment areas over three study periods: P1 (February 2016 to April 2017: before RACECAT initiation), P2 (May 2017 to September 2018), and P3 (October 2018 to February 2020).

RESULTS

We included 20603 stroke alerts, 10,694 (51.9%) of which were activated within Local-SC catchment areas. The proportion of patients receiving EVT within Local-SC catchment areas increased (P1 vs. P3: 7.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 6.4-8.7) to 22.5% (95% CI, 20.8-24.4) p < 0.001). Inequalities in the odds of receiving EVT were reduced for patients from CSC versus Local-SC catchment areas (P1: odds ratio (OR) 3.9 (95% CI, 3.2-5) vs. P3: OR 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3-1.7) In Local-SC, door-to-image (P1: 24 (interquartile range (IQR) 15-36), P2: 24 (15-35), P3: 21 (13-32) min, p < 0.001) and door-to-needle times (P1: 42 (31-60), P2: 41 (29-58), P3: 35 (25-50) p < 0.001) reduced. Time from Local-SC arrival to groin puncture also decreased over time (P1: 188 [151-229], P2: 190 (157-233), P3: 168 (127-215) min, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

An increase in EVT rates in Local-SC regions with a significant decrease in workflow times occurred during the period of the RACECAT trial.

Drip and Ship versus Mothership Model in the Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke: A Propensity-Matched Real-World Analysis Through National Inpatient Sample Data

BACKGROUND

The superiority of mechanical thrombectomy and intravenous thrombolysis versus intravenous thrombolysis alone for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusions has been established. This treatment can be organized into 2 models: drip and ship (DS) versus mothership (MS). We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data to compare the outcomes between these models in real-world settings.

METHODS

NIS data were queried for 2017-2018 and propensity matching was used to match the differences. Outcomes for each group (disability at discharge and procedural complications) were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 1226 patients were included in analysis (DS, n = 540; MS, n = 686) and groups were matched with respect to age, gender, and comorbidities. A total of 930 patients were included in the final analysis after propensity matching (DS, n = 465, MS, n = 465). The mean age in the DS group was 68.9 years (standard deviation [SD], 14.7) and 69.4 years (SD, 14) in the MS group (P = 0.752). The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 16.75 (SD, 6.07) in the DS group and 16.54 (SD, 5.99) in the MS group (P = 0.478). At discharge, minimal disability was noted in 22.4% in the DS group versus 26.2% in the MS group (P = 0.293). In-hospital mortality was lower in the MS group (8.8% vs. 7.1%; P = 0.32). The intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) rates were higher in the DS group (ICH, 24.3% vs. 18.7%; IVH, 2.4% vs. 0.9%) (ICH, P = 0.038; IVH, P = 0.068).

CONCLUSIONS

Analyzing the efficacy and safety profile of DS versus MS models with the NIS database showed a trend toward better discharge outcomes and lower mortality for the MS group, although it did not reach statistical significance.

Endovascular treatment for ischemic stroke with the drip-and-ship model—Insights from the German Stroke Registry

Background

Endovascular therapy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke has been widely established. Globally, stroke patients are transferred either directly to a thrombectomy center (DC) or a peripheral stroke unit with a “drip-and-ship” (DS) model. We aimed to determine differences between the DS and DC paradigms after EVT of acute stroke patients with large-vessel-occlusion (LVO) in the database of the German Stroke Registry (GSR).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of GSR patients between June 2015 and December 2019 in 23 German centers. Primary outcome was an ordinal shift analysis of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 90 days after index event. Secondary endpoints included time from symptom onset to recanalization and complications. Tertiary endpoint was the association of imaging strategies in DS admissions with outcome.

Results

2,813 patients were included in the DS and 3,819 in the DC group. After propensity score matching mRS after 90 days was higher in DS than DC admissions (OR 1.26; 95%-CI 1.13–1.40). Time from symptom-onset to flow-restoration was shorter in DC than DS (median 199.0 vs. 298.0 min; p < 0.001). DS patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n=183) before EVT had a lower 90-day mRS than without (n = 944) (OR 0.63; 95%-CI 0.45–0.88). ASPECTS assessed on MRI correlated with 90-day mRS (ρ = −0.326; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Clinical outcome was worse for EVT-eligible patients in the DS setting, even though patients were in a better state of health prior to stroke. A potentially mutable factor was the time delay of 99 min from symptom-onset to successful recanalization. Performing MRI before thrombectomy was associated with good outcome and MRI-ASPECTS was negatively correlated with mRS after 90 days.

Effect of Direct Transportation to Thrombectomy-Capable Center vs Local Stroke Center on Neurological Outcomes in Patients With Suspected Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke in Nonurban Areas: The RACECAT Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

In nonurban areas with limited access to thrombectomy-capable centers, optimal prehospital transport strategies in patients with suspected large-vessel occlusion stroke are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether, in nonurban areas, direct transport to a thrombectomy-capable center is beneficial compared with transport to the closest local stroke center.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Multicenter, population-based, cluster-randomized trial including 1401 patients with suspected acute large-vessel occlusion stroke attended by emergency medical services in areas where the closest local stroke center was not capable of performing thrombectomy in Catalonia, Spain, between March 2017 and June 2020. The date of final follow-up was September 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Transportation to a thrombectomy-capable center (n = 688) or the closest local stroke center (n = 713).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was disability at 90 days based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; scores range from 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]) in the target population of patients with ischemic stroke. There were 11 secondary outcomes, including rate of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator administration and thrombectomy in the target population and 90-day mortality in the safety population of all randomized patients.

RESULTS

Enrollment was halted for futility following a second interim analysis. The 1401 enrolled patients were included in the safety analysis, of whom 1369 (98%) consented to participate and were included in the as-randomized analysis (56% men; median age, 75 [IQR, 65-83] years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 17 [IQR, 11-21]); 949 (69%) comprised the target ischemic stroke population included in the primary analysis. For the primary outcome in the target population, median mRS score was 3 (IQR, 2-5) vs 3 (IQR, 2-5) (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 0.82-1.29). Of 11 reported secondary outcomes, 8 showed no significant difference. Compared with patients first transported to local stroke centers, patients directly transported to thrombectomy-capable centers had significantly lower odds of receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (in the target population, 229/482 [47.5%] vs 282/467 [60.4%]; OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.45-0.76) and significantly higher odds of receiving thrombectomy (in the target population, 235/482 [48.8%] vs 184/467 [39.4%]; OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.13-1.89). Mortality at 90 days in the safety population was not significantly different between groups (188/688 [27.3%] vs 194/713 [27.2%]; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.79-1.18).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In nonurban areas in Catalonia, Spain, there was no significant difference in 90-day neurological outcomes between transportation to a local stroke center vs a thrombectomy-capable referral center in patients with suspected large-vessel occlusion stroke. These findings require replication in other settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02795962.

Association Between Use of a Flying Intervention Team vs Patient Interhospital Transfer and Time to Endovascular Thrombectomy Among Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke in Nonurban Germany

IMPORTANCE

The benefit of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke is highly time-dependent, and it is challenging to expedite treatment for patients in remote areas.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether deployment of a flying intervention team, compared with patient interhospital transfer, is associated with a shorter time to endovascular thrombectomy and improved clinical outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a nonrandomized controlled intervention study comparing 2 systems of care in alternating weeks. The study was conducted in a nonurban region in Germany including 13 primary telemedicine-assisted stroke centers within a telestroke network. A total of 157 patients with acute ischemic stroke for whom decision to pursue thrombectomy had been made and deployment of flying intervention team or patient interhospital transfer was initiated were enrolled between February 1, 2018, and October 24, 2019. The date of final follow-up was January 31, 2020.

EXPOSURES

Deployment of a flying intervention team for EVT in a primary stroke center vs patient interhospital transfer for EVT to a referral center.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was time delay from decision to pursue thrombectomy to start of the procedure in minutes. Secondary outcomes included functional outcome after 3 months, determined by the distribution of the modified Rankin Scale score (a disability score ranging from 0 [no deficit] to 6 [death]).

RESULTS

Among the 157 patients included (median [IQR] age, 75 [66-80] y; 80 [51%] women), 72 received flying team care and 85 were transferred. EVT was performed in 60 patients (83%) in the flying team group vs 57 (67%) in the transfer group. Median (IQR) time from decision to pursue EVT to start of the procedure was 58 (51-71) minutes in the flying team group and 148 (124-177) minutes in the transfer group (difference, 90 minutes [95% CI, 75-103]; P < .001). There was no significant difference in modified Rankin Scale score after 3 months between patients in the flying team (n = 59) and transfer (n = 57) groups who received EVT (median [IQR] score, 3 [2-6] vs 3 [2-5]; adjusted common odds ratio for less disability, 1.91 [95% CI, 0.96-3.88]; P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In a nonurban stroke network in Germany, deployment of a flying intervention team to local stroke centers, compared with patient interhospital transfer to referral centers, was significantly associated with shorter time to EVT for patients with acute ischemic stroke. The findings may support consideration of a flying intervention team for some stroke systems of care, although further research is needed to confirm long-term clinical outcomes and to understand applicability to other geographic settings.

Transferring neurointerventionalists saves time compared with interhospital transfer of stroke patients for endovascular thrombectomy: a collaborative pooled analysis of 1001 patients (EVEREST)

BACKGROUND

Interhospital transfer of stroke patients (drip and ship concept) is associated with longer treatment times compared with primary admission to a comprehensive stroke center (mothership concept). In recent years, studies on a novel concept of performing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) at external hospitals (EXT) by transferring neurointerventionalists, instead of patients, have been published. This collaborative study aimed at answering the question of whether EXT saves time in the workflow of acute stroke treatment across various geographical regions.

METHODS

This was a patient level pooled analysis of one prospective observational study and four retrospective cohort studies, the EVEREST collaboration (EndoVascular thrombEctomy at Referring and External STroke centers). Time from initial stroke imaging to EVT (vascular puncture) was compared in mothership, drip and ship, and EXT concepts.

RESULTS

In total, 1001 stroke patients from various geographical regions who underwent EVT due to large vessel occlusion were included. These were divided into mothership (n=162, 16.2%), drip and ship (n=458, 45.8%), and EXT (n=381, 38.1%) cohorts. The median time periods from onset to EVT (195 min vs 320 min, p<0.001) and from imaging to EVT (97 min vs 184 min, p<0.001) in EXT were significantly shorter than for drip and ship thrombectomy concept.

CONCLUSIONS

This pooled analysis of the EVEREST collaboration adds evidence that performing EVT at external hospitals can save time compared with drip and ship across various geographical regions. We encourage conducting randomized controlled trials comparing both triage concepts.

Prehospital Stroke Triage

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

This article reviews prehospital organization in the treatment of acute stroke. Rapid access to an endovascular therapy (EVT) capable center and prehospital assessment of large vessel occlusion (LVO) are 2 important challenges in acute stroke therapy. This article emphasizes the use of transfer protocols to assure the prompt access of patients with an LVO to a comprehensive stroke center where EVT can be offered. Available prehospital clinical tools and novel technologies to identify LVO are also discussed. Moreover, different routing paradigms like first attention at a local stroke center ("drip and ship"), direct transfer of the patient to an endovascular center ("mothership"), transfer of the neurointerventional team to a local primary center ("drip and drive"), mobile stroke units, and prehospital management communication tools all aimed to improve connection and coordination between care levels are reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Local observational data and mathematical models suggest that implementing triage tools and bypass protocols may be an efficient solution. Ongoing randomized clinical trials comparing drip and ship vs mothership will elucidate which is the more effective routing protocol.

SUMMARY

Prehospital organization is critical in realizing maximum benefit from available therapies in acute stroke. The optimal transfer protocols directed to accelerate EVT are under study, and more accurate prehospital triage tools are needed. To improve care in the prehospital setting, efficient tools based on patient factors, local geography, and hospital capability are needed. These tools would optimally lead to individualized real-time decision-making.

Interdisciplinary management of acute ischaemic stroke: Current evidence training requirements for endovascular stroke treatment. Position Paper from the ESC Council on Stroke and the European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions with the support of the European Board of Neurointervention

This ESC Council on Stroke/EAPCI/EBNI position paper summarizes recommendations for training of cardiologists in endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke. Interventional cardiologists adequately trained to perform endovascular stroke interventions could complement stroke teams to provide the 24/7 on call duty and thus to increase timely access of stroke patients to endovascular treatment. The training requirements for interventional cardiologists to perform endovascular therapy are described in details and should be based on two main principles: (i) patient safety cannot be compromised, (ii) proper training of interventional cardiologists should be under supervision of and guaranteed by a qualified neurointerventionist and within the setting of a stroke team. Interdisciplinary cooperation based on common standards and professional consensus is the key to the quality improvement in stroke treatment.

[Telemedicine in stroke-pertinent to stroke care in Germany]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Telemedical stroke networks improve stroke care and provide access to time-dependent acute stroke treatment in predominantly rural regions. The aim is a presentation of data on its utility and regional distribution.

METHODS

The working group on telemedical stroke care of the German Stroke Society performed a survey study among all telestroke networks.

RESULTS

Currently, 22 telemedical stroke networks including 43 centers (per network: median 1.5, interquartile range, IQR, 1-3) as well as 225 cooperating hospitals (per network: median 9, IQR 4-17) operate in Germany and contribute to acute stroke care delivery to 48 million people. In 2018, 38,211 teleconsultations (per network: median 1340, IQR 319-2758) were performed. The thrombolysis rate was 14.1% (95% confidence interval 13.6-14.7%) and transfer for thrombectomy was initiated in 7.9% (95% confidence interval 7.5-8.4%) of ischemic stroke patients. Financial reimbursement differs regionally with compensation for telemedical stroke care in only three federal states.

CONCLUSION

Telemedical stroke care is utilized in about 1 out of 10 stroke patients in Germany. Telemedical stroke networks achieve similar rates of thrombolysis and transfer for thrombectomy compared with neurological stroke units and contribute to stroke care in rural regions. Standardization of network structures, financial assurance and uniform quality measurements may further strengthen the importance of telestroke networks in the future.

Access to Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke in Rural Versus Urban Regions

PURPOSE

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) significantly improves outcomes for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) who present in a time sensitive manner. Prolonged EVT access times may reduce benefits for eligible patients. We evaluated the efficiency of EVT services including EVT rates, onset-to-CTA time and onset-to-groin puncture time in our province.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three areas were defined: zone I- urban region, zone II-areas within 1 h drive distance from the Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC); and zone III-areas more than 1hr drive distance from the CSC. In this retrospective cohort study, EVT rate, onset-to-groin puncture time and onset-to-CTA time were compared among the three groups using Krustal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests.

RESULTS

The EVT rate per 100,000 inhabitants for urban zone I was 8.6 as compared to 5.1 in zone II, and 7.5 in zone III. Compared to zone I (114 min; 95% CI (96, 132); n = 128), mean onset-to-CTA time was 19 min longer in zone II (133 min; 95% CI (77, 189); n = 23; p = 0.0459) and 103 min longer in zone III (217 min, 95% CI (162, 272); n = 44; p < 0.0001). Compared to zone I (209 min, 95% CI (181, 238)), mean onset-to-groin puncture time was 22 min longer in zone II (231 min, 95% CI (174, 288); p = 0.046) but 163 min longer in zone III (372 min, 95% CI (312, 432); p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

EVT access in rural areas is considerably reduced with significantly longer onset-to-groin puncture times and onset-to-CTA times when compared to our urban area. This may help in modifying the patient transfer policy for EVT referral.

Early Thrombectomy Outcomes in Transfer Patients

OBJECTIVE

The optimal patient transportation destination of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive variables that determine stroke outcomes depending on the patient transportation destination.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study using an AIS database consisting of patients who underwent thrombectomy admitted to our institution from November 1, 2011, through October 1, 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 171 patients were included in the statistical analysis; 42.1% (72/171) of patients were in the mothership group (directly admitted) and 57.9% (99/171) in the drip-and-ship group (transferred). Multivariable logistic regression revealed the predictive factors for favorable outcomes were driving distance (expressed in miles) between the patient's home and a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-0.99; P = .035), absence of diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.60; 95% CI, 1.20-10.82; P = .022), lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission (OR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85-0.97; P = .003), and shorter symptom onset to CSC arrival time (expressed in hours) (OR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72-0.99; P = .038).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that a shorter driving distance between the patient's home and CSC, absence of diabetes, lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and shorter onset to hospital arrival time positively impacted the outcomes of endovascularly treated AIS patients.

Pathway Design for Acute Stroke Care in the Era of Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Critical Overview of Optimization Efforts

The efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke is highly time dependent. Optimal organization of acute stroke care is therefore important to reduce treatment delays but has become more complex after the introduction of EVT as regular treatment for large vessel occlusions. There is no singular optimal organizational model that can be generalized to different geographic regions worldwide. Current dominant organizational models for EVT include the drip-and-ship- and mothership model. Guidelines recommend routing of suspected patients with stroke to the nearest intravenous thrombolysis capable facility; however, the choice of routing to a certain model should depend on regional stroke service organization and individual patient characteristics. In general, design approaches for organizing stroke care are required, in which 2 key strategies could be considered. The first entails the identification of interventions within existing organizational models for optimizing timely delivery of intravenous thrombolysis and/or EVT. This includes adaptive patient routing toward a comprehensive stroke center, which focuses particularly on prehospital triage tools; bringing intravenous thrombolysis or EVT to the location of the patient; and expediting services and processes along the stroke pathway. The second strategy is to develop analytical or simulation model-based approaches enabling the design and evaluation of organizational models before their implementation. Organizational models for acute stroke care need to take regional and patient characteristics into account and can most efficiently be assessed and optimized through the application of model-based approaches.

Time Matters

Background and Purpose—

Direct transfer to angiography-suite (DTAS) protocol is a promising measure to improve onset to recanalization time in patients who undergo endovascular treatment. The magnitude of the improvement of good outcome rates in function of time depends of several factors. We aim to analyze the benefit of DTAS according to time from symptom onset.

Methods—

Retrospective case-control study of 174 consecutive DTAS cases matched with 175 patients initially transferred to computed tomography (directly transferred to computed tomography) from February 2016 to June 2019. To obtain comparable groups on admission, cases and controls were matched by occlusion location, age (±2 years), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (±2 points), and time from symptoms onset to hospital arrival (±30 minutes). We analyzed the rate of good functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) and safety variables stratified in less or more than 3 hours from onset to arrive.

Results—

There were no significant differences regarding age, sex, or baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. Median door-to-groin time was shorter in the DTAS patients (16 [3–21] minutes versus 70 [41.5–98.5]; P <0.01). DTAS patients presented lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 hours (9 [3.5–17] versus 14 [5–19]; P =0.01) and a lower rate of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (4.6% versus 10.9%, P <0.03). At 90 days, DTAS patients had a higher rate of good functional outcome (43% versus 29%; odds ratio, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.14–2.87]; P =0.01). Better outcome in DTAS was observed in patients admitted in the 0 to 3 hours form onset window (n=156, odds ratio 2.63 [95% CI, 1.31–5.28]; P <0.01), but not in patients admitted in the 3 to 6 hours window (n=193, odds ratio, 1.37 [95% CI, 0.72–2.60]; P =0.2).

Conclusions—

DTAS seems a feasible and safe strategy to improve functional outcome in patients who undergo endovascular treatment mainly within 3 hours from symptoms onset.

Increased Access to and Use of Endovascular Therapy Following Implementation of a 2-Tiered Regional Stroke System

Background and Purpose—

We quantified population access to endovascular-capable centers, timing, and rates of thrombectomy in Los Angeles County before and after implementing 2-tiered routing in a regional stroke system of care.

Methods—

In 2018, the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency implemented transport of patients with suspected large vessel occlusions identified by Los Angeles Motor Scale ≥4 directly to designated endovascular-capable centers. We calculated population access to a designated endovascular-capable center within 30 minutes comparing 2016, before 2-tiered system planning began, to 2018 after implementation. We analyzed data from stroke centers in the region from 1 year before and after implementation to delineate changes in rates and speed of administration of tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) and thrombectomy and frequency of interfacility transfer.

Results—

With implementation of the 2-tier system, certified endovascular-capable hospitals increased from 4 to 19 centers, and within 30-minute access to endovascular care for the public in Los Angeles County, from 40% in 2016 to 93% in 2018. Comparing Emergency Medical Services–transported stroke patients in the first post-implementation year (N=3303) with those transported in the last pre-implementation year (N=3008), age, sex, and presenting deficit severity were similar. The frequency of thrombolytic therapy increased from 23.8% to 26.9% (odds ratio, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.05–1.3]; P =0.006), and median first medical contact by paramedic-to-needle time decreased by 3 minutes ([95% CI, 0–5] P =0.03). The frequency of thrombectomy increased from 6.8% to 15.1% (odds ratio, 2.4 [95% CI, 2.0–2.9]; P <0.0001), although first medical contact-to-puncture time did not change significantly, median decrease of 8 minutes ([95% CI, −4 to 20] P =0.2). The frequency of interfacility transfers declined from 3.2% to 1.0% (odds ratio, 0.3 [95% CI, 0.2–0.5]; P <0.0001).

Conclusions—

After implementation of 2-tiered stroke routing in the most populous US county, thrombectomy access increased to 93% of the population, and the frequency of thrombectomy more than doubled, whereas interfacility transfers declined.

Outcome of patients with large vessel occlusion stroke after first admission in telestroke spoke versus comprehensive stroke center

Introduction

While telestroke allows early intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for ischemic strokes in spoke centers, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) is mainly performed at comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs). We aimed to compare 3 month outcome in patients with LVO after admission to a spoke center using telestroke compared with first CSC admission in our large regional stroke network, irrespective of final treatment decision.

Methods

All consecutive LVO patients who were admitted to one of six spoke centers or to the regional CSC within 6 hours of symptom onset were prospectively included from September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2017. All patients admitted to spoke centers were assessed on site with cerebral and vessel imaging. Primary outcome was 3 month favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2).

Results

Distances between spoke centers and CSC ranged from 36 to 77 miles. Among 207 included patients, 132 (63.8%) were first admitted to CSCs and 75 (36.2%) to spoke centers. IVT was administered more in spoke centers (81.3% vs 53.8%, p<0.0001) while MT was performed less (26.7% vs 49.2%, p=0.001) and with a longer time from onset (303 vs 200 min, p<0.0001). No difference was found in 3 month favorable outcome between spoke centers compared with CSCs (32.0% and 35.1%, respectively; OR=0.68; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.10; p=0.12).

Conclusions

Despite different distribution of reperfusion therapies for LVO patients managed by telemedicine, we could not demonstrate a difference in functional outcome according to admission location in a large area with long distances between centers.

Endovascular therapy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in telestroke

INTRODUCTION

Recent exploratory analysis suggested comparable outcomes among stroke patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT) for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, whether selected via the telestroke network or admitted directly to an EVT-capable centre. We further studied the role of telemedicine in selection of ischaemic stroke patients potentially eligible for EVT.

METHODS

We prospectively included consecutive ischaemic stroke patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who underwent EVT at our neurovascular centre (January 2016 to March 2018). We compared safety and efficacy including symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH), successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b/3), 90-day favourable outcome (mRS ≤ 2) and 90-day survival between patients transferred from telestroke hospitals and patients directly admitted.

RESULTS

Of 280 potentially EVT-eligible patients, 72/129 (56%) telestroke and 91/151 (60%) direct admissions eventually underwent EVT (age 76 (66-82) years, median (interquartile range), 46% men, NIHSS score 17 (13-20)). Telestroke patients had larger pre-EVT infarct cores (ASPECTS: 7 (6-8) vs. 8 (7-9); p < 0.0001) and shorter door-to-groin puncture times (71 (56-84) vs. 101 (79-133) min; p < 0.0001) than directly admitted patients. sICH (2.8% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.58), successful reperfusion (81% vs. 77%; p = 0.56), 90-day favourable outcome (25% vs. 29%; p = 0.65) and 90-day survival (73% vs. 67%; p = 0.39) rates were comparable among telestroke and direct admissions.

DISCUSSION

Our data underpins the important role of telemedicine in identifying acute ischaemic stroke patients lacking immediate access to EVT-capable stroke centres. Stroke patients selected via telemedicine and those directly admitted had comparable chances of favourable outcomes after EVT for large vessel occlusion.

Transfer to the Local Stroke Center versus Direct Transfer to Endovascular Center of Acute Stroke Patients with Suspected Large Vessel Occlusion in the Catalan Territory (RACECAT): Study protocol of a cluster randomized within a cohort trial

RATIONALE

Optimal pre-hospital delivery pathways for acute stroke patients suspected to harbor a large vessel occlusion have not been assessed in randomized trials.

AIM

To establish whether stroke subjects with rapid arterial occlusion evaluation scale based suspicion of large vessel occlusion evaluated by emergency medical services in the field have higher rates of favorable outcome when transferred directly to an endovascular center (endovascular treatment stroke center), as compared to the standard transfer to the closest local stroke center (local-SC).

DESIGN

Multicenter, superiority, cluster randomized within a cohort trial with blinded endpoint assessment.

PROCEDURE

Eligible patients must be 18 or older, have acute stroke symptoms and not have an immediate life threatening condition requiring emergent medical intervention. They must be suspected to have intracranial large vessel occlusion based on a pre-hospital rapid arterial occlusion evaluation scale of ≥5, be located in geographical areas where the default health authority assigned referral stroke center is a non-thrombectomy capable hospital, and estimated arrival at a thrombectomy capable stroke hospital in less than 7 h from time last seen well. Cluster randomization is performed according to a pre-established temporal sequence (temporal cluster design) with three strata: day/night, distance to the endovascular treatment stroke center, and week/week-end day.

STUDY OUTCOME

The primary endpoint is the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days. The primary safety outcome is mortality at 90 days.

ANALYSIS

The primary endpoint based on the modified intention-to-treat population is the distribution of modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days analyzed under a sequential triangular design. The maximum sample size is 1754 patients, with two planned interim analyses when 701 (40%) and 1227 patients have completed follow-up. Hypothesized common odds ratio is 1.35.

Revalidation of the RACE scale after its regional implementation in Catalonia: a triage tool for large vessel occlusion

Background and purpose

Our aim was to revalidate the RACE scale, a prehospital tool that aims to identify patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), after its region-wide implementation in Catalonia, and to analyze geographical differences in access to endovascular treatment (EVT).

Methods

We used data from the prospective CICAT registry (Stroke Code Catalan registry) that includes all stroke code activations. The RACE score evaluated by emergency medical services, time metrics, final diagnosis, presence of LVO, and type of revascularization treatment were registered. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) for the RACE cut-off value ≥5 for identification of both LVO and eligibility for EVT were calculated. We compared the rate of EVT and time to EVT of patients transferred from referral centers compared with those directly presenting to comprehensive stroke centers (CSC).

Results

The RACE scale was evaluated in the field in 1822 patients, showing a strong correlation with the subsequent in-hospital evaluation of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale evaluated at hospital (r=0.74, P<0.001). A RACE score ≥5 detected LVO with a sensitivity 0.84 and specificity 0.60 (AUC 0.77). Patients with RACE ≥5 harbored a LVO and received EVT more frequently than RACE <5 patients (LVO 35% vs 6%; EVT 20% vs 6%; all P<0.001). Direct admission at a CSC was independently associated with higher odds of receiving EVT compared with admission at a referral center (OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.66 to 3.46), and symtoms onset to groin puncture was 133 min shorter.

Conclusions

This large validation study confirms RACE accuracy to identify stroke patients eligible for EVT, and provides evidence of geographical imbalances in the access to EVT to the detriment of patients located in remote areas.

Systematic review of organizational models for intra-arterial treatment of acute ischemic stroke

Background

Intra-arterial treatment of acute ischemic stroke requires changes to acute stroke services since most hospitals do not have on-site intra-arterial treatment facilities.

Aim

To identify models for delivery of intra-arterial treatment and to compare process performance and clinical and radiological outcomes of the different models.

Methods

We systematically searched the literature and contacted experts in the field. We performed a qualitative synthesis to identify models, and a quantitative review and meta-analysis of clinical and radiological outcomes under different organizational models.

Summary of review

The searches retrieved 148 publications, of which 27 were used for the identification and description of models, and 9 for the comparison of the different models. We identified four main models: the mother-ship, drip-and ship, mobile interventionist, and mobile stroke unit models. There were no randomized-controlled trials of the different models, but non-randomized comparisons were possible using data from 8 observational studies and 1 randomized-controlled trial of intra-arterial therapy, of a total of 4127 patients. Comparison between the mother-ship and drip-and-ship models showed no difference in survival (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.63–1.03), favorable functional outcome (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.73–1.25), or arterial patency (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.73–1.08).

Conclusions

Different organizational models exist for intra-arterial treatment of acute ischemic stroke, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend a particular, universal model. Until one model can be shown to be superior, the choice of model should depend on local factors and patient characteristics.

Innovation in Systems of Care in Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke. The Experience of the Catalan Stroke Programme

Stroke, and mainly ischemic stroke, is the second cause of death and disability. To confront the huge burden of this disease, innovative stroke systems of care are mandatory. This requires the development of national stroke plans to offer the best treatment to all patients eligible for reperfusion therapies. Key elements for success include a high level of organization, close cooperation with emergency medical services for prehospital assessment, an understanding of stroke singularity, the development of preassessment tools, a high level of commitment of all stroke teams at Stroke Centres, the availability of a disease-specific registry, and local government involvement to establish stroke care as a priority. In this mini review, we discuss recent evidence concerning different aspects of stroke systems of care and describe the success of the Catalan Stroke Programme as an example of innovation. In Catalonia, reperfusion treatment rates have increased in recent years and currently are among the highest in Europe (17.3% overall, 14.3% for IVT, and 6% for EVT in 2016).

Clinical results of a new concept of neurothrombectomy coverage at a remote hospital—“drive the doctor”

Background

Many tertiary care hospitals cannot provide a continuous thrombectomy service due to the lack of a neurointerventionalist.

Aims

In this study, we present procedural and clinical results of a new concept in which neuroradiologists of a university hospital provide neurointerventional stroke service to a remote hospital (“drive the doctor”).

Methods

All consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation treated with mechanical thrombectomy after hours at a remote hospital (distance of about 100 km) between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were compared to a group of patients referred to the above mentioned university hospital for MT over a comparable distance (“drip and ship”).

Results

A total of 60 patients were treated by “drive the doctor” and 66 patients were treated by “drip and ship.” Time from onset to imaging was similar in both groups (77 vs. 70 min, P = 0.6847). However, time from imaging to groin puncture was significantly lower in the “drive the doctor” model (112 vs. 232 min, P < 0.0001). Nonetheless, recanalization rate and clinical outcome were similar in both cohorts.

Conclusions

“Drive the doctor” is a feasible concept of neurothrombectomy coverage at remote hospitals. The presented data suggest that “drive the doctor” is not inferior compared to established stroke concepts such as “drip and ship” regarding recanalization rate and outcome. However, larger and prospective studies are necessary to confirm this finding.

Cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy within 6 hours of acute ischaemic stroke in China

OBJECTIVES

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy is an effective but expensive therapy for acute ischaemic stroke with proximal anterior circulation occlusion. This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy in China, which is the largest developing country.

DESIGN

A combination of decision tree and Markov model was developed. Outcome and cost data were derived from the published literature and claims database. The efficacy data were derived from the meta-analyses of nine trials. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed in order to assess the uncertainty of the results.

SETTING

Hospitals in China.

PARTICIPANTS

The patients with acute ischaemic stroke caused by proximal anterior circulation occlusion within 6 hours.

INTERVENTIONS

Mechanical thrombectomy within 6 hours with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment within 4.5 hours versus intravenous tPA treatment alone.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The benefit conferred by the treatment was assessed by estimating the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained in the long term (30 years).

RESULTS

The addition of mechanical thrombectomy to intravenous tPA treatment compared with standard treatment alone yielded a lifetime gain of 0.794 QALYs at an additional cost of CNY 50 000 (US$7700), resulting in a cost of CNY 63 010 (US$9690) per QALY gained. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that mechanical thrombectomy was cost-effective in 99.9% of the simulation runs at a willingness-to-pay threshold of CNY 125 700 (US$19 300) per QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke caused by proximal anterior circulation occlusion within 6 hours was cost-effective in China. The data may be used as a reference with regard to medical resources allocation for stroke treatment in low-income and middle-income countries as well as in the remote areas in the developed countries.

Promoting Neurovascular Recovery in Aged Mice after Ischemic Stroke - Prophylactic Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

The aged population is among the highest at risk for ischemic stroke, yet most stroke patients of advanced ages (>80 years) are excluded from access to thrombolytic treatment by tissue plasminogen activator, the only FDA approved pharmacological therapy for stroke victims. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) robustly alleviate ischemic brain injury in young adult rodents, but have not yet been studied in aged animals. This study investigated whether chronic dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFAs protects aging brain against cerebral ischemia and improves long-term neurological outcomes. Aged (18-month-old) mice were administered n-3 PUFA-enriched fish oil in daily chow for 3 months before and up to 8 weeks after 45 minutes of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Sensorimotor outcomes were assessed by cylinder test and corner test up to 35 days and brain repair dynamics evaluated immunohistologically up to 56 days after tMCAO. Mice receiving dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFAs for 3 months showed significant increases in brain ratio of n-3/n-6 PUFA contents, and markedly reduced long-term sensorimotor deficits and chronic ischemic brain tissue loss after tMCAO. Mechanistically, n-3 PUFAs robustly promoted post-ischemic angiogenesis and neurogenesis, and enhanced white matter integrity after tMCAO. The Pearson linear regression analysis revealed that the enhancement of neurogenesis and white matter integrity both correlated positively with improved sensorimotor activities after tMCAO. This study demonstrates that prophylactic dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFAs effectively improves long-term stroke outcomes in aged mice, perhaps by promoting post-stroke brain repair processes such as angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and white matter restoration.

Mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke - Five years of experience in Poland

OBJECTIVES

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not reimbursed by the Polish public health system. We present a description of 5 years of experience with MT in acute stroke in Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) in Poland.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively analyzed the results of a structured questionnaire from 23 out of 25 identified CSCs and 22 data sets that include 61 clinical, radiological and outcome measures.

RESULTS

Most of the CSCs (74%) were founded at University Hospitals and most (65.2%) work round the clock. In 78.3% of them, the working teams are composed of neurologists and neuro-radiologists. All CSCs perform CT and angio-CT before MT. In total 586 patients were subjected to MT and data from 531 of them were analyzed. Mean time laps from stroke onset to groin puncture was 250±99min. 90.3% of the studied patients had MT within 6h from stroke onset; 59.3% of them were treated with IV rt-PA prior to MT; 15.1% had IA rt-PA during MT and 4.7% - emergent stenting of a large vessel. M1 of MCA was occluded in 47.8% of cases. The Solitaire device was used in 53% of cases. Successful recanalization (TICI2b-TICI3) was achieved in 64.6% of cases and 53.4% of patients did not experience hemorrhagic transformation. Clinical improvement on discharge was noticed in 53.7% of cases, futile recanalization - in 30.7%, mRS of 0-2 - in 31.4% and mRS of 6 in 22% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Our results can help harmonize standards for MT in Poland according to international guidelines.

Endovascular stroke treatment in a small-volume stroke center

INTRODUCTION

Our purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) of stroke caused by large vessel occlusions (LVO) performed by general interventional radiologists in cooperation with stroke neurologists and neuroradiologists at a center with a limited annual number of procedures. We aimed to compare our results with those previously reported from larger stroke centers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 108 patients with acute stroke due to LVO treated with EVT were included. Outcome was measured using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 90 days. Efficacy was classified according to the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) scoring system. Safety was evaluated according to the incidence of procedural complications and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 67.5 years. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on hospital admission was 17. Successful revascularization was achieved in 76%. 39.4% experienced a good clinical outcome (mRS<3). Intraprocedural complications were seen in 7.4%. 7.4% suffered a sICH. 21.3% died within 3 months after EVT.

DISCUSSION

The use of general interventional radiologists in EVT of LVO may be a possible approach for improving EVT coverage where availability of specialized neurointerventionalists is challenging. EVT for LVO stroke performed by general interventional radiologists in close cooperation with diagnostic neuroradiologists and stroke neurologists can be safe and efficacious despite the low number of annual procedures.

Geographic dissemination of endovascular stroke thrombectomy in Catalonia within the 2011-2015 period

Introduction

Endovascular thrombectomy was recently established as a new standard of care in acute ischemic stroke patients with large artery occlusions. Using small area health statistics, we sought to assess dissemination of endovascular thrombectomy in Catalonia throughout the period 2011-2015.

Patients and methods

We used registry data to identify all endovascular thrombectomies for acute ischemic stroke performed in Catalonia within the study period. The SONIIA registry is a government-mandated, population-based and externally audited data base that includes all reperfusion therapies for acute ischemic stroke. We linked endovascular thrombectomy cases identified in the registry with the Central Registry of the Catalan Public Health Insurance to obtain the primary care service area of residence for each treated patient, age and sex. We calculated age-sex standardized endovascular thrombectomy rates over time according to different territorial segmentation patterns (metropolitan/provincial rings and primary care service areas).

Results

Region-wide age-sex standardized endovascular thrombectomy rates increased significantly from 3.9 × 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 3.4-4.4) in 2011 to 6.8 × 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 6.2-7.6) in 2015. Such increase occurred in inner and outer metropolitan rings as well as provinces although highest endovascular thrombectomy rates were persistently seen in the inner metropolitan area. Changes in endovascular thrombectomy access across primary care service areas over time were more subtle, but there was a rather generalized increase of standardized endovascular thrombectomy rates.

Discussion

This study demonstrates temporal and territorial dissemination of access to endovascular thrombectomy in Catalonia over a 5-year period although variation remains at the completion of the study.

Conclusion

Mapping of endovascular thrombectomy is essential to assess equity and propose actions for access dissemination.

How is stroke care organised in Europe?

INTRODUCTION

There is a wide difference in stroke care in European Countries, conditioning the performance in stroke management.

OBJECTIVE

The authors review current national and regional stroke organisational models and their adherence to current European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines across the Europe and on-going European Stroke Projects. Stroke Care Models investigated in: Austria, Switzerland, Bavaria (Germany), London and Greater Manchester in the UK, Catalonia (Spain), Lombardy Region in Italy, Poland and Northern Portugal.

DISCUSSION

There is a lack of uniform stroke care in European Countries as defined by current ESO guidelines. For this reason, ESO has established the Stroke Unit Certification Platform to make uniform stroke care systems with high quality performances in every part of Europe.

Analysis of the new code stroke protocol in Asturias after one year. Experience at one hospital

INTRODUCTION

Prehospital code stroke (CS) systems have been proved effective for improving access to specialised medical care in acute stroke cases. They also improve the prognosis of this disease, which is one of the leading causes of death and disability in our setting. The aim of this study is to analyse results one year after implementation of the new code stroke protocol at one hospital in Asturias.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively included patients who were admitted to our tertiary care centre as per the code stroke protocol for the period of one year.

RESULTS

We analysed 363 patients. Mean age was 69 years and 54% of the cases were men. During the same period in the previous year, there were 236 non-hospital CS activations. One hundred forty-seven recanalisation treatments were performed (66 fibrinolysis and 81 mechanical thrombectomies or combined treatments), representing a 25% increase with regard to the previous year.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent advances in the management of acute stroke call for coordinated code stroke protocols that are adapted to the needs of each specific region. This may result in an increased number of patients receiving early care, as well as revascularisation treatments.