Manual thromboaspiration technique as a first approach for endovascular stroke treatment: A single-center experience

Myosteatosis as an independent predictor of short-term mortality in successfully reperfused acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Poor clinical outcomes are still common in successfully reperfused acute ischemic stroke patients. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of sarcopenia and myosteatosis on neurological outcomes and mortality in successfully reperfused acute ischemic stroke patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included in our retrospective observational study 166 consecutive patients who underwent technically successful mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke between Jan 2016 and Dec 2019. ASPECTS and collateral score were assessed on pre-operative CT/CTA. Masseter muscles area and attenuation were measured on CTA images. Clinical and radiological variables were tested in multivariate logistic models to predict the probability of death and, among survivors, of incurring poor outcome.

RESULTS

At admission, mean NIHSS was 19 (SD = 6.5), mean body mass index 25.5 (SD = 4.4) kg/m2, and mean ASPECTS 8.0 (SD = 1.9). Of all, 48.2% patients showed good collaterals, 38.5% intermediate collaterals, and 13.3% poor collaterals. Overall, 90 days mRS was ≤2 in 48.2% of the patients, 3-5 in 30.7%, and 6 in 21.1%. At multivariate logistic regression, age (OR = 1.08, p = 0.036), ASPECTS (OR = 0.59, p = 0.013), and masseter muscles attenuation (OR = 0.93, p = 0.010) were independent predictors of mortality, whereas sex (OR = 7.15, p = 0.043), age (OR = 1.05, p = 0.042), body mass index (OR = 1.35, p = 0.013), NIHSS (OR = 1.12, p = 0.012), and ASPECTS (OR = 0.64, p = 0.024) were independent predictors of poor neurological outcome (mRS 3-5).

CONCLUSION

Beyond other well-known variables, low masseter attenuation, indicating myosteatosis, represents an independent negative prognostic factor for 90 days mortality in patients successfully reperfused after anterior circulation stroke.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Stent Retrievers vs Direct Aspiration vs a Combined Approach

BACKGROUND

Recent randomized control trials (RCTs) established that mechanical thrombectomy is superior to medical therapy for patients with stroke due to a large vessel occlusion.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety and efficacy profile of the different mechanical thrombectomy strategies.

METHODS

A random-effects meta-analysis was performed and the I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies with a total of 2449 patients were included. No differences were identified between the stent retrieval and direct aspiration groups in terms of modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b/3 and mTICI 3 recanalization rates, and favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≤ 2). Adverse event rates, including 90-d mortality, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), were similar between the stent retrieval and direct aspiration groups. The use of the stent retrieval was associated with a higher risk of vasospasm (odds ratio [OR]: 2.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-8.09; I2: 0%) compared to direct aspiration. When compared with the direct aspiration group, the subgroup of patients who underwent thrombectomy with the combined approach as a first-line strategy had a higher likelihood of successful mTICI 2b/3 (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.02-2.12; I2: 0%) and mTICI 3 recanalization (OR: 3.65; 95% CI: 1.56-8.54), although with a higher risk of SAH (OR: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.15-16.32).

CONCLUSION

Stent retrieval thrombectomy and direct aspiration did not show significant differences. Current available evidence is not sufficient to draw conclusions on the best surgical approach. The combined use of a stent retriever and aspiration as a first-line strategy was associated with higher mTICI 2b/3 and mTICI 3 recanalization rates, although with a higher risk of 24-h SAH, when compared with direct aspiration.

Combined use of contact aspiration and the stent retriever technique versus stent retriever alone for recanalization in acute cerebral infarction: the randomized ASTER 2 study protocol

RATIONALE

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using a stent retriever (SR) device is currently the recommended treatment in ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Combining contact aspiration (CA) with SR is a promising new treatment, although it was not found to be superior to SR alone as first-line treatment for achieving successful reperfusion.

AIM

To determine whether endovascular treatment combining first-line use of CA and SR is more efficient than SR alone.

METHODS

The ASTER 2 clinical trial is a prospective, randomized, multicenter, open-label trial with a blinded endpoint. We included patients admitted with suspected anterior circulation ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion <8 hours from symptom onset. They were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to one of two treatment groups (combined CA and SR or SR alone). In the case of failure of the assigned technique after three attempts, other adjunctive techniques were applied.

STUDY OUTCOME

The primary outcome is the rate of successful/complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score 2c/3) after the entire endovascular procedure. Secondary outcomes include reperfusion rates after the assigned first-line intervention alone and at the end of the procedure, procedural times, change in NIH Stroke Scale score at 24 hours, intracerebral hemorrhage at 24 hours, procedure-related serious adverse events, the modified Rankin Scale score, and all-cause mortality at 90 days and 1 year. The cost effectiveness of the two procedures will also be analyzed.

DISCUSSION

This is the first head-to-head randomized trial to directly compare the efficacy of the combined use of CA and SR versus SR alone. This prospective trial aims to demonstrate the synergistic effects of CA and SR devices in first-line endovascular treatment.

Prediction of Hemorrhage after Successful Recanalization in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Improved Risk Stratification Using Dual-Energy CT Parenchymal Iodine Concentration Ratio Relative to the Superior Sagittal Sinus

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Brain parenchymal hyperdensity on postthrombectomy CT in patients with acute stroke can be due to hemorrhage and/or contrast staining. We aimed to determine whether iodine concentration within contrast-stained parenchyma compared with an internal reference in the superior sagittal sinus on dual-energy CT could predict subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-one patients with small infarct cores (ASPECTS ≥ 7) and good endovascular recanalization (modified TICI 2b or 3) for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion were included. Brain parenchymal iodine concentration as per dual-energy CT and the percentage of contrast staining relative to the superior sagittal sinus were recorded and correlated with the development of intracerebral hemorrhage using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests.

RESULTS

Forty-three of 71 patients had parenchymal hyperdensity on initial dual-energy CT. The median relative iodine concentration compared with the superior sagittal sinus was significantly higher in those with subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage (137.9% versus 109.2%, P = .007). By means of receiver operating characteristic analysis, a cutoff value of 100% (iodine concentration relative to the superior sagittal sinus) enabled identification of patients going on to develop intracerebral hemorrhage with 94.75% sensitivity, 43.4% specificity, and a likelihood ratio of 1.71.

CONCLUSIONS

Within our cohort of patients, the relative percentage of iodine concentration at dual-energy CT compared with the superior sagittal sinus was a reliable predictor of intracerebral hemorrhage development and may be a useful imaging biomarker for risk stratification after endovascular treatment.

A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique vs Standard Endovascular Therapy for Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) is a recent endovascular treatment for ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion that has been gaining popularity due to the rapidity of the technique and the potential for cost savings in comparison to standard thrombectomy methods such as stent retrievers. However, few studies have directly compared these 2.

OBJECTIVE

To compare ADAPT with stent retrievers for thrombectomy via systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Ovid Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club, and Database of Abstracts of Review of Effectiveness limited to English through September 2016 were systematically searched. Eligible studies included those in which patient cohorts underwent ADAPT for acute stroke. Recanalization efficiency, clinical outcomes, and complication rates of ADAPT were compared with the current standard of endovascular thrombectomy techniques.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies on ADAPT and 5 randomized controlled trials on endovascular therapy were included. ADAPT achieved higher rates of complete revascularisation (89.4% vs 71.7%, P < .001) but similar clinical outcomes compared to front-line endovascular therapy. Seventy-one point four percent of ADAPT cases were successfully recanalized with aspiration alone, and a trend towards reduced time from groin puncture to recanalization time was noted (44.77 vs 61.46 min, P = .088).

CONCLUSION

The pooled results are comparable with recent randomized studies that demonstrate the benefit of endovascular therapy over intra-arterial medical therapy. Future direct comparative studies and randomized trials are required to confirm the benefit of the ADAPT strategy compared to standard endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke.

Single-center experience using the 3MAX or 4MAX reperfusion catheter for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with distal arterial occlusions in patients not eligible for intravenous fibrinolysis

BACKGROUND

In acute stroke, distal cerebrovascular occlusions can be linked to severe clinical symptoms, and treatment by mechanical thrombectomy may have an important clinical impact. When intravenous fibrinolytic therapy is firmly contraindicated, it remains the only treatment option.

METHODS

A total of 42 patients with isolated distal arterial occlusions and absolute contraindication for intravenous fibrinolytic therapy were retrospectively included. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed using Penumbra 4MAX or 3MAX aspiration catheters. When aspiration alone did not result in successful revascularization, a stent retriever was added.

RESULTS

Direct thromboaspiration was the first treatment option in all patients. 16.7% of cases required the additional use of a stent retriever. A TICI score ≥ 2b reperfusion at the end of the procedure was obtained in 76.2% and a Rankin Score of 2 or less at 90 days in 45.7%. Two hemorrhagic complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct thromboaspiration appears a safe technique in acute isolated distal arterial occlusions. In a cohort of patients with absolute contraindication for intravenous fibrinolytic therapy, a significant percentage achieved good revascularization.

Iodine Extravasation Quantification on Dual-Energy CT of the Brain Performed after Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Can Predict Hemorrhagic Complications

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intracerebral hemorrhage represents a potentially severe complication of revascularization of acute ischemic stroke. The aim of our study was to assess the capability of iodine extravasation quantification on dual-energy CT performed immediately after mechanical thrombectomy to predict hemorrhagic complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Because this was a retrospective study, the need for informed consent was waived. Eighty-five consecutive patients who underwent brain dual-energy CT immediately after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke between August 2013 and January 2017 were included. Two radiologists independently evaluated dual-energy CT images for the presence of parenchymal hyperdensity, iodine extravasation, and hemorrhage. Maximum iodine concentration was measured. Follow-up CT examinations performed until patient discharge were reviewed for intracerebral hemorrhage development. The correlation between dual-energy CT parameters and intracerebral hemorrhage development was analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Thirteen of 85 patients (15.3%) developed hemorrhage. On postoperative dual-energy CT, parenchymal hyperdensities and iodine extravasation were present in 100% of the patients who developed intracerebral hemorrhage and in 56.3% of the patients who did not (P = .002 for both). Signs of bleeding were present in 35.7% of the patients who developed intracerebral hemorrhage and in none of the patients who did not (P < .001). Median maximum iodine concentration was 2.63 mg/mL in the patients who developed intracerebral hemorrhage and 1.4 mg/mL in the patients who did not (P < .001). Maximum iodine concentration showed an area under the curve of 0.89 for identifying patients developing intracerebral hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of parenchymal hyperdensity with a maximum iodine concentration of >1.35 mg/mL may identify patients developing intracerebral hemorrhage with 100% sensitivity and 67.6% specificity.

Novel and emerging technologies for endovascular thrombectomy

Endovascular thrombectomy device improvements in recent years have served a pivotal role in improving the success and safety of the thrombectomy procedure. As the intervention gains widespread use, developers have focused on maximizing the reperfusion rates and reducing procedural complications associated with these devices. This has led to a boom in device development. This review will cover novel and emerging technologies developed for endovascular thrombectomy.

Predictors of the Aspiration Component Success of a Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique (ADAPT) for the Endovascular Treatment of Stroke Reperfusion Strategy in Anterior Circulation Acute Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) has been reported to be fast, safe, and effective for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The aim of this study is to determine the preoperative factors that affect success of the aspiration component of the technique in ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation.

METHODS

We enrolled all 347 consecutive patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke admitted for mechanical thrombectomy at our institution from August 2013 to October 2015 and treated by ADAPT for the endovascular treatment of stroke. Baseline and procedural characteristics, modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scores, and 3-month modified Rankin Scale were captured and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 347 patients (occlusion sites: middle cerebral artery=200, 58%; internal carotid artery Siphon=89, 25%; Tandem=58, 17%), aspiration component led to successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/3 scores) in 55.6% (193/347 patients), stent retrievers were required in 40%, and a total successful final reperfusion rate of 83% (288/347) was achieved. Overall, procedural complications occurred in 13.3% of patients (48/347). Modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 90 days was reported in 45% (144/323). Only 2 factors positively influenced the success of the aspiration component: an isolated middle cerebral artery occlusion (P<0.001) and a shorter time from stroke onset to clot contact (P=0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large retrospective study, ADAPT was shown to be safe and effective for anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke with a final successful reperfusion achieved in 83%. The site of arterial occlusion and delay of the procedure were predictors for reperfusion.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02523261, NCT02678169, and NCT02466893.