Comparison of Balloon Guide Catheters and Standard Guide Catheters for Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to update our 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis which reported that balloon guide catheters (BGC) are associated with superior clinical and angiographic outcomes compared to standard guide catheters for treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of 7 electronic databases to identify literature published between January 2010 and September 2023 reporting BGC versus non-BGC approaches. Primary outcomes were final modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) ≥2b, first-pass effect (mTICI ≥2c on first pass), and modified Rankin scale 0-2 at 90 days. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. A separate random effects model was fitted for each outcome. Subgroup analyses by first-line approach were conducted.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies comprising 8583 patients were included (4948 BGC; 3635 non-BGC; 1561 BGC + Stent-retriever; 1297 non-BGC + Stent-retriever). Nine studies had low risk of bias, 3 were moderate risk, and 12 were high risk. Patients treated with BGCs had higher odds of achieving mTICI 2b/3, first-pass effect mTICI 2c/3, and modified Rankin scale 0-2 at 90 days (P < 0.001). The number of patients needed to treat in order to achieve one additional successful recanalization is 17. BGC + Stent-retriever was associated with higher odds of mTICI≥2b, 90-day modified Rankin scale 0-2, and reduced odds of 90-day mortality compared to non-BGC + Stent-retrievers. The main limitation was the absence of randomized trials.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings corroborate our previous results suggesting that MT using BGCs is associated with better safety and effectiveness outcomes for acute ischemic stroke, especially BGC + Stent-retrievers.

BOBBY balloon guide catheter thrombectomy in large-vessel occlusion stroke: Initial experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Nonrandomized studies have found Balloon Guide Catheter (BGC) use to improve technical and functional outcomes in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data of consecutive ischemic stroke patients undergoing MT at our institution (December 2020-October 2021). Interventions where BOBBY BGC (BBGC, MicroVentionTM, Aliso Viejo, CA) was used were identified. Baseline demographics and clinico-radiographic characteristics were retrospectively collected and analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients received BBGC-MT (male: female = 26:17, median age 72 years [IQR 62-82]). The most common occlusion site was the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (60.4%). Over half (51.2%) received intravenous thrombolytics. The BBGC tracked well over tortuous aortic arches (type II 34.8%, type III 16.3%), with median arteriotomy-to-perfusion time of 29 min (IQR 20-46). Thromboaspiration was used as first-line MT technique in 69.7% cases, with 1 (IQR 1-2) median MT pass achieving modified TICI (thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia) scores of 3 and 2b/3 in 74.4% and 95.3% respectively. Our overall first pass effect (FPE, defined as mTICI 3 after firs-pass) and modified FPE (defined as, mTICI 2b/3 after first-pass) rates were 51.1% and 79.1% respectively, with rates of 92.3% and 100% respectively when stentretriever and thromboaspiration were combined. The median reduction in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 9 (IQR 4-15, p < 0.0001), with a median 90-day modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 1.5 (IQR 0-2).

CONCLUSIONS

BOBBY BGC use resulted in a high first-pass effect rate and may contribute towards improved functional outcomes.

Intracranial Carotid Occlusions : ADAPT versus SAVE and the role of Balloon Guide Catheters

PURPOSE

Specific decisions made by neurointerventionists are often lost behind the data of large-scale trials, and many of these studies have taken place before the development of new techniques and devices. This study compares the stent-retriever assisted vacuum-locked extraction (SAVE) technique with a direct aspiration first pass (ADAPT), as well as the use of a balloon guide catheter (BGC), in intracranial internal carotid artery (IC-ICA) occlusions.

METHODS

Observational and retrospective study from an Italian hospital, including patients who underwent thrombectomy for IC-ICA occlusion between 1 January 2019 and 31 March 2021.

RESULTS

Out of 91 IC-ICA occlusions, the ADAPT was the first choice in 20 (22%) and the SAVE in 71 (78%). A BGC was used in 32 (35%) cases, always in conjunction with the SAVE technique. The use of SAVE technique without BGC was associated with the least risk of distal embolization (DE) in the territory occluded (44% vs. 75% when ADAPT technique was used; p = 0.03) and achieved first pass effect (FPE) more frequently (51% vs. 25%, p = 0.09). When the SAVE technique was used, BGC (BGC-SAVE) compared to no BGC (NoBGC-SAVE) was associated with a tendency for less DE (31% vs. 44%, p = 0.3), more FPE (63% vs. 51%, p = 0.5), the same median number of passes (1, p = 0.8) and similar groin-to-recanalization times (36.5 vs. 35.5 min, p = 0.5), none of which reached statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the use of SAVE technique for IC-ICA occlusions; the added benefit of BGC compared to long sheaths was not remarkable in this sample.

Balloon Gliding Technique: A novel use of balloon guiding catheters in accessing challenging circulations when treating acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Challenging arterial anatomy delays, or prevents timely endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We introduce a new technique called 'Balloon Gliding Technique (BGT)' to overcome difficult arterial anatomy during EVT of AIS, utilizing flow-assistance to access challenging circulations.

METHODS

Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of all patients presenting to a single institution with AIS who underwent EVT was performed from January 2021 to June 2021. Patients in whom BGT was performed were assessed. BGT consists of advancing the balloon guide catheter in the cervical carotid artery while its balloon is inflated, and therefore carried by downstream flow.

RESULTS

Of 51 patients presenting with AIS secondary to large vessel occlusion during the study period, five patients underwent BGT. All five patients had anterior circulation large vessel occlusions. Mean age of the BGT patients was 92.2 years, and all patients were females. A type 3 arch was present in all patients. BGT was performed in all cases following initial failure of conventional techniques to cannulate the target circulation. BGT was successful in achieving distal cervical carotid access in 4 out of the 5 patients in whom BGT was attempted. Successful recanalization (modified treatment in cerebral ischemia 2b-3) was obtained in all cases with no complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon Gliding Technique (BGT) is a safe technique that can safely overcome challenging anatomy during endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Further studies can assist in demonstrating both its safety and effectiveness.

Comparison of mechanical thrombectomy techniques in an in vitro stroke model: How to obtain a first pass recanalization?

BACKGROUND

Since mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has proven to be effective in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), significant research has been dedicated to establishing procedural techniques offering best rate of first pass effect (FPE). In this study, we compared the efficacy of different techniques in vitro to achieve the first pass recanalisation (FPR).

METHODS

In vitro MT procedures were performed using a realistic silicone model of the human cerebral vasculature. The MT with stent retriever (SR) were performed with manual co-aspiration through the respective access catheter and intermediate catheter (IC), with Solumbra or partial retrieval techniques into the IC. Two SRs (Solitaire and EmboTrap) were selected to retrieve both red blood cells (RBC) rich and fibrin-rich clots. FPR rates were recorded for each case.

RESULTS

Overall, 144 MT were performed. FPR rates using the partial retrieval and Solumbra technique were of 100% and 87%, respectively (p = 0.01). The rate of FPR was of 92% using the balloon-guide catheter (BGC) compared to 64% with the guide catheter (GC) (p = 0.0001). With an IC, no differences were found between using a BGC or a GC (87.9% vs 89,6%, p = 0.75). No significant difference was observed between the Embotrap and the Solitaire device for the rate of FPR (82% and 74%, respectively; p = 0.23).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, FPR rates were higher with the use of an IC associated with the partial retrieval technique, regardless the guide catheter, the SR, or the clot composition. The less effective technique was the association of GC and SR, without an IC.

Undeflatable balloon guide catheter (BGC) during endovascular procedure: Rescue strategy

The use of a balloon guide catheter (BGC) in the endovascular management of acute ischemic stroke is known to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the procedure by reducing the risk of distal embolization. During the procedure, the balloon of the catheter causes a temporary arrest of cerebral blood flow. However, failure of the balloon to deflate during the BGC procedure can result in catastrophic complications, including aggravated hypoxic damage.<br/> This paper aims to share the resolution and methodological analysis of our experience with BGC balloon deflation failure, which was confirmed by a reproducible experiment under similar conditions.

Balloon guide catheters: use, reject, or randomize?

Thrombectomy devices played an important role in the success of endovascular treatment trials over the past five years. A balloon guide catheter (BGC) is an adjunctive device used to arrest and reverse flow by inflating the balloon at its tip, which allows for flow reversal in intracranial arteries during retrieval of thrombectomy devices by applying concomitant aspiration through its lumen. Thereby, it can decrease the risk of clot fragmentation and distal embolization. Despite the numerous benchtop and clinical observational studies showing the superiority of BGC to conventional guide catheters in improving reperfusion quality and clinical outcome, its use is still low in clinical practice. The reasons behind this reluctance might be related to technical and cost issues. Therefore, high level evidence data, i.e., a randomized clinical trial, are needed to increase its implementation in thrombectomy procedures. Nonetheless, several obstacles and challenges can prevent the completion of such a trial, and efforts are needed to overcome them. We provide an overview of the current opinions about BGCs in the neurointerventional community and discuss the feasibility and challenges of a possible randomized trial to answer the question "should a BGC be routinely used in endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke?"

Comparison of Balloon Guide Catheters and Standard Guide Catheters for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Balloon guide catheters (BGCs) are designed to induce flow arrest during mechanical thrombectomy procedures for acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion and have been associated with improved clinical and angiographic outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the relative technical and clinical outcomes associated with BGC versus non-BGC approaches.

METHODS

A systematic review of clinical literature using the PubMed database was undertaken to identify multiarm studies published between 2010 and 2021 reporting the use of BGC versus non-BGC approaches for stroke treatment. Data collected included complete recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction, TICI), first-pass effect TICI 3, puncture-to recanalization time, number of endovascular attempts, distal embolization, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0-2, and 90-day mortality. Subgroup analyses assessed the impact of treatment device (stent-retrievers, contact aspiration, combination therapy, and not specified/other). A random effects model was fit for each outcome measure.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included. Compared with non-BGC approaches, patients treated with BGCs had greater odds of TICI 3 (odds ratio [OR] 1.57; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.08-2.29) and first-pass effect TICI 3 (OR 3.63; 95% CI 2.34-5.62), reduced puncture-to-revascularization time (mean difference -7.8; 95% CI -13.3 to -2.2), fewer endovascular attempts (mean difference -0.47; 95% CI -0.68 to -0.26), reduced odds of distal emboli (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.17-0.71) and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51-0.86), greater odds of 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.27-1.79), and reduced odds of mortality (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.57-0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

BGCs yield superior technical and clinical outcomes while reducing patient complications.

Usefulness of combination usage of balloon guide catheter with contact aspiration thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

Angiographic outcomes of contact aspiration thrombectomy (CAT), a frontline thrombectomy strategy, can vary depending on balloon guide catheter (BGC) usage, stroke etiology, and occlusion location. The purpose of this study was to analyze conditional outcomes of CAT to determine which result in maximum angiographic benefits.

METHODS

Patients who received CAT for anterior circulation occlusive stroke between January 2017 and December 2018 were included. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were compared relative to BGC use, stroke etiology, and occlusion location. Multivariable analyses for first-pass reperfusion (FPR) and favorable clinical outcome were performed.

RESULTS

Of 160 included patients, the rates of FPR, successful reperfusion after CAT, final successful reperfusion, and favorable clinical outcome were 43.1%, 58.1%, 81.9%, and 60.6%, respectively. BGC use was associated with a higher rate of FPR, successful reperfusion after CAT, a lower rate of distal embolization, and faster reperfusion. Based on subgroup analysis, BGC usage in ICA, MCA M1 occlusion, and cardioembolism were associated with higher FPR, successful reperfusion after CAT, and lower distal embolization. Faster reperfusion was achieved in ICA occlusions and cardioembolisms. BGC usage was an independent predictor of FPR. Favorable clinical outcome was associated with male gender, low initial NIHSS score, fast onset to reperfusion, and FPR.

CONCLUSIONS

In CAT, BGC usage was associated with better angiographic outcomes, including higher FPR, successful reperfusion after CAT, prevention of distal embolization, and faster reperfusion, especially in proximal occlusions and cardioembolisms. These conditions may play a role in maximizing the benefits of CAT.

Walrus Balloon Guide Catheter for Stroke Intervention: Technical Considerations and Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The use of balloon guide catheters (BGCs) for proximal flow arrest during neurointerventional procedures has been limited owing to the incompatibility of BGCs with large-bore aspiration catheters and difficulty in device navigation. The objective of our study was to describe the use of the Walrus catheter (Q'Apel Medical, Fremont, California, USA), a new 8F BGC, with a variety of aspiration catheters and procedures requiring flow arrest.

METHODS

Consecutive cases using Walrus BGCs for proximal flow arrest during mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke cases were recorded. The procedure indication, vessel occlusion site, technique, first-pass effect (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2C or 3 after the first recanalization attempt), and complications were recorded and evaluated statistically.

RESULTS

Our study included 57 patients who had undergone mechanical thrombectomy. In addition to mechanical thrombectomy, the Walrus BGC was used in conjunction with the following techniques: stent retrieval in 2 patients (3.5%), stent retrieval followed by aspiration (Solumbra technique) in 41 (71.9%), and aspiration followed by stent retrieval in 14 patients (24.6%). Eight different aspiration catheters were used in 56 of these 57 procedures. The first-pass effect (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2C and 3) was achieved in 36 (63.2%) of 57 procedures. Two patients (3.5%) had experienced intraoperative complications (symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage) and one patient (1.8%) had died in-hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results have demonstrated that the Walrus BGC is a highly navigable 8F guide catheter compatible with most available aspiration catheters. Owing to its compatibility with most available aspiration catheters and ease of use, the Walrus BGC is a valuable addition to the tools available for mechanical thrombectomy.

Comparison of First-Pass Efficacy Among Four Mechanical Thrombectomy Techniques: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

First-pass efficacy (FPE) is an established marker of technical and clinical efficacy among mechanical thrombectomy (MT) techniques. It is unclear what the optimal approach is in achieving FPE. We present a single-center experience comparing rates of FPE among 2 MT techniques and evaluate the potential predictors of FPE among other outcomes.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective analysis was carried out of patients with consecutive large-vessel occlusion strokes (LVOS) of anterior circulation from September 2015 to April 2019 who underwent MT and for whom data were available on the status of FPE. Four MT techniques were identified: ADAPT (a direct first-pass aspiration), SrADAPT (stent retriever with aspiration), SRBG (stent retriever with balloon guide catheter), and STRAP (stent retriever-aspiration and proximal flow arrest). The primary outcome was FPE and secondary outcomes included the rate of successful reperfusion.

RESULTS

Among 226 patients with LVOS of the anterior circulation who underwent MT, data were available for 164 on FPE for the 4 MT techniques. SRBG was the most prevalent technique. No significant difference was found in rates of FPE among the 4 MT techniques (P = 0.332). No independent predictors of FPE were identified on multivariable analysis. STRAP had the highest rate of successful reperfusion compared with the other techniques (P = 0.049) and was the only independent predictor of that outcome (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with LVOS of the anterior circulation, the rate of FPE did not differ among the 4 MT techniques. There were no predictors of FPE among the studied variables. STRAP was the only predictor of successful reperfusion.

Evaluation of the Intracranial Flow Alteration during Manual Syringe and Continuous Pump Aspiration

GOALS

While mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute large vessel occlusions, adjunctive measures, such as balloon guide catheters (BGC) and aspiration techniques, are utilized heterogeneously. Clarifying the effects of aspiration applied to the anterior cerebral circulation with proximal flow arrest can shed light on embolic protection during MT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Manual and pump aspiration were applied through a BGC in a synthetic cerebrovascular model with a 60 ml syringe and a Penumbra pump, respectively. Flow direction was observed during the procedure with fluorescent particles and ultraviolet light. Flow rates were monitored at the simulated internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery (MCA).

FINDINGS

Both aspiration methods produced retrograde flow in all the modeled cerebrovascular segments. In the syringe aspiration methods, an interval phase occurred during the experimental trial in which suction forces paused and MCA flow became anterograde through posterior communication artery collateral circulation.

CONCLUSION

Flow patterns vary with different methods of aspiration. With proximal flow arrest, continuous aspiration methods induce constant retrograde flow in all vessels, whereas manual aspiration demonstrates various flow changes, including periods of anterograde flow during the procedure, which may be less effective at distal re-embolization prevention.

Experience of the New FlowGate2 Device as a Balloon Guide Catheter for Ischemic Stroke Intervention

BACKGROUND

We report the experience of the FlowGate² (FG2) as a new balloon guide catheter in endovascular stroke intervention.

METHODS

We evaluated the various outcomes and complications of patients with intracranial large artery occlusion undergoing endovascular stroke intervention with FG2 at our center. Baseline characteristics (failure rate of device application, sex, age, risk factors, arterial occlusion sites, and time intervals) were reviewed. Outcomes were evaluated according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, number of stent passages required, and Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score. The incidence of hemorrhage, vessel damage, distal emboli, and mortality rate were evaluated as indicators of complications.

RESULTS

Overall, 70 patients were enrolled, except the 2 patients with application failure of FG2. Seventy patients with a median age of 69 years were treated with FG2. Arterial occlusion involved the M1 (50%) and M2 (14.3%) segments, internal carotid artery (25.7%), and posterior circulation (10%). Median value of mRS at 90 days was 2.8, and 37 patients (52.8%) had a mRS score ≤2. The recanalization rate in patients with a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b or 3 was 91.4%. The hemorrhage rate was 5.7%, but none were symptomatic. In terms of complications, distal emboli occurred in 4.3% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular stroke intervention with the FG2 is safe and effective with good accessibility and less occurrence of distal emboli. Its trackability, stability, and luminal size make the FG2 suitable for stroke intervention.

Further Development of Combined Techniques Using Stent Retrievers, Aspiration Catheters and BGC : The PROTECTPLUS Technique

PURPOSE

First pass complete (mTICI 3) reperfusion must be regarded as the ultimate goal in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients suffering from an emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO). With this in mind a technical modification of the previously published PROTECT (PRoximal balloon Occlusion TogEther with direCt Thrombus aspiration during stent retriever thrombectomy) approach, the PROTECT^PLUS technique was evaluated. Under proximal flow arrest using a balloon guide catheter (BGC), a stent retriever was only partially inserted into a large-bore aspiration catheter. This construction was subsequently retracted as a unit into the BGC with aspiration both at the aspiration catheter and at the BGC.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed comparing the PROTECT technique with the PROTECT^PLUS technique with respect to the technical and procedural parameters. Patients n = 165 (101 PROTECT, 64 PROTECT^PLUS) with ELVO of either the terminus of the internal carotid artery or the proximal middle cerebral artery were included.

RESULTS

Using the PROTECT^PLUS resulted in a higher rate of first pass complete reperfusions (59.4% vs. 27.7%, p < 0.001) as compared with PROTECT. The PROTECT^PLUS also led to shorter procedure times (21 min vs. 37 min, p = 0.001) and higher rates of overall complete reperfusion (73.5% vs. 49.5%, p = 0.014) compared to PROTECT.

CONCLUSION

The PROTECT^PLUS technique is a promising technical modification to further optimize endovascular stroke treatment.

Endovascular Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment with FlowGate Balloon Guide Catheter: A Single-Center Observational Study of FlowGate Balloon Guide Catheter Use

Background

Treatment of large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke with mechanical thrombectomy has become the standard of care after recent clinical trials. However, the degree of recanalization with stent retrievers remains very important in overall outcomes. We sought to review the utility of a new balloon guide catheter (BGC) in improving the degree of recanalization in conjunction with mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods

The medical records of a prospectively collected endovascular ischemic stroke database were reviewed. All consecutive strokes when a FlowGate BGC was used with a thrombectomy stent retriever were identified. Use of a FlowGate BGC, number of passes, final Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score, trackability, and use of adjunct devices were all collected and analyzed.

Results

Use of a FlowGate BGC resulted in 64% (33/52) first-pass effect (FPE) of TICI 2b/3, and specifically 46% (24/52) TICI 3 FPE (true FPE). A total of 52/62 (84%) of thrombectomy cases were treated with BGCs. In the remaining 10, the BGC was not inflated or used due to the clot not being visualized or the lesions being distal and BGC use thus not deemed appropriate. Adjunct use of an aspiration catheter was seen in 12% (6/52) of cases. The overall success with FlowGate BGCs with one or more passes of TICI 2b/3 was 94% (49/52). Trackability was achieved in 92% (57/62) of cases.

Conclusions

Use of the FlowGate BGC as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy was associated with good FPE and an overall recanalization of TICI 2b/3 of 94%.