Ghozy, Sherief

Background Collateral blood flow markers have been associated with outcomes after thrombectomy in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). Hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR), a metric reflecting tissue level collaterals, is one such marker with the potential to delineate patients who do and do not do well after thrombectomy. We determined if HIR correlated with successful reperfusion after thrombectomy. Methods Using Nested Knowledge, we screened literature for studies comparing patients with favorable versus unfavorable HIR, distinguished by a cutoff of 0.4, who underwent thrombectomy triage. The primary outcome was reperfusion success, as measured by thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b and secondary outcomes included rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, mortality at 90 days, and modified Rankin scale scores 0–2 at 90 days. A random effects model was used to compute pooled prevalence rates and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Three studies with 973 patients, 496 with favorable HIR, and 477 with unfavorable HIR were included in this meta-analysis. The odds of reperfusion success were not significantly different between patients who had favorable versus unfavorable HIR (OR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.31–3.04) across two of the studies. Analysis of the remaining outcome variables was precluded by significant heterogeneity in data element reporting. Conclusions This meta-analysis was considerably limited by heterogeneity. Future meta-analyses on this topic, and other topics in the field of neurointervention would benefit from improved harmonization of study design and data element reporting.

Background Flow diverter treatment may inevitably require jailing of the branch vessels. While the patency of covered branch arteries and associated safety risks have been a topic of substantial interest, the question of whether the characteristics of branch vessels affect flow diversion's efficacy remains unanswered. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of branch arteries on the efficacy of endoluminal flow diverters, specifically focusing on posterior communicating artery (Pcomm) aneurysms. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases with predefined keywords. Studies providing data for flow diversion outcomes in Pcomm aneurysms were included. Outcomes of interest included complete and adequate aneurysm obliteration, ischemic and hemorrhagic complications, and Pcomm occlusion in the follow-up period. A random or fixed effects model was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and pooled event rates with their corresponding confidence intervals (CI). Results The overall complete and adequate aneurysm occlusion rates were 72.25% (95% CI: 64.46–78.88%) and 88.37% (95% CI: 84.33–92.6), respectively. Fetal-type Pcomm aneurysms had significantly lower complete aneurysm occlusion rates than the nonfetal-type Pcomm aneurysms (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.05–0.29). Overall ischemic and hemorrhagic complication rates were 2.62% (95% CI = 0.71–5.32) and 0.71% (95% CI: 0–2.24), respectively. There were no significant associations between Pcomm morphology and complications (OR: 3.61, 95% CI = 0.42–31.06 for ischemic complications and OR: 2.31, 95% CI = 0.36–14.6 for hemorrhage). Overall Pcomm occlusion rate was 32.04% (95% CI = 19.96–47.13), and the Pcomm patency was significantly lower in nonfetal-type Pcomm aneurysms (OR: 0.10, 95% CI = 0.02–0.44). Conclusion Our meta-analysis suggests that flow diversion is a safe treatment option for Pcomm aneurysms, regardless of fetal-type Pcomm morphology. However, on the other hand, our findings indicate that Pcomm anatomy or the presence of jailed large branches can affect the efficacy of flow diverter treatment.

Background For acute proximal intracranial artery occlusions, contact aspiration may be more effective than stent‐retriever for first‐line reperfusion therapy. Due to the lack of data regarding medium vessel occlusion thrombectomy, we evaluated outcomes according to first‐line technique in a large, multicenter registry. Methods Imaging, procedural, and clinical outcomes of patients with acute proximal medium vessel occlusions (M2, A1, or P1) or distal medium vessel occlusions (M3, A2, P2, or further) treated at 37 sites in 10 countries were analyzed according to first‐line endovascular technique (stent‐retriever versus aspiration). Multivariable logistic regression and propensity‐score matching were used to estimate the odds of the primary outcome, expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b–3 (“successful recanalization”), as well as secondary outcomes (first‐pass effect, expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2c‐3, intracerebral hemorrhage, and 90‐day modified Rankin scale, 90‐day mortality) between treatment groups. Results Of the 440 included patients (44.5% stent‐retriever versus 55.5% aspiration), those treated with stent‐retriever had lower baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scale scores (median 8 versus 9; P <0.01), higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (median 13 versus 11; P =0.02), and nonsignificantly fewer medium‐distal occlusions (M3, A2, P2, or other: 17.4% versus 23.8%; P =0.10). Use of a stent‐retriever was associated with 15% lower odds of successful recanalization (odds ratio [OR], 0.85; [95% CI 0.74–0.98]; P =0.02), but this was not significant after multivariable adjustment in the total cohort (adjusted OR, 0.88; [95% CI 0.72–1.09]; P =0.24), or in the propensity‐score matched cohort (n=105 in each group) (adjusted OR, 0.94; [95% CI 0.75–1.18]; P =0.60). There was no significant association between technique and secondary outcomes in the propensity‐score matched adjusted models. Conclusion In this large, diverse, multinational medium vessel occlusion cohort, we found no significant difference in imaging or clinical outcomes with aspiration versus stent‐retriever thrombectomy.

Background Limited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed comparing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) to medical therapy (MEDT) for acute ischemic stroke with extensive baseline ischemic injury (AIS-EBI). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs reporting EVT for AIS-EBI. Methods Using the Nested Knowledge AutoLit software, we conducted a systematic literature review from inception to 12 February 2023 within Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Results of the TESLA trial were included on 10 June 2023. We included RCTs that compared EVT to MEDT for AIS with large ischemic core volume. The primary outcome of interest was a modified Rankin Score (mRS) 0-2. Secondary outcomes of interest included early neurological improvement (ENI), mRS 0-3, thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b-3, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality. A random-effects model was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results We included four RCTs with 1310 patients, 661 of whom underwent EVT and 649 of whom were treated with MEDT. EVT was associated with greater rates of mRS 0-2 (RR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.75–3.09; P -value < 0.001), mRS 0-3 (RR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.33–2.12; P -value < 0.001), and ENI (RR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.55–3.24; P -value < 0.001). Rates of sICH (RR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.07–3.69; P -value = 0.03) were greater in the EVT group. Mortality (RR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.83–1.15; P -value = 0.79) was comparable between the EVT and MEDT groups. The rate of successful reperfusion in the EVT group was 79.9% (95% CI = 75.6–83.6). Conclusions Although the rate of sICH was greater in the EVT group, EVT conferred a greater clinical benefit to MEDT for AIS-EBI based on available RCTs.

Background The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) has been specifically developed to manage wide neck bifurcation intracranial aneurysms. A wide range of aneurysm occlusion rates and device-related complications are reported in different papers, and a lack of collective evidence in this regard. Objective To clarify the long-term efficacy and safety outcomes of intracranial aneurysm treatment with WEB devices. Methods A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases on April 25, 2023. Considering the eligibility criteria, all the studies reporting the outcomes of the intracranial aneurysm treatment with WEB device at 1 and/or more than 1 year were included. Data elements of interest were extracted and analyzed using R software version 4.2.1. Results Twenty-seven articles were included. Complete occlusion rate was 56.85%, 67.10%, and 56.34% at one year, beyond one year, and at/beyond two years of follow-up, respectively. Adequate occlusion rate was 87.11% at one year, 91.16% beyond one year, and 88.87% at/beyond two years of follow-up. WEB compression and aneurysm recurrence rates increased from 17.62% and 0.58% at one year to 42.59% and 18.99% beyond one year of follow-up, respectively. An increase in retreatment rate from 3.45% at one year to 7.15% beyond one year of follow-up was found. Conclusion The current study supports the long-term efficacy of WEB devices for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. However, an increase in WEB compression, aneurysm recurrence, and retreatment rates beyond one year reveals the importance of follow-ups after the first year of WEB placement.

Background Risks and benefits of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) have been a topic of interest. However, IVT’s specific effects on stent retriever (SR) and aspiration thrombectomy (ASP) outcomes remain largely unexplored. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the effects of IVT on SR and ASP thrombectomy outcomes. Methods In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted using Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Center of Clinical Trials databases. Outcomes of interest included successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b), modified first pass efficacy (mFPE), functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and embolization to new territories (ENT). Results Four randomized controlled trials with 1176 patients were included. SR and ASP resulted in similar mTICI ≥2b, mFPE, and mRS 0–2 rates in patients with and without IVT administration. SR without IVT was associated with a significantly lower rate of mFPE compared with the SR+IVT (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.97). Furthermore, ASP without IVT resulted in a lower rate of mRS 0–2 than the ASP+IVT with a strong trend towards significance (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.01). Finally, bridging therapy did not increase sICH and ENT rates after ASP or SR thrombectomy. Conclusions Our findings suggest that SR and ASP thrombectomy have comparable safety and efficacy profiles, regardless of prior IVT administration. Additionally, our results indicate that the addition of IVT may improve certain efficacy outcomes based on the employed first-line MT technique.

ImportancePrevious randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have supported the use of endovascular therapy (EVT) in late-window acute ischemic stroke (AIS; 6-24 hours). However, little is known about the use of EVT in very late-window AIS (&amp;gt;24 hours).ObjectiveTo examine outcomes following EVT for very late-window AIS.Data SourcesA systematic review of the English language literature was conducted using Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and PubMed to search for articles published from database inception until December 13, 2022.Study SelectionThis systematic review and meta-analysis included published studies regarding very late-window AIS treated with EVT. Multiple reviewers screened studies, and an extensive manual search of the references of included articles was performed to identify any missed articles. Of the 1754 initially retrieved studies, 7 published between 2018 and 2023 were ultimately included.Data Extraction and SynthesisData were extracted independently by multiple authors and evaluated for consensus. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. This study is reported per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guideline, and the protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome of interest was functional independence, as assessed with 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (0-2). Secondary outcomes included thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) scores (2b-3 or 3), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), 90-day mortality, early neurological improvement (ENI), and early neurological deterioration (END). Frequencies and means were pooled with the corresponding 95% CIs.ResultsThis review included 7 studies involving a total of 569 patients. The mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 13.6 (95% CI, 11.9-15.5), and the mean Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was 7.9 (95% CI, 7.2-8.7). The mean time from last known well and/or onset to puncture was 46.2 hours (95% CI, 32.4-65.9 hours). Frequencies for the primary and secondary outcomes were 32.0% (95% CI, 24.7%-40.2%) for functional independence (90-day mRS scores of 0-2) and 81.9% (95% CI, 78.5%-84.9%) for TICI scores of 2b to 3, 45.3% (95% CI, 36.6%-54.4%) for TICI scores of 3, 6.8% (95% CI, 4.3%-10.7%) for sICH, and 27.2% (95% CI, 22.9%-31.9%) for 90-day mortality. In addition, frequencies were 36.9% (95% CI, 26.4%-48.9%) for ENI and 14.3% (95% CI, 7.1%-26.7%) for END.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this review, EVT for very late-window AIS was associated with favorable frequencies of 90-day mRS scores of 0 to 2 and TICI scores of 2b to 3 and with low frequencies of 90-day mortality and sICH. These results suggest that EVT may be safe and associated with improved outcomes for very late-window AIS, although RCTs and prospective, comparative studies are needed to determine which patients may benefit from very late intervention.

Background Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a treatment option for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. The use of a balloon-guided catheter (BGC) for EVT via transradial access (TRA) has emerged as a treatment approach, but its efficacy and safety compared to existing practices are uncertain. Methods A systematic literature review was performed using Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science databases, and manual search. Studies reporting safety and efficacy metrics for TRA BGC EVT were included. Data regarding recanalization time, thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI), modified Rankin scale (mRS), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), first pass effect (FPE), and additional complications was pooled using a random-effects model to calculate event rates and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The search yielded five studies (n = 117). The mean time from puncture to final recanalization was 34.5 (95% CI = 30.5 to 39.14, I 2 = 0%, P-value = 0.37) min. Successful recanalization (TICI 2b-3) and complete recanalization (TICI 3) occurred in 96.6% (95% CI = 91.24 to 98.71, I 2 = 0%, P-value = 0.99) and 55.2% (95% CI = 42.14 to 67.54, I 2 = 0%, P-value = 0.39) of cases, respectively. FPE occurred in 67.5% (95% CI = 51.73 to 80.10, I 2 = 0%, P-value = 0.56) of patients. mRS 0-2 was achieved in 41.2% (95% CI = 27.34 to 56.65, I 2 = 70%, P-value = 0.07) of patients. sICH occurred in 5.0% (95% CI = 1.25 to 17.91, I 2 = 0%, P-value = 1.00) of patients. Local complications of radial hematoma and radial vasospasm occurred in 5.0% (95% CI = 0.49 to 12.36, I 2 = 29%, P-value = 0.24) and 2.1% (95% CI = 1.25 to 17.91, I 2 = 71%, P-value = 0.03) of cases, respectively. Switch to femoral access was necessary in 3.7% (95% CI = 0.00 to 14.07, I 2 = 68%, P-value = 0.02) of procedures. The average number of passes per procedure was 1.6 (95% CI = 1.15 to 2.11, I 2 = 88%, P-value < 0.001). Conclusion TRA BGC EVT has potential as a safe and efficacious treatment option compared to existing methods. However, additional, prospective studies are necessary to inform clinical decision making.