PMU-Authors
Pfaff JohannesAbstract
Background and purpose Embolization of thrombus fragments in a new vascular territory is a potential adverse event in neurothrombectomy. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a novel approach combining proximal balloon occlusion and distal aspiration to prevent distal thrombembolic complications. Methods Patients with ischemic stroke meeting the following inclusion criteria were eligible: occlusion in the anterior circulation, neurothrombectomy using a balloon catheter for proximal flow arrest, and an intermediate catheter for distal aspiration. Pre- and post-interventional Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scores were assessed. Clinical presentation at admission and discharge and after 3 months was also evaluated and complications (particularly new thrombembolic events) were recorded. Results We retrospectively identified 31 patients from our prospectively collected stroke database who met the inclusion criteria. In all patients the initial TICI was 0. A TICI score of >= 2b was achieved in 96.8%. No new thrombembolic complications occurred. The median NIH Stroke Scale score was 19 at admission and 4.5 at discharge. After 3 months, 51.6% of the patients had a favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) and 19.3% had died. Conclusions A combination of proximal internal carotid artery occlusion using a balloon catheter and distal aspiration through an intermediate catheter represents a safe and efficient adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers. In our patient cohort, no new thrombembolic complications were detected.
Useful keywords (using NLM MeSH Indexing)
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Balloon Occlusion/adverse effects
Balloon Occlusion/methods*
Brain Ischemia/diagnostic imaging
Brain Ischemia/therapy
Catheters
Combined Modality Therapy/methods
Embolization, Therapeutic/adverse effects
Embolization, Therapeutic/methods*
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Prospective Studies
Retrospective Studies
Stents/adverse effects
Stroke/diagnostic imaging
Stroke/therapy
Thrombectomy/adverse effects
Thrombectomy/methods*
Treatment Outcome