Abstract
Abstract only
Background:
Successful recanalization after a single pass and shorter procedural duration during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) have been associated with both rapid neurologic improvement and long-term clinical outcome, although conflicting data exists regarding their direct effect on infarct growth. We aimed to determine whether less device passes or shorter procedural times are associated with decreased infarct growth.
Methods:
We reviewed consecutive patients presenting to a comprehensive stroke center from January 2016 to December 2018 with (ELVO). Standard protocol included pre-procedural MRI imaging and only those with post-procedural MRI were included in this study. Number of passes attempted and procedural times were recorded. Infarct volume on MRI was measured using region of interest analysis blinded to procedural outcomes. MRI infarct growth was analyzed using linear regression as a function of procedural times and number of passes.
Results:
Of 173 patients undergoing MT after MRI, 118 patients had MRI imaging post-procedure. Successful recanalization (TICI >2b) was achieved in 106/118 patients. For each additional minute of procedural duration, MRI infarct growth increased by 0.23 mL (p=.04). Average MRI infarct growth was different amongst the passes (p=0.001): 14.65 mL in cases with only one pass (n=67), 25.67 mL with two passes (n=26), 28.68 mL with three passes (n=17), and 98.42 mL with four or greater passes (n=8).
Conclusion:
Longer procedural duration and increased number of passes are associated with increased MRI infarct growth.