- Evaluation of an Intravenous-Endovascular Strategy in Patients with Acute Proximal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Here, the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy after intravenous therapy failure were assessed in 123 patients with acute MCA occlusions. All patients imaged were within 4.5 hours of onset, had DWI ASPECTS greater than 5, and variable NIHSS scores (8–25). The authors found that mechanical thrombectomy after failure of intravenous thrombolysis improves clinical outcomes at 3 months and could represent an alternative in the management of patients with acute MCA occlusion. Additionally, no symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages were detected in patients treated this way, suggesting this protocol is safe.
- Microcatheter to Recanalization (Procedure Time) Predicts Outcomes in Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: When Do We Stop?
This study addresses the relationship among procedure time, recanalization, and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment. Demographics, NIHSS scores before and 1 day after the procedure, and modified Rankin Scale scores were assessed in 209 patients. Patients with procedure times ≤30 minutes had lower rates of unfavorable outcome at discharge compared with patients with procedure times ≥30 minutes. Rates of favorable outcomes in endovascularly treated patients after 60 minutes were lower than rates observed with placebo treatment. Unfavorable outcome was positively associated with age, admission NIHSS strata, and longer procedure times.
- Prospective Comparison of Angio-Seal versus Manual Compression for Hemostasis after Neurointerventional Procedures under Systemic Heparinization
This article addresses the utility of Angio-Seal versus manual hemostasis in anticoagulated patients following neurointerventional procedures. In a study of 174 punctures, 104 were closed with Angio-Seal and the rest with manual compression. All patients had activated clotting time values between 250–500 seconds at the time of closure. Mean hemostasis times were significantly longer with manual compression and hematomas 3 times more common. Using Angio-Seal led to arterial occlusion in 1 patient who was successfully revascularized. Thus, Angio-Seal is fast and effective in this setting.
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