Efficacy and safety of direct aspiration first pass technique versus stent-retriever thrombectomy in acute basilar artery occlusion-a retrospective single center experience

Neuroradiology. 2017 Mar;59(3):297-304. doi: 10.1007/s00234-017-1802-6. Epub 2017 Mar 1.

Abstract

Introduction: The study aimed to compare efficacy and safety of aspiration thrombectomy (AT) to stentriever thrombectomy (SRT) in patients with basilar artery (BA) occlusion (BAO).

Methods: We retrospectively included patients with the following characteristics: acute BAO or occlusion of the intracranial vertebral artery (ICVA) and endovascular therapy (EVT) with stentriever (SRT) or aspiration thrombectomy (AT). Additional extra- but not intracranial EVT and intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) were allowed.

Results: Between January 2013 and April 2016, 33 patients fulfilled the criteria (13 treated with SRT, 20 with AT). Prior to EVT, 23 (70%) patients received IVT. The proximal intracranial occlusion was ICVA in 2 patients, proximal BA in 5 patients, middle BA in 20 patients, and distal BA in 6 patients. Mean time to treatment was 334 min (95% CI 276-391 min). Procedure duration differed significantly (p = 0.002) as follows: 97 min with SRT (95% CI 69-124 min) and 55 min with AT (95% CI 43-66 min). Recanalization (arterial occlusive lesion (AOL) 2/3) was achieved in 26 patients (79%). Complete recanalization (AOL 3) happened more often with AT (75% (95% CI 65-85%)) compared to SRT (46% (95% CI 32-60%)). Conversion rate 6% (two patients). Hemorrhages occurred in 12 (36%) patients, periprocedural complications in eight (three dissections, five embolizations to new territory) (no group difference). Ten patients (30%) had a favorable outcome (mRS ≤3) at discharge; mortality rate was 24% (eight deaths) (no group difference).

Conclusion: In primarily embolic BAO, aspiration thrombectomy was faster, effective and not detrimental to outcome as compared to stentriever thrombectomy. Thus, it may be justified to use aspiration thrombectomy as first-line treatment in these patients.

Keywords: Aspiration thrombectomy; Basilar artery occlusion; Endovascular treatment; Stent retriever; Stroke.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / therapy*
  • Basilar Artery*
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Computed Tomography Angiography
  • Device Removal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stents*
  • Stroke / therapy*
  • Suction / methods*
  • Thrombectomy / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome