Showing papers by "Ansaar T Rai published in 2020"

Effect of definition and methods on estimates of prevalence of large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: Introduction Accurate estimation of the incidence of large vessel occlusion (LVO) is critical for planning stroke systems of care and approximating workforce requirements. This systematic review aimed to estimate the prevalence of LVO among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), with emphasis on definitions and methods used by different studies. Methods A systematic literature review was performed to search for articles on the prevalence of LVO and AIS. All articles describing the frequency of LVO frequency among AIS patients were included. Studies without consecutive recruitment or confirmation of LVO with CT angiography or MR angiography were excluded. Heterogeneity of the studies was assessed; meta-regression was performed to estimate the effect of LVO definition and study methods on LVO prevalence. Results 18 articles met the inclusion criteria: 5 studies presented population based estimates; 13 provided single hospital experiences (5 prospective, 8 retrospective). The AIS denominator (number of all AIS) from which LVO rates were generated was variable. Nine different definitions were used, based on occlusion site. Significant heterogeneity existed among the studies (I2=99%, P Conclusion The heterogeneity of LVO estimates was remarkably high. The method of AIS denominator determination was the most significant predictor of LVO estimates. Studies with a standardized LVO definition and methods of AIS estimation are necessary to estimate the true prevalence of LVO among patients with AIS.

International experience of mechanical thrombectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from STAR and ENRG

Abstract: Background In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many centers altered stroke triage protocols for the protection of their providers. However, the effect of workflow changes on stroke patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has not been systematically studied. Methods A prospective international study was launched at the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic. All included centers participated in the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) and Endovascular Neurosurgery Research Group (ENRG). Data was collected during the peak months of the COVID-19 surge at each site. Collected data included patient and disease characteristics. A generalized linear model with logit link function was used to estimate the effect of general anesthesia (GA) on in-hospital mortality and discharge outcome controlling for confounders. Results 458 patients and 28 centers were included from North America, South America, and Europe. Five centers were in high-COVID burden counties (HCC) in which 9/104 (8.7%) of patients were positive for COVID-19 compared with 4/354 (1.1%) in low-COVID burden counties (LCC) (P Conclusion We observed a low rate of COVID-19 infection among stroke patients undergoing MT in LCC. Overall, more than half of the patients underwent intubation prior to MT, leading to prolonged door to reperfusion time, higher in-hospital mortality, and lower likelihood of functional independence at discharge.

Minimizing SARS-CoV-2 exposure when performing surgical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract: Background Infection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the large number of patients affected, healthcare personnel and facility resources are stretched to the limit; however, the need for urgent and emergent neurosurgical care continues. This article describes best practices when performing neurosurgical procedures on patients with COVID-19 based on multi-institutional experiences. Methods We assembled neurosurgical practitioners from 13 different health systems from across the USA, including those in hot spots, to describe their practices in managing neurosurgical emergencies within the COVID-19 environment. Results Patients presenting with neurosurgical emergencies should be considered as persons under investigation (PUI) and thus maximal personal protective equipment (PPE) should be donned during interaction and transfer. Intubations and extubations should be done with only anesthesia staff donning maximal PPE in a negative pressure environment. Operating room (OR) staff should enter the room once the air has been cleared of particulate matter. Certain OR suites should be designated as covid ORs, thus allowing for all neurosurgical cases on covid/PUI patients to be performed in these rooms, which will require a terminal clean post procedure. Each COVID OR suite should be attached to an anteroom which is a negative pressure room with a HEPA filter, thus allowing for donning and doffing of PPE without risking contamination of clean areas. Conclusion Based on a multi-institutional collaborative effort, we describe best practices when providing neurosurgical treatment for patients with COVID-19 in order to optimize clinical care and minimize the exposure of patients and staff.

Thrombectomy Technique Predicts Outcome in Posterior Circulation Stroke—Insights from the STAR Collaboration

Abstract: BACKGROUND Randomized controlled trials evaluating mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke predominantly studied anterior circulation patients. Both procedural and clinical predictors of outcome in posterior circulation patients have not been evaluated in large cohort studies. OBJECTIVE To investigate technical and clinical predictors of functional independence after posterior circulation MT while comparing different frontline thrombectomy techniques. METHODS In a retrospective multicenter international study of 3045 patients undergoing MT for stroke between 06/2014 and 12/2018, 345 patients had posterior circulation strokes. MT was performed using aspiration, stent retriever, or combined approach. Functional outcomes were assessed using the 90-d modified Rankin score dichotomized into good (0-2) and poor outcomes (3-6). RESULTS We included 2700 patients with anterior circulation and 345 patients with posterior circulation strokes. Posterior patients (age: 60 ± 14, 46% females) presented with mainly basilar occlusion (80%) and were treated using contact aspiration or ADAPT (39%), stent retriever (31%) or combined approach (19%). Compared to anterior strokes, posterior strokes had delayed treatment (500 vs 340 min, P < .001), higher national institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS) (17.1 vs 15.7, P < .01) and lower rates of good outcomes (31% vs 43%, P < .01). In posterior MT, diabetes (OR = 0.28, 95%CI: 0.12-0.65), admission NIHSS (OR = 0.9, 95%CI: 0.86-0.94), and use of stent retriever (OR = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.11-0.62) or combined approach (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.12-1.01) vs ADAPT were associated with lower odds of good outcome. Stent retriever use was associated with lower odds of good outcomes compared to ADAPT even when including patients with only basilar occlusion or with successful recanalization only. CONCLUSION Despite similar safety profiles, use of ADAPT is associated with higher rates of functional independence after posterior circulation thrombectomy compared to stent retriever or combined approach in large "real-world" retrospective study.

Large Vessel Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Dual-Center Estimate Based on a Broad Definition of Occlusion Site.

Abstract: Background: Accurate assessment of the frequency of large vessel occlusion (LVO) is important to determine needs for neurointerventionists and thrombectomy-capable stroke facilities. Current estimates vary from 13% to 52%, depending on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) definition and methods for AIS and LVO determination. We sought to estimate LVO prevalence among confirmed and suspected AIS patients at 2 comprehensive US stroke centers using a broad occlusion site definition: internal carotid artery (ICA), first and second segments of the middle cerebral artery (MCA M1,M2), the anterior cerebral artery, vertebral artery, basilar artery, or the proximal posterior cerebral artery. Methods: We analyzed prospectively maintained stroke databases of patients presenting to the centers between January and December 2017. ICD-10 coding was used to determine the number of patients discharged with an AIS diagnosis. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was reviewed to determine LVO presence and site. Percentages of patients with LVO among the confirmed AIS population were reported. Results: Among 2245 patients with an AIS discharge diagnosis, 418 (18.6%:95% confidence interval [CI] 17.3%-20.0%) had LVO documented on CTA or MRA. Most common occlusion site was M1 (n=139 [33.3%]), followed by M2 (n=114 [27.3%]), ICA (n=69[16.5%]), and tandem ICA-MCA lesions (n=44 [10.5%]). Presentation National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were significantly different for different occlusion sites (P=.02). Conclusions: The LVO prevalence in our large series of consecutive AIS patients was 18.6% (95% CI 17.3%-20.0%). Despite the use of a broad definition, this estimate is less than that reported in most previous studies.

An international multicenter retrospective study to survey the landscape of thrombectomy in the treatment of anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke: outcomes with respect to age.

Abstract: Background Thrombectomy is an efficacious treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, relatively few studies to date have specifically examined the impact and clinical implications of age on outcomes for thrombectomy in anterior AIS. Objective To provide a snapshot of patient metrics and outcomes with respect to age following thrombectomy for anterior AIS to supplement the current body of data for predictors of clinical outcomes in a real-world setting. Methods Data were collected for 20 consecutive patients with AIS treated with thrombectomy at 15 high-volume stroke centers across North America between 2015 and 2016. Patients with anterior occlusions were dichotomized based on whether they were older or younger than 80 years. Ordinal logistic regression analyzed how clinical variables impacted disability using 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Results Adequate revascularization (TICI ≥2B) was achieved in 92.3% of patients aged Conclusion This analysis affirms age is a significant determinant of 90-day mRS scores following thrombectomy for large vessel anterior AIS. Further investigation into risks faced by elderly patients during thrombectomy may provide actionable information to help refine patient selection and improve outcomes.

Early postmarket results with PulseRider for treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: a multicenter experience

Abstract: Objective Traditionally, stent-assisted coiling and balloon remodeling have been the primary endovascular treatments for wide-necked intracranial aneurysms with complex morphologies. PulseRider is an aneurysm neck reconstruction device that provides parent vessel protection for aneurysm coiling. The objective of this study was to report early postmarket results with the PulseRider device. Methods This study was a prospective registry of patients treated with PulseRider at 13 American neurointerventional centers following FDA approval of this device. Data collected included clinical presentation, aneurysm characteristics, treatment details, and perioperative events. Follow-up data included degree of aneurysm occlusion and delayed (> 30 days after the procedure) complications. Results A total of 54 aneurysms were treated, with the same number of PulseRider devices, across 13 centers. Fourteen cases were in off-label locations (7 anterior communicating artery, 6 middle cerebral artery, and 1 A1 segment anterior cerebral artery aneurysms). The average dome/neck ratio was 1.2. Technical success was achieved in 52 cases (96.2%). Major complications included the following: 3 procedure-related posterior cerebral artery strokes, a device-related intraoperative aneurysm rupture, and a delayed device thrombosis. Immediately postoperative Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC) class 1 was achieved in 21 cases (40.3%), class 2 in 15 (28.8%), and class 3 in 16 cases (30.7%). Additional devices were used in 3 aneurysms. For those patients with 3- or 6-month angiographic follow-up (28 patients), 18 aneurysms (64.2%) were RROC class 1 and 8 (28.5%) were RROC class 2. Conclusions PulseRider is being used in both on- and off-label cases following FDA approval. The clinical and radiographic outcomes are comparable in real-world experience to the outcomes observed in earlier studies. Further experience is needed with the device to determine its role in the neurointerventionalist's armamentarium, especially with regard to its off-label use.

Neuroendovascular clinical trials disruptions due to COVID-19. Potential future challenges and opportunities.

Abstract: To assess the impact of COVID-19 on neurovascular research and deal with the challenges imposed by the pandemic Methods A survey-based study focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and single-arm studies for acute ischemic stroke and cerebral aneurysms was developed by a group of senior neurointerventionalists and sent to sites identified through the clinical trials website (https://clinicaltrialsgov/), study sponsors, and physician investigators Results The survey was sent to 101 institutions, with 65 responding (64%) Stroke RCTs were being conducted at 40 (62%) sites, aneurysm RCTs at 22 (34%) sites, stroke single-arm studies at 37 (57%) sites, and aneurysm single-arm studies at 43 (66%) sites Following COVID-19, enrollment was suspended at 51 (78%) sites—completely at 21 (32%) and partially at 30 (46%) sites Missed trial-related clinics and imaging follow-ups and protocol deviations were reported by 27 (42%), 24 (37%), and 27 (42%) sites, respectively Negative reimbursements were reported at 17 (26%) sites The majority of sites, 49 (75%), had put new trials on hold Of the coordinators, 41 (63%) worked from home and 20 (31%) reported a personal financial impact Remote consent was possible for some studies at 34 (52%) sites and for all studies at 5 (8%) sites At sites with suspended trials (n=51), endovascular treatment without enrollment occurred at 31 (61%) sites for stroke and 23 (45%) sites for aneurysms A total of 277 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 184 with cerebral aneurysms were treated without consideration for trial enrollment Conclusion Widespread disruption of neuroendovascular trials occurred because of COVID-19 As sites resume clinical research, steps to mitigate similar challenges in the future should be considered

A rationale and framework for seeking remote electronic or phone consent approval in endovascular stroke trials - special relevance in the COVID-19 environment and beyond.

Abstract: Background Enrollment in time-sensitive endovascular stroke trials can be challenging because of an inability to consent a debilitated patient. Often the legally authorized representative is not on site. Remote consent procedures in the US are inconsistent with the majority of sites shunning these approaches. The current pandemic with visitor restrictions highlights the need for enhancing these options. Methods Remote electronic and phone consent procedures specifically for endovascular stroke trials from two comprehensive stroke centers (CSC) are presented. An overview of the genesis of informed consent procedures in the US is also included. Results The two CSCs identified as Institution-1 and Institution-2 are large tertiary systems. Institution-1 is a non-profit university-affiliated academic medical center in rural geography. Institution-2 is an HCA hospital in an urban environment. Both serve patients through a spoke-and-hub network, have participated in multiple randomized endovascular stroke trials, and have successfully used these remote options for enrollment. A tiered approach is employed at both institutions with an emphasis on obtaining informed consent in person and resorting to alternatives methods when efforts to that are unsuccessful. A rationale for electronic and phone consent is included, followed by step-by-step illustration of the process at each institution. Conclusion Two examples of remote electronic or phone consent procedures from institutions in different geographic environments and organization structures demonstrate that these options can be successfully used for enrollment in stroke trials. The current pandemic highlights the need to enhance these approaches while maintaining appropriate adherence to ethical and legal frameworks.

Influence of thrombectomy volume on non-physician staff burnout and attrition in neurointerventional teams

Abstract: Background Burnout takes a heavy toll on healthcare providers. We sought to assess the prevalence and risk factors for burnout among neurointerventional (NI) non-physician procedural staff (nurses and technologists) given increasing thrombectomy demands. Methods A 41-question online survey containing questions including the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel was distributed to NI nurses and radiology technologists at 20 US endovascular capable stroke centers. Results 244 responses were received (64% response rate). Median (IQR) composite scores for emotional exhaustion were 25 (15–35), depersonalization 6 (2–11), and personal accomplishment 39 (35–43). Fifty-one percent of respondents met established criteria for burnout. There was no significant relationship between hospital thrombectomy volume, call frequency, call cases covered, or length of commute. On multiple logistic regression analysis, feeling under-appreciated by hospital leadership (OR 4.1; P Conclusions This survey of US NI non-physician procedural staff demonstrates a self-reported burnout prevalence of 51%. This was driven more by interaction with leadership and physician staff than by thrombectomy procedural volume and stroke call. Attrition among NI non-physician procedural staff is high.

Outcomes associated with endovascular treatment among patients with acute ischemic stroke in the USA

Abstract: Background Few studies have examined the trends in clinical and economic outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who receive endovascular therapy (ET) in the real-world setting. Objective To evaluate characteristics and trends in clinical and economic outcomes among commercially insured patients with AIS undergoing ET between 2011 and 2017. Methods Patients with AIS undergoing ET from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2017 were identified from administrative claims contained in the IBM MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases. The Mann–Kendall trend test was performed to examine clinical and economic trends. Between 2011 and 2017, 3411 patients (mean age 62.85±15 years) with a primary diagnosis of AIS underwent ET (coverage: Commercial 59%, n=2008; Medicare Supplemental 41%, n=1403). In the Commercial cohort, discharge to home increased significantly (from 29.54% to 39.18%, p Conclusions Although with some variation across the samples studied, outcomes including discharge to home, length of stay, readmission, and total cost associated with endovascular stroke therapy seemed to have improved between 2011 and 2017. Index admission cost remained unchanged.

Abstract 148: Mechanical Thrombectomy for Distal Occlusions: Efficacy, Functional and Safety Outcomes. Insights From the STAR Collaboration

Abstract: Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions. There is strong evidence supporting the benefit of MT in proximal anterior...

Letter: Considerations for Performing Emergent Neurointerventional Procedures in a COVID-19 Environment.

Abstract: To the Editor: COVID-19 syndrome, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, most commonly presents with upper respiratory infectious symptoms and may lead to hypoxemic failure, the most common cause of ventilation support.1-5 There may be a hypercoagulable state during SARS-CoV-2 infections that could lead to an increased vascular thrombotic phenomenon and a potential need for neurointerventional procedures.6-8 We aim to outline practices to be considered when managing COVID-19 patients requiring neurointerventional care.

Abstract 169: A Comprehensive Multicenter Evaluation of the Impact of Age on Stroke Thrombectomy Outcomes - Insights From the STAR Collaboration

Abstract: Introduction: Elderly patients, octogenarians and nonagenarians, were excluded or under-represented in the majority of stroke endovascular thrombectomy (ET) trials. There is conflicting data on the...

Abstract WP17: Stent Retriever versus Aspiration Thrombectomy for Distal Occlusions in Acute Stroke - Insights From the STAR Collaboration

Abstract: Introduction: Aspiration thrombectomy using the ADAPT technique has been shown to have similar efficacy to stent retriever thrombectomy (SRT) in randomized trials of proximal large vessel occlusion...

E-057 Clot perviousness but not density is associated with first-pass recanalization of aspiration thrombectomy in the compass trial

Abstract: Background Imaging clot characteristics such as clot density and perviousness (the latter is defined as a difference in regional clot density values between computed tomography angiography (CTA) and non-contrast CT [NCCT]), can be used as an imaging marker characterizing red blood cell and fibrin composition of the clot serving. We aimed to examine whether clot density and perviousness were associated with angiographic outcomes of aspiration and stent retriever thrombectomy in the COMPASS Trial: a Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique trial. Methods Clot density (Hounsfield units, HU) and perviousness were measured by two operators who were blind to all the final angiographic and clinical outcomes except for the knowledge of stroke laterality. NCCT and CTA images were co-registered to accurately localize clot on both imaging modalities. The values were then matched with angiographic and clinical outcome data of the first pass for each randomization arm. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out to assess the association of clot density and perviousness using SPSS version 25. Results Of the original 270 patients included in the COMPASS trial, 165 were eligible for the post-hoc analysis (81 patients in the aspiration first and 84 in the stent retriever first groups). There was no difference between the groups in regards to gender distribution, age, laterality and side of large vessel occlusion, smoking status of patients, and comorbidities. There was also no difference between the aspiration and stent retriever first randomization groups in regards to baseline clot Hounsfield units (HU) on NCCT (49.9 ±8.2 vs. 47.8 ±8.7, P=0.11), and perviousness (26.84 ±21.8 vs. 22.8 ±19.9, P=0.20). For the aspiration first group, there was a difference in mean perviousness values among patients who achieved TICI 2c-3 vs. TICI 2b vs. TICI 0–2a (33.1 ±26, 35.9 ±25.1, and 19.0 ±14.2, respectively; P=0.016). There was no difference between clot HU density on NCCT among these 3 groups (48.8 ±8.5, 50.1 ±7.2, and 51.0 ±8.4, P=0.56). In the stent retriever first group, there was no difference in perviousness or HU density of clot in patients with TICI 2c/3, TICI 2b or TICI 0–2a after first pass (perviousness 21.6 ±17.0, 22.4 ±18.04 and 22.6 ±22.9, P=0.97; HU on NCCT 48.7 ±9.1, 49.7 ±6.5 and 46.7 ±9.0, P=0.47).In multivariate analysis using a model that included use of intravenous tPA, balloon guide catheter use, onset to groin puncture and age, perviousness of more than 10 was the only independent factor predictive of successful recanalization (defined as TICI 2b-3) after first pass in the aspiration first group with odds ratio of 3.4 (95% CI 1.0 -12.0). We did not find any significant predictors of successful reperfusion (TICI 2b-3) after first pass in the stent retriever first group. Conclusions Clot perviousness values are associated with first pass angiographic success in patients treated with the aspiration first approach for thrombectomy. Additional research is needed to determine if clot perviousness may be used to identify patients who are more likely to have successful recanalization with aspiration when deciding between aspiration versus stent retriever first approaches. Disclosures M. Mokin: 1; C; NIH R21NS109575. 2; C; Medtronic, Canon medical, Cerenovus. 4; C; Serenity medical, Synchron, VICIS, Endostream. M. Waqas: None. J. Fifi: 1; C; Stryker, Penumbra, Microvention. 4; C; Cerebrotech, The Stroke Project. R. De Leacy: 1; C; Penumbra. 6; C; Cerenovus, Siemens. D. Fiorella: 1; C; Penumbra, Cerenovus, Stryker. 6; C; Genentech, Shape Memory Medical. E. Gu: None. E. Levy: 6; C; Penumbra, NextGen Biologics, Rapid Medical, Cognition Medical, Three Rivers Medical, Stryker, MedX, Endostream Medical. K. Snyder: 6; C; Penumbra, Canon Medical Systems, Medtronic, Jacobs Institute; and other from Neurovascular Diagnostics. R. Hanel: 6; C; Penumbra, Endostream, Cerebrotech, Synchron, InNeuroCo, Medtronic, Microvention, Stryker, Cerenovus; Elum, Three Rivers. A. Aghaebrahim: None. K. Woodward: 6; C; Penumbra. H. Hixson: 6; C; Penumbra. M. Chaudry: 6; C; Penumbra, Pulsar Vascular, Medtronic, Microvention, Codman, Blockade. A. Spiotta: 6; C; Penumbra, Pulsar Vascular, Stryker, Microvention. A. Rai: 6; C; Penumbra, Microvention, Stryker. D. Frei: 6; C; Penumbra, Cerenovus, Stryker, Genentech, Shape Memory Medical, Siemens. J. Delgado Almandoz: 6; C; Penumbra, Medtronic. M. Kelly: 6; C; Penumbra, Medtronic, Endostream. A. Arthur: 6; C; Penumbra. B. Baxter: 6; C; Penumbra, Medtronic, Stryker, Viz, and 880 Medical. J. English: 6; C; Penumbra, Medtronic, Stryker, Route 92 Medical. I. Linfante: 6; C; Penumbra, Medtronic, Stryker, Microvention, InNeuroCo, andThree Rivers. K. Fargen: 6; C; Penumbra and Cerebrotech. A. Turk III: 6; C; Penumbra, Pulsar Vascular, Codman, Microvention, Medtronic, Blockade. A. Siddiqui: 6; C; Amnis Therapeutics, Serenity Medical, Silk Road Medical, Rebound Therapeutics, Penumbra Medtronic, Three Rivers Medical, Microvention, Imperative Care, Cerenovus, Endostream Medical, StimMed, Claret M. J. Mocco: 6; C; Penumbra, Cerebrotech, Rebound Therapeutics, TSP, Lazarus Effect, Medina, Pulsar Vascular, Blockade.

Abstract WP32: Introducing STAR: A Multicenter International Collaborative Registry of Real-World Outcomes After Mechanical Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke

Abstract: Introduction: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute stroke is the current standard of care treatment. Level 1 evidence for efficacy of thrombectomy has been established in multiple randomized cont...