Current Opinion on Endovascular Therapy for Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion Due to Underlying Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis

For recanalization of emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVOs), endovascular therapy (EVT) using newer devices, such as a stent retriever and large-bore catheter, has shown better patient outcomes compared with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator only. Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is a major cause of acute ischemic stroke, the incidence of which is rising worldwide. Thus, it is not rare to encounter underlying ICAS during EVT procedures, particularly in Asian countries. ELVO due to underlying ICAS is often related to EVT procedure failure or complications, which can lead to poor functional recovery. However, information regarding EVT for this type of stroke is lacking because large clinical trials have been largely based on Western populations. In this review, we discuss the unique pathologic basis of ELVO with underlying ICAS, which may complicate EVT procedures. Moreover, we review EVT data for patients with ELVO due to underlying ICAS and suggest an optimal endovascular recanalization strategy based on the existing literature. Finally, we present future perspectives on this subject.

Effect of Bivalirudin on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Acute ST-elevation Myocardial Infraction / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To observe the efifcacy and safety of bivalirudin on primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: A total of 159 patients with acute STEMI treated by emergent PCI in our hospital from 2011-09 to 2014-01 were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to procedural bivalirudin application as Bivalirudin group and Heparin group, and the application of GPI (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor) was decided by the operator. The baseline condition, coronary artery imaging condition, peri-operative and 30-day post-operative bleeding, the occurrence rate of MACE were compared between 2 groups. Results: There were 153 patients completed the follow-up study including 72 in Bivalirudin group and 81 in Heparin group. The peri-operative bleeding rates in Bivalirudin group and Heparin group were 6.5% vs 11.0%, the in-stent thrombosis rates were 0% vs 1.2%, 30-day post-operative bleeding rates were 9.7% vs 13.5% and the occurrence of MACE were 1.4% vs 7.4% allP>0.05. Conclusion: THE application of bivalirudin in emergent PCI is safe and effective in patients with acute STEMI, it has certain trend to reduce bleeding in relevant patients.