Learning Curve Effect of Combined Technique Thrombectomy as First-Line Attempt for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: We retrospectively examined the initial experience and learning curve after the introduction of thrombectomy with the combined technique using an aspiration catheter and a stent retriever as first-line attempt for acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke at our institution between January 2020 and December 2022 were divided into 3 groups according to the year of thrombectomy. Patient characteristics and procedural, safety, and clinical outcomes were compared between the three year periods to determine predictors of favorable clinical outcome. RESULTS: In 2020, 2021, and 2022, the numbers of patients were 74, 70, and 90, respectively, with similar patient characteristics across the three years; successful recanalization rates were 79.7%, 97.1%, and 93.3%, respectively (P < 0.01 for the first 2 years); median procedure times were 67, 43, and 32 minutes, respectively (P < 0.01 for the first 2 years and P = 0.018 for the last 2 years); first pass effect rates were 20.3%, 41.4%, and 44.4%, respectively (P < 0.01 for the first 2 years); symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates were 14.9%, 2.9%, and 1.1%, respectively (P = 0.018 for the first 2 years); and percentages of modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 at 90 days were 24.3%, 42.9%, and 41.1%, respectively (P = 0.022 for the first 2 years). Procedure time (P = 0.038) and successful recanalization (P = 0.041) were independent predictors of favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The learning curve effect of the combined technique may be associated with better clinical outcome due to increased successful recanalization rates, shortened procedure time, and reduced symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Aortogenic calcified cerebral embolism diagnosed with an embolus retrieved by thrombectomy: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Calcified cerebral embolism has been reported as a cause of acute cerebral infarction, but an aortogenic origin has rarely been identified as the embolic source. The authors describe a case of aortogenic calcified cerebral embolism in a patient with other embolic sources. OBSERVATIONS: In a patient with cerebral infarction and atrial fibrillation, a white hard embolus was retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy. Pathological analysis of the embolus revealed that it was mostly calcified, with some foam cells and giant cells. The macroscopic and pathological findings allowed the authors to finally diagnose an aortogenic calcified cerebral embolism. LESSONS: Even in patients with cardiogenic embolic sources, it is possible to identify a complex aortic atheroma with calcification as the embolic source, based on the macroscopic and pathological findings of the embolus retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy.

Parent artery occlusion for cerebral infarction after spontaneous recanalization in traumatic vertebral artery: A case report.

Background: There is no established treatment strategy for traumatic vertebral artery occlusion that does not require cervical spine repair surgery. Case Description: A 49-year-old man was brought to our hospital with traffic trauma. Fractures were observed in the left lateral mass and transverse process of Atlas and the left vertebral artery was occluded at the level of the foramen transversum of Atlas. No acute cerebral infarction was observed. Because the cervical spinal cord was not compressed by the fracture, no repair surgery was performed. Continuous intravenous heparin and oral aspirin were started for traumatic vertebral artery occlusion. Thereafter, the left vertebral artery spontaneously recanalized, but no cerebral infarction was observed. The patient was discharged home on day 16 of injury. Four days later, however, he was brought to our hospital with nausea and lightheadedness. Acute cerebral infarction was observed in the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory and a thrombus in the left vertebral artery V4 segment. Parent artery occlusion was performed to prevent further cerebral infarction due to distal embolization of the thrombus. No further cerebral infarction occurred after the operation and the patient was discharged home with a modified Rankin scale score of 1. Conclusion: In cases of traumatic vertebral artery occlusion without an occlusive mechanism, parent artery occlusion may be considered in terms of recanalization risk, regardless of the need for repair surgery.