Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has revolutionized the management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large-vessel occlusion, significantly improving outcomes worldwide. This single-center case series evaluated the early outcomes of EVT in AIS patients treated at this institution, focusing on its implications within a low- or middleincome country setting. The study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of EVT, analyzing premorbid comorbidities, time to treatment, revascularization rates, procedural complications, and clinical outcomes. Five consecutive cases of AIS due to large-vessel occlusion treated with EVT were analyzed. The patients in this series were aged 21 to 75 years, all with a baseline modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0. The average NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission was 17. Four patients received Alteplase before EVT within four hours of symptom onset. Successful recanalization (TICI 2b-3) was achieved in all cases. Post-thrombectomy, two patients developed re-occlusion, with one resulting in mortality. Among the patients, 40% achieved a favorable outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 2 at three months. This initial experience demonstrates promising results in achieving successful recanalization and improving clinical outcomes in AIS patients with large-vessel occlusion. However, the study also highlights challenges such as procedural complications and post-thrombectomy re-occlusion, underscoring the need for ongoing evaluation and optimization of patient selection and procedural protocols in lowresource settings. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to further validate these findings and refine EVT protocols tailored to local healthcare contexts.

Human ; Ischemic Stroke ; Thrombectomy ; Time-to-treatment

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the medium- and long-term efficacy of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) combined with stent implantation for treatment of iliac vein stenosis with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT). METHODS: Clinical and follow-up data of 125 patients with iliac vein stenosis and LEDVT who underwent PMT and stent implantation at five hospitals in northern Zhejiang province from January 2017 to June 2021 were collected. The thrombus clearance rate, thrombus recurrence rate, patency rate of iliac vein stents and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) occurrence rate were documented, and safety indicators such as bleeding, death, pulmonary embolism, stent fracture and displacement were assessed. RESULTS: Among 125 patients, for clearance of limb thrombosis, there were 8 cases of grade I (6.4%), 10 cases of grade II (8.0%), and 107 cases of grade III (85.6%). Patients were followed up for a median period of 74 months. According to the Villalta score, the recurrence rates of limb thrombosis at 12, 24 and 36 months were 8.48%, 8.93% and 10.91%; the iliac vein patency rates were 91.52%, 91.07%, and 89.09%; and the incidences of PTS were 5.08%, 5.36% and 6.36%, respectively. There were no major adverse events such as death, massive pulmonary embolism or severe hepatic and renal insufficiency, and no readmission intervention events due to stent fracture or other incidence were found. CONCLUSIONS PMT combined with iliac vein stent implantation is effective for patients with iliac vein stenosis complicated by LEDVT with good medium- and long-term efficacy and safety, which is worthy of clinical application.
Humans ; Stents ; Iliac Vein/pathology* ; Venous Thrombosis/surgery* ; Thrombectomy/methods* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult ; Constriction, Pathologic/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Follow-Up Studies

Cardiac myxomas are primary cardiac tumors that presents with symptoms of hemodynamic derangement from obstruction of flow within the cardiac chambers or deformation of a cardiac valve and symptoms associated with embolization.

In this case report, we are presented with a 45-year-old female, diabetic with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, fair functional capacity, ambulatory, with chief complaint of dyspnea. Admitted as a case of Left atrial myxoma with Pulmonary embolism (proximal right lower lobe, distal left main pulmonary artery division, and superior segmental division of the left lower lobe).

Left atrial myxoma was the first diagnostic consideration, followed by other primary cardiac tumors, and thrombus. Patient was then prepared for surgery and underwent excision of LA myxoma with CardioCel Bioscaffold patch on the inter-atrial septum, mitral ring annuloplasty with plication of the A2-A3 segment, thrombectomy of right inferior pulmonary vein, utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass. Upon pathological examination, the mass was found to be sarcoma with noted myxoid features. The objective of this report is to describe a case of this rare disease entity, and to discuss its presentation, pathological findings and management.

Human ; Female ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Pulmonary Artery ; Pulmonary Veins ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Atrial Septum ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Hemodynamics ; Thrombectomy

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a cerebrovascular disease characterized by high morbidity, disability, and mortality, posing a significant threat to human health. Endovascular treatment has now been established as a key method for AIS management, in which stent retrievers that can mechanically remove blood clots play a key role in this technique. In recent years, stent retrievers have evolved in complexity and functionality to improve the ability of clot removing and surgical safety. However, the present instruments still have limitations on treatment efficiency, vascular adaptability, and operational precision, posing an urgent need for innovation in the design of stent retrievers. This paper systematically reviewed the structural features and working principles of AIS stent retrievers from the perspective of efficacy evaluation metrics, historical development, recent advancements in stent retrieval technology, and future prospects.
Humans ; Ischemic Stroke/surgery* ; Stents ; Endovascular Procedures/methods* ; Thrombectomy/methods* ; Device Removal/methods*

BACKGROUND

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the gold standard of care for large vessel occlusion strokes, but is underutilized in developing countries.

METHODOLOGY

This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent EVT during the period of September 2018 to April 2023. Data collected were demographics, underlying co-morbidities, use of anti-thrombotics/coagulants, CT or MR ASPECTS, thrombolysis prior to EVT, technique, timing, TICI score, occlusion site, discharge and 90-day MRS.

RESULTS

Of the 1,595 stroke patients, 57 (3%) cases underwent EVT. The mean age was 65 with a male to female ratio of 6:5. Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes were the common comorbidities. Majority of patients (90%, n=54) presented with moderate to severe disability (MRS 3-5). Majority were in the anterior circulation (89%, n=51). Stentriever technique was mostly used (59% n=34) with a 77% (n=44) recanalization rate. Early neurologic improvement (ENI) was seen in 7% (n=4), 2 of which translated to a favorable outcome after 90-days. Mortality occurred in 24% (n=14) of cases, mostly from neurological complications. 24% (n=14) had favorable outcome of MRS 0-2 after 90 days. Among those grouped in the unfavorable outcome, 53% (n=23) were MRS 3, still showing marked improvement of quality of life.

CONCLUSION

EVT outcomes in this study is aligned with the landmark trials which exhibited a number needed to treat of 2.8-7.4. This local data highlights that EVT is a possible and effective treatment for large vessel strokes despite wide gap in accessibility and use in the country.

Human ; Thrombectomy

Protein S deficiency causing arterial ischemic stroke during pregnancy is uncommon. Delay or omission of treatment with perfusion therapies may worsen outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. In this paper, we report a case of an early pregnant woman with protein S deficiency and multiple history of chronic cerebrovascular disease who underwent successful thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. The patient is a 35-year-old woman, eight weeks pregnant, with a history of protein S deficiency and chronic cerebrovascular disease, presenting with rightsided weakness and aphasia. Initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 10 with cranial magnetic resonance imaging findings of acute infarcts on the left caudate, lentiform nucleus, insula, and frontal lobe with a large vessel occlusion on the proximal M1 segment of the left middle cerebral artery. Intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy were performed with complete recanalization. The patient improved and delivered without any complications after 8 months. Protein S deficiency can contribute to arterial thrombosis including ischemic stroke. Arterial ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion can cause significant disability if not treated appropriately. Reperfusion therapies in pregnant women show favorable outcomes and should be performed if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Arteries ; Ischemic Stroke ; Thrombectomy ; Protein S ; Protein S Deficiency ; Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) may be complicated by heavy intracoronary thrombus burden leading to decrease in myocardial perfusion and increase in infarct size. The current meta-analysis aims to investigate the clinical outcomes of aspiration thrombectomy (AT) with intracoronary tirofiban during PPCI.

METHODS

A systematic search for randomized controlled trials that evaluate the safety and efficacy of AT with intracoronary tirofiban in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who underwent PPCI was done using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov., and Herdin PH. Studies included those published between 2010 and 2023 and involved human subjects. Search terms included “aspiration thrombectomy,” “intracoronary tirofiban,” “primary percutaneous coronary intervention,” and “STEMI patients.”

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials (n = 490 participants) were included in this metaanalysis comparing AT with intracoronary tirofiban versus AT alone in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. The results revealed no statistically significant difference in ST-segment resolution (risk ratio [RR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97–1.08; P = 0.41, I2 = 0%), myocardial blush grade 2–3, (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.97–1.12; P = 0.22, I2 = 62%), and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 flow (RR, < 1.0; 95% CI, 0.95–1.04; P = 0.87).

The occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events did not significantly differ between the two groups (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.19–1.09; P = 0.08, I2 = 0%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of bleeding when combining intracoronary tirofiban to standard medical therapy (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.64–2.84; P = 0.78, four trials [490 patients]).

CONCLUSION

In PPCI, major adverse cardiovascular event outcomes of AT with intracoronary tirofiban were similar to those for AT alone in terms of improving myocardial perfusion in STEMI patients without increasing the risk for bleeding. Our meta-analysis suggests that AT alone may be the more acceptable standard during PPCI when encountering heavy thrombus burden. Future validated studies may help further investigate the strategy of adding tirofiban during AT.

Thrombectomy ; Tirofiban ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

COVID-19 infection or vaccination is rarely associated with arterial occlusive disease of the extremities. The surgical department of a hospital in Johor, Malaysia, recorded a significant increase in the number of COVID-19-related acute limb ischaemia when the rates of COVID-19 were high both locally and internationally. The clinical presentation and management of acute limb ischaemia associated with COVID-19 infection or vaccination are largely underreported in Johor. Herein, we report a case series of 12 patients managed with strategies ranging from purely anticoagulation to catheter-directed thrombolysis and surgical embolectomy. This case series describes the clinical presentation, risk profiles, treatment approaches and limb outcomes of the patients. The amputation rate was high in view of unfavourable factors, including delayed presentation, high-risk factors and severe COVID-19. Three cases of potential COVID-19 vaccine-related acute limb ischaemia were included. COVID-19-related acute limb ischaemia can be minimised with heightened alert, preemptive optimisation with proper hydration and consideration for early prophylactic anticoagulation in high-risk cases.
COVID-19 ; Arterial Occlusive Diseases ; Mechanical Thrombolysis

Humans ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/surgery* ; Thrombectomy ; Thrombosis/etiology* ; Stents/adverse effects* ; Treatment Outcome

Objective: To assess the feasibility of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in children. Methods: Clinical data and follow-up information of 4 AIS children who received EVT in the Department of Intervention & Hemangioma at the Children's Hospital of the Capital Institute of Pediatrics from December 2020 to June 2021 were collected retrospectively. The vascular recanalization after EVT was assessed by the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score. Efficacy outcomes were assessed with initial and postprocedural Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS) score, and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Safety assessments included perioperative complications and intracranial hemorrhage post-treatment. Results: A total of 5 EVT treatment were performed on 4 children with AIS, of whom 3 were male. The age of onset was 4.6, 13.8, 7.8, 8.0, 8.9 years, respectively. The time from symptom onset to initiation of EVT was 19.0, 25.0, 22.0, 4.0, 16.5 hours, respectively and all patients achieved successful recanalization of the vessel after EVT (mTICI≥2b). The PedNIHSS score was 39, 14, 25, 39, 24 before treatment and decreased to 8, 1, 12, 39, 5 at discharge. All the procedures were performed with no perioperative complications. Only 1 patient with congenital heart disease had a recurrent AIS with malignant brain oedema and brain hernia. Although the occluded vessels were successfully recanalized,the symptoms were not improved and this patient died after treatment abandonment. The other 3 patients achieved good recovery at 6 months postoperatively. The mRS score of 3 patients was 3, 1, 2 at 3 months after EVT and decreased to 2, 1, 1 at 6 months. Conclusion: EVT treatment may be feasible and safe for pediatric AIS due to large vessel occlusion even when the treatment was initiated 6 hours post stroke, but children with heart disease may have a dismal prognosis.
United States ; Humans ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Ischemic Stroke ; Retrospective Studies ; Thrombectomy ; Brain ; Stroke/therapy*