Mechanical thrombectomy for ischaemic stroke: the first UK case series

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Endovascular treatments (EVT) offer accelerated reperfusion for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion.
• The UK has limited stroke centers offering EVT; University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS) has the highest case volume.
• This study presents outcomes from the first 106 EVT cases at UHNS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of EVT for acute ischemic stroke.
• To analyze reperfusion rates, clinical outcomes, and complications associated with EVT.
• To contribute data from a high-volume UK center to the understanding of EVT in stroke management.

Main Methods:

• A prospective register of 106 patients undergoing EVT (intra-arterial thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, or both) for acute stroke at UHNS was maintained.
• Data collected included demographics, NIHSS, TICI scores, complications, and 90-day mortality and mRS.
• EVT procedures were performed between December 2009 and January 2013.

Main Results:

• 84% of EVT procedures achieved successful revascularization (TICI 2b/3).
• 48% of patients achieved a good outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at 90 days, with a 15% mortality rate.
• Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) occurred in 9% of patients, with a median hospital stay of 14 days.

Conclusions:

• EVT is a viable treatment for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion, yielding good clinical outcomes in nearly 50% of severe cases.
• The results support the expansion of EVT services in specialized stroke centers.
• EVT demonstrated significant revascularization rates and acceptable complication profiles in this UK cohort.