ARTS (Aspiration-Retriever Technique for Stroke): Initial clinical experience

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Interventional Neuroradiology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Mechanical thrombectomy has advanced stroke treatment, improving recanalization and outcomes.
• The Aspiration (catheter)-(stent) Retriever Technique for Stroke (ARTS) combines large lumen aspiration catheters and stent retrievers.
• ARTS is particularly useful for bulky or rubbery emboli causing resistance during stent retriever retraction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the ARTS technique in patients with large cerebral artery acute ischemic stroke.
• To analyze procedural and clinical outcomes in patients treated with ARTS.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients with large cerebral artery acute ischemic stroke treated with ARTS.
• Data collected from August 2013 to February 2015 at a high-volume stroke center.
• Inclusion criteria identified 42 patients for analysis.

Main Results:

• ARTS achieved Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) ≥2b revascularization in 97.6% of patients.
• Median NIH Stroke Scale score on admission was 18; 65.7% achieved modified Rankin Scale 0-2 at 3 months.
• Low rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (4.8%) and procedure-unrelated deaths were observed.

Conclusions:

• ARTS is a fast, safe, and effective endovascular recanalization method for large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke.
• The technique demonstrates high revascularization rates and favorable clinical outcomes.
• ARTS represents a valuable advancement in mechanical thrombectomy for stroke treatment.