On-Table Catheter-Based Neurosalvage Performed by Cardiologists for Embolic Complication during an Endovascular...

To report our experience and clinical results of neurosalvage techniques, performed by interventional cardiologists without moving the patient, to manage cerebral thromboembolic complications.

Iatrogenic emboli may be released during an endovascular procedure, causing permanent neurological complications and catastrophic outcomes.

Between July 2013 and December 2017, a total of eight patients suffered from embolic complications during endovascular procedures (two radiofrequency catheter ablation, five coronary angiogram/angioplasty, and one subclavian artery angioplasty). Catheter-based neurosalvage was attempted by experienced interventional cardiologists promptly in the same catheterization room.

The embolized locations were the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery in four patients, the M2/M3 segments in three, and the basilar artery in one. Access to the supra-aortic vessels was achieved. Local intra-arterial thrombolysis was given in five patients (63%) and balloon angioplasty in three (38%). Intra-arterial thrombectomy with a stent retriever was attempted in three patients but failed in one. A combination of different techniques was used in three patients (38%). Final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 3 flow was achieved in seven patients (88%). Favorable clinical outcomes at 1-month follow-up (modified Rankin scale of 0-2) were observed in seven patients (88%), and none of the patients had died at 12 months.

Our experience demonstrated that acute embolic complications during an endovascular procedure can be salvaged by interventional cardiologists with acceptable angiographic and clinical results.