Impact of carotid artery tortuosity on mechanical thrombectomy outcomes: A systematic review

BackgroundCarotid artery tortuosity (CAT) may complicate mechanical thrombectomy (MT), potentially causing delays or preventing recanalization. However, the relationship between CAT and MT outcomes remains largely unexplored. This systematic review aims to evaluate the existing evidence regarding the impact of CAT on MT outcomes.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Studies providing data for MT outcomes based on CAT status were included. Outcomes of interest included successful recanalization, first-pass efficacy (FPE), procedure time, functional independence, and procedure-related complications.ResultsOur search identified nine studies with 2737 patients. Three studies employed DSA to assess tortuosity, whereas the remaining six studies preferred CTA. In seven studies, CAT was associated with prolonged procedure times. In five studies, successful recanalization rates were significantly lower in CAT patients as compared to patients with non-tortuous arteries. Two studies showed that CAT could alter FPE or successful recanalization rates of first-line MT techniques. No study found statistically significant relationships between CAT and functional independence. Three studies examined the association between CAT and safety outcomes, and only one study found increased intracranial hemorrhage rates in patients with CAT. All nine studies employed different CAT criteria.ConclusionsDespite the vast MT literature, the number of studies reporting CAT status remains low. CAT may affect procedure time and technical outcomes of MT. Therefore, employing a uniform CAT definition and reporting CAT more frequently can provide insights into management of patients with acute large vessel occlusions.