Purpose This study compares computed tomography angiography-based collateral scoring systems in regard to their inter-rater reliability and potential to predict functional outcome after endovascular thrombectomy, and relates them to parenchymal perfusion as measured by computed tomography perfusion. Methods Eighty-four patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy in anterior circulation ischaemic stroke were enrolled. Modified Tan Score, Miteff Score, Maas Score and Opercular Index Score ratio were assessed in pre-interventional computed tomography angiographies independently by two readers. Collateral scores were tested for inter-rater reliability by weighted-kappa, for correlations with three-months modified Rankin Scale, and their potential to differentiate between patients with favourable (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥3). Correlations with relative cerebral blood volume and relative cerebral blood flow were tested in patients with available computed tomography perfusion. Results Very good inter-rater reliability was found for Modified Tan, Miteff and Opercular Index Score ratio, and substantial reliability for Maas. There were no significant correlations between collateral scores and three-months modified Rankin Scale, but significant group differences between patients with favourable and poor outcome for Maas, Miteff and Opercular Index Score ratio. Miteff and Maas were significant predictors of favourable outcome in binary logistic regression analysis. Miteff best differentiated between both outcome groups in receiver-operating characteristics, and Maas reached highest sensitivity for favourable outcome prediction of 96%. All collateral scores significantly correlated with mean relative cerebral blood volume and relative cerebral blood flow. Conclusions Computed tomography angiography scores are valuable in estimating functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy and reliable across readers. The more complex scores, Maas and Miteff, show the best performances in predicting favourable outcome.

Purpose This overview summarizes key points of complication management in vascular and non-vascular interventions, particularly focusing on complication prevention and practiced safety culture. Flowcharts for intervention planning and implementation are outlined, and recording systems and conferences are explained in the context of failure analysis. In addition, troubleshooting by interventionalists on patient cases is presented. Material and Methods The patient cases presented are derived from our institute. Literature was researched on PubMed. Results Checklists, structured intervention planning, standard operating procedures, and opportunities for error and complication discussion are important elements of complication management and essential for a practiced safety culture. Conclusion A systematic troubleshooting and a practiced safety culture contribute significantly to patient safety. Primarily, a rational and thorough error analysis is important for quality improvement. Key Points: Citation Format

Purpose Endovascular treatment (ET) in occlusions of the M1- and proximal M2-segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is an established procedure. In contrast, ET in distal M2-occlusions has not been sufficiently evaluated yet. The purpose of this study was to assess relevant parameters for clinical outcome, efficacy and safety of patients undergoing ET in M1-, proximal M2- and distal M2-occlusions. Methods One-hundred-seventy-four patients undergoing ET in acute ischemic stroke with an occlusion of the M1- or M2-segment of the MCA were enrolled prospectively. Non-parametric analysis of variance in three months mRS, TICI scale and complication rates were performed with Kruskal-Wallis-test between M1-, proximal and distal M2-occlusions. Subsequent pairwise group comparisons were calculated using Mann-Whitney-U-tests. Binary logistic regression (BLR) models were calculated for each occlusion site. Results There were no significant group differences in three-months mRS, mTICI scale or complication rates between M1- and M2-occlusions nor between proximal and distal M2-occlusions. BLR in patients with M1-occlusions showed a substantial explanation of variance (NR2=0.35). NIHSS (p=0.009) and Maas Score as parameter for collateralization (p=0.01) appeared as significant contributing parameters. BLR in M2-occlusions showed a high explanation of variance (NR2=0.50) of mRS but no significant factors. Conclusions Clinical outcome and procedural safety of patients with M2-occlusions undergoing ET are comparable to those of patients with M1-occlusions. Clinical outcome of patients with M1-occlusions undergoing ET is primarily influenced by the initial neurological deficit and the collateralization of the occlusions. By contrast, clinical outcome in patients with M2-occlusions undergoing ET is more multifactorial.

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Background and Purpose:The aim of this multicenter study was to compare the clinical outcome, safety, and efficacy of the full-length radiopaque Aperio Hybrid stent retriever (APH) with the precursor Aperio thrombectomy device (AP).Methods: Multicentric retrospective analysis of patients with stroke, treated with the APH and AP due to an acute ischemic stroke by large vessel occlusions in the anterior or posterior circulation, was performed. We focused on the comparison of favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2) after 3 months, favorable reperfusion rates (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale ≥ 2b), and the complication rate.Results: A total of 51 patients (female: n = 33, 64.7%, mean age 73 ± 16 years) with a median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: 15 were treated with the APH or AP. Favorable outcome in patients treated with APH was excellent (44.0%) and comparable to the AP (36.8%). The rate of final favorable reperfusion for both devices was outstanding (APH 31/31 and AP 20/20). The overall complication rate for the APH was slightly higher compared to the AP (32.3%/15.0%). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was recorded in 0 of 51 cases. The all-cause mortality rate at 90 days was 20.0% for the APH and comparable for the AP (21.1%). Conclusions:Comparable clinical outcome, efficacy, and safety of the AP and the recently introduced APH were demonstrated. Both devices appeared feasible, efficient, and safe with regard to endovascular treatment in large vessel occlusion.