However, the complexity of this technique justifies the development of collaborative stroke center networks with interhospital transfers of eligible patients. 6 To date, these stroke care networks have been implemented in regional settings, connecting a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) with primary stroke centers and general hospitals. 6 This approach has been designed principally to improve the rates of IVT in IS, but it has also played an important role in patients eligible Background and Purpose-The complexity of endovascular revascularization treatment (ERT) in acute ischemic stroke and the small number of patients eligible for treatment justify the development of stroke center networks with interhospital patient transfers. However, this approach might result in futile transfers (ie, the transfer of patients who ultimately do not undergo ERT). Our aim was to analyze the frequency of these futile transfers and the reasons for discarding ERT and to identify the possible associated factors. Methods-We analyzed an observational prospective ERT registry from a stroke collaboration ERT network consisting of 3 hospitals. There were interhospital transfers from the first attending hospital to the on-call ERT center for the patients for whom this therapy was indicated, either primarily or after intravenous thrombolysis (drip and shift). Results-The ERT protocol was activated for 199 patients, 129 of whom underwent ERT (64.8%). A total of 120 (60.3%) patients required a hospital transfer, 50 of whom (41%) ultimately did not undergo ERT. There were no differences in their baseline characteristics, the times from stroke onset, or in the delays in interhospital transfers between the transferred patients who were treated and those who were not treated. The main reasons for rejecting ERT after the interhospital transfer were clinical improvement/arterial recanalization (48%) and neuroimaging criteria (32%). Conclusions-Forty-one percent of the ERT transfers were futile, but none of the baseline patient characteristics predicted this result. Futility could be reduced if repetition of unnecessary diagnostic tests was avoided.

Mechanical thrombectomy is feasible in anticoagulated patients with acute ischemic stroke. The outcomes and safety profile are similar to those of patients with no prior anticoagulation therapy.

The Pipeline Flex embolization device allows more precise and controlled deployment than the first-generation device. The number of devices and the complication rate during the learning curve are lower than reported with the first-generation PED. The new delivery system and the resheathing maneuvers do not seem to increase the intraprocedural complication rate in comparison with the first-generation PED.